Chapter 27: Locked His Basement Door Behind Him

Chapter 27

Locked His Basement Door Behind Him

            Eagle, Idaho. Ben Thomas walked out of his basement and into the kitchen of his suburban Idaho home. Ben always counted himself amongst the lucky few that had the pleasure of a beautiful wife, beautiful kids, and a picturesque home. He walked up and grabbed his jacket that was sitting on the kitchen counter.

            “Hunny, I’m running to the store.” Ben called out to his wife.

            “Ok hun. Your wallet is on the kitchen table.”

            “Thank you.” Ben grabbed his wallet and opened the kitchen door to the outside.

            “Hurry back.”

            “I won’t be long.” Ben answered and walked outside. His neighborhood was just like any other suburb. He walked past the houses of his neighbors like he always had only now some of the driveways were empty. Some of the neighbors had left the state before the California invasion; they had packed up their lives and headed east. Ben and his wife were lifelong Idaho residents and had no relatives out east, so they were one of the few who remained.

            The streets of Eagle were lined with paper. Everywhere Ben could see was covered in the paper pamphlets. He could see in big bold letters “LIBERATION!” on the front of the pamphlets. These were California propaganda pamphlets made to try to win over the hearts and mind of the people of Idaho. Idaho was still under military rule and martial law after the California General Assembly voted against Idaho representation in the ROC central government. The bold print was overlaying a silhouette of Idaho’s borders with a California Grizzly overlapped.

            “Liberation my ass. ‘Unneeded occupiers’ is more like it.” Ben said to himself.

            “Annoying aren’t they?” a man asked.

            Ben looked up and saw his neighbor from across the street. “Hey Bob. Hell yeah these things are annoying. You think we can get them on that $100 fine for littering?” The two men shared a laugh. “Guess not. How are you Bob?”

            “Good. And yourself Ben?” Bob said as he shook Ben’s hand.

            “As fine as someone can be in Idaho these days.” Ben let go of Bob’s hand. He pocketed a piece of paper that Bob had slipped to him during the handshake.

            “I hear ya. What are you up to Ben?

            “I was on my way to the store. Wanna join me?

            “Sure. Nothing better to do.”

            The two men walked down the street together. Once outside their neighborhood, the scenery around them changed. The landscape went from picturesque suburbia to the warzone that befell Idaho. Buildings destroyed by bombing runs. Houses burnt to ashes. Eagle may not be Boise, but you couldn’t tell the townspeople that. Wrecked cars lined the streets as Ben and Bob walked. At that time a dark green armored army cargo truck rolled past.

            “Damn jackasses plow through here like it’s nothing. They just come here and play army. Do what they wish and don’t take the responsibility of cleaning up the mess.” Ben said to Bob.

            “I hear ya Ben. But this is kind of what we should’ve expected when the US abandoned the state. They just gave us up. Now California is here and we have to live with it. For now.” His friend replied.

            The two men arrived at their local grocery store. Ben had been shopping here for the past twenty years. But he wouldn’t be shopping today. Instead he stepped into a line which began outside the store.

            “We have to live with these damn ration lines too.” After the occupation started, the Californian Army requisitioned half of all cattle farms in Idaho for supplies for the war effort. Because of that, the Military Council of Idaho has had to institute rationing inside of Idaho. At the front of the line stood ROC Military Police. They were wearing dark blue uniforms. One of them had a Seattle PD patch on his uniform, and another had Portland PD on his signaling that these men and been called up to the military straight from city policing. California was reinforcing up their ranks however they could. Manpower was a scare resource for the ROC and they grabbed it where ever they could find it. Ben was also able to see other men in uniforms. These uniforms were the dark green camouflage signifying that they were from one of California’s mountain divisions. These were active duty soldiers patrolling Eagle, ID. The soldiers carried M4 assault rifles with them. While inspecting the soldiers Ben heard a commotion from further up the line. Ben stuck his head out to the side to look at what was going on.

            “Come on. Let us have our food. This lines are ridiculous.” A Man yelled at one of the ROC soldiers. The crowd cheered the man on. “We all know that this meat is coming from our farms. So give us our damn food.”

            “Yeah!...You tell ‘em…give ‘em some.” Other voices from the crowd yelled back.

            “Sir, can you please get back in line and calm down.” One of the soldiers told the man.

            “No! How about you calm down? You occupying scum!”

            “The man asked you to please get back in line.” Another soldier said.

            “How about you go back to your god damn hippie Hollywood and get the hell out of our Idaho.” The man pushed the ROC first solider. The second soldier hit the man in the head with the butt of his rifle. The man lay on the ground with a cut on his head. The crowd started to get even more rowdy. The ROC soldiers drew their rifles in order to protect themselves while the crowd screamed at them.

            Bang. A gunshot rang out from the front of the store. There stood an ROC officer. “Everybody calm down and everybody back in line. You will quickly move through the line, receive your rations, and then return home.” The officer turned towards his soldiers. “Pick this man up and escort him to the hospital.” He then turned around and returned inside the store.

            “Ben, do you know who that was?” Bob whispered.

            “No. Do you?”

            “That was Colonel Riles David. He is the officer in charge of the West Boise military district. He is a member of the Military Council under General Grant. I don’t know what he is doing in our town though.”

            “Strange.” Ben tried to get his mind off the man who was just taken to the hospital. At this point, Ben didn’t care about anything other than getting his food and getting back to his home.

            While trying to put the fight behind him, Ben continued moving forward in the line. When he reached the front of the store he caught a glimpse of the newspapers. The store was handing out issues of the Sacramento Bee. The Military Council has outlawed all local Idaho papers and only allowed papers from the west. He picked up one of the papers and read the headline on the front page.

            “Top US General Defects.” General Mike Hickson has resigned and defected from the US Army. The native of New Mexico is set to return to his home state and take up leadership within the state that has become the latest of secede from the United States. New Mexico has stated their intention to join the Republic of California, but no action has been taken by the General Assembly. Hickson, a former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is expected to be the senior most officer in the newly formed New Mexican Army. The US Army has responded by saying that General Hickson is now wanted by military tribunal for desertion and treason…

            Nearing the front of the line, Ben rolled up the paper and put in under his arm. He could see the man behind the desk where the line was heading. The man sitting behind the desk was wearing a white dress shirt with a black tie. He was a fat, sweaty man with little left of what appeared to be blonde hair. He wore thick square glasses on top of bushy walrus moustache.

            “Next,” bellowed the walrus. Ben stepped up to desk. “Name?”

            “Thomas. Ben Thomas.” The walrus’ eyes skimmed the list in front of him.

            “Ration number?”

            “4687.” Ben answered.

The man looked back at the paper. He then turned his right and said, “Five pounds, beef. Five pounds, steak.”

Ben’s face dropped. He worriedly said, “Five? That’s it?”

“Rations have been cut for this cycle.”

“But I have kids at home.”

“Everyone has somebody or something.” The walrus said dryly.

Ben got his wallet out. He pulled out his ration stub and handed it to the man behind the desk. “Do you think you can do me a favor and just check the list again?”

The walrus grabbed the stub. He noticed that with it was a $50 bill. His eyes moved down from Ben to his list and back up to Ben again.

“Sorry my mistake. That was ten pounds of beef.” Another store clerk appeared from the back with Ben’s meat. Ben grabbed it and Bob helped. “Next.” Ben heard the walrus say again while he walked away from the store. The two men casually chatted on their way back home.

“Later Bob. See you tomorrow.” Ben said when they reached his house.

“See ya.” Bob replied and walked across the street to his home.

Ben walked back into his house through the side door leading to the kitchen. He threw the meat rations onto the kitchen counter.

“Hun, I’m home.” He called to his wife.

“Oh good. Did you have a smooth trip?” His wife answered.

Hesitating, Ben said, “Yep. Just fine. I hate those stupid ration lines, but besides that everything went just fine.”

“Just leave the rations on the counter and I’ll take care of them.”

Ben pulled out his wallet and placed it back on the counter in the same place from which he grabbed it before he left. He took off his jacket and hung it up on the coat rack next to the door.

He then walked over to another door leading out of the kitchen. He reached into his pockets and pulled out a set of keys. Choosing one of the keys, Ben used it to open the door. He flipped a light switch and walked into the doorway. Closing the door and locking it behind him, he started to walk down the flight of stairs that led him into his basement.

He pulled a string that turned on an overhead light. It illuminated the entire basement. Ben sat down at his work desk. On the wall hung an American flag along with maps of the United States with push pins in it. The pins were concentrated mostly in the west in ROC cities, but some also in borer US cities. Some pins also were stuck in Canadian cities. Arrows were drawn pointing from US border states into ROC states.

Ben reached into his pocket once more and pulled out the piece of paper that Bob had given to him earlier. He unfolded it and read “AM 853 at 6:35pm” written on it. He pulled a radio sitting on his desk closer to him. He turned it on and turned the dial to the station. The radio just blared out white noise. He looked at his clock and saw that it was only 6:34. He sat back and waited. At 6:35 exactly a voice came on over the air.

“You are now listening to Radio Free Idaho. If you are listening to this you are either already involved in the Idaho resistance or you have recently joined. In both instances you have decided that you are a loyal citizen of the United States of American and will not be subjugated by the invaders from California. I am the Vandal and I am bringing you news and information from outside the occupation zone. By now most of you have heard of the defection by General Hickson. My sources within the Army have told me that Hickson’s defection is a huge blow to the command. They have likened it to Robert E. Lee joining the Confederacy. But they will persevere and move on. There are other up and coming officers just waiting to take the old man’s place. They Army will get Hickson and bring him to justice along with the rest of the insurgents. In other news the US continues to say that they will entertain the ceasefire for as long as the ROC does. Talks between the two sides are scheduled to meet soon in Mexico City…”

Ben continued to listen to the radio until the Vandal signed off. He turned off all the lights, locked the door again, and went to bed. In the morning he was awoken by his wife yelling and screaming.

“Ben, get down here quick.” She yelled. Ben grabbed his robe and as quick as he could went down his stairs. His wife was waiting for him by the front door and pulled him outside. “Look. Look.”

She pointed at Bob’s house across the street. Outside of Bob’s house were police cars, an armored Army truck, and an armored personnel carrier. Ben’s wife was now consoling Bob’s wife.

“The Army is arresting Bob. They have him in the van right now.” Ben’s wife said.

“Why?”

“The think he is part of the Resistance. They think he is a spy.” Bob’s wife said while crying.

Ben swallowed nervously. “What are they doing now?”

“Searching the house for Resistance paraphernalia. Pretty much anything linked to the resistance. They are hoping to find names.” She said. “I had no idea he was involved in that. If I had known I would’ve stopped him. I just want to keep him safe.”

“I’m glad that you aren’t involved in anything like that. I don’t know what I would do if this happened to you.” Ben’s wife said while hugging him. Ben held her for a moment.

He then turned and walked back into the house. He grabbed his keys and opened his basement. He walked inside and locked his basement door behind him.

Coming Soon: Radical Liberals debate their future. California’s General Assembly decides what to do about New Mexico. US and ROC officials meet in Mexico City. Will the ceasefire hold?

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Chapter 26: The Rest of the World Watched

Chapter 26

The Rest of the World Watched

            The US government took a couple of days before releasing a formal answer to the Canadian Prime Minister’s ultimatum. They came to the conclusion of taking the Canadian offer. They conceded to a ceasefire with California and would sit down for talks with California diplomats.

            Albuquerque, New Mexico. After the announcement of the ceasefire hit the news, politicians in New Mexico went into frenzy. New Mexico was one of the few states left in the US where the Progressive Action Party still held some pull. The New Mexico legislature was split with the Progressives holding a small majority in the State House of Representatives and Republicans holding a small majority in the State Senate. The Republicans held the governorship, but the Lieutenant Governor was a Progressive. So New Mexico was a fairly evenly split state.

            So as soon as an announcement for the ceasefire was made the Progressive began their political posturing. They began looking for Republican legislators to switch sides and support a secession bill. They focused their attention on Latino Republicans. The Progressives used their Latino heritage and California’s AB02 that gave a path of citizenship to non-citizens.

            The 38 Progressive members of the 70-member New Mexican House were able to convince 4 Republicans to join them in passing the secession bill. The Republican controlled Senate proved to be more difficult.  But the 19 Progressives in the 42-member Senate were able to pull 2 Republicans and cause a split vote. Because of the split vote, the Lieutenant Governor was able to cast the deciding vote in favor of secession.

            Predictably the Republican Governor vetoed the bill and sent it back to the legislature. The Progressives were forced to do more hard work. They sought out and found 5 more representatives to vote to overturn the veto. Once again the Senate proved to be difficult. They needed 7 Republicans to switch sides in order to get to the two-thirds vote they needed. A lot of political posturing occurred, including some illegal tactics of bribery. Finally the Progressives were able to get the 28 votes need to pass the Senate. The legislature was able to overturn the Governor’s veto and also put the bill into immediate effect. New Mexico had seceded from the US and now sought admission to the ROC.

            Elsewhere in the World. The United States may have agreed to the ceasefire, but that didn’t mean that they weren’t positioning themselves for a continued fight. The US was taking advantage of the ceasefire by implementing a desperate strategy of their own. They began to withdraw many of their overseas troops. They withdrew all their troops from Europe, brought home all but the essential troops from bases in Saudi Arabia, and also called an immediate end to and withdrew troops from the 2^nd Afghan War.

            The ceasefire also gave some other countries either time to think over the situation or gained optimism in California. Several countries extended diplomatic recognition to the ROC, including Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Panama, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, and India. The Mexican Senate also voted in favor of diplomatic recognition and stated that they would remain neutral in the American Conflict.

            The ceasefire caused a momentary calm around North America. It also caused Europe and the Middle East to face a reality of not having the US military in their backyard. The American Conflict was at a standstill and the rest of the world watched.

Coming Soon: Radical Liberals debate their future. Idaho life under ROC rule. More Worldwide ripples. Will the ceasefire hold?

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Chapter 1 Redux

Chapter 1

H.R. #5572

           

United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. “Mr. Adams, you cannot be serious. This proposal is completely unnecessary. This is just out right unethical. You cannot do this to a state of the United States of America,” yelled Californian Progressive Senator Scott Kenning across the Hall of Congress. “California does not need this right now,” the senator screamed as he slammed his fist on his desk.

            “I’m sorry Senator, but it is because of California’s current state that this has been requested by President Smith himself,” replied Matthew Adams, the vice president of the United States.

            “I don’t care if the request came from God all mighty himself. It is the worst possible solution to the problem.”

            “Mr. Vice President, may I take the floor?”

            “Yes you may Senator.”

            “Senator Kenning, you are being totally unreasonable. You need to stop, take a breath, and think this all the way through. Now, due to recent outbreaks in the gang violence and the ignorance of the Californian government to do anything about it, the only possible solution to this problem is to send in the National Guard,” said Virginian Peace Party Senator Keith Standing.

            “No! This is not the ONLY solution to the problem,” replied Senator Kenning. The entire congress hall erupted into a hundred argumentative voices.

            “Quiet! Please! Would everyone please be quiet,” yelled Mr. Adams. He slammed down a gavel and slowly all of those voices quieted down to a silence so dead that everyone was scared to break it. “This proposal has already been approved by the House of Representatives. Now it is time for the United States Senate to vote on House Bill 5572, the deployment of the Oregon and Arizona National Guard into the state of California, on the grounds of controlling gang violence. Please use the electronic voting devices in front of you. Results will be shown on the screen in the front of the hall.”

Senator Kenning locked in his “No” vote. He looked around the room and then began to watch the screen in the front. He could watch the votes be tallied in real time, watching each number climb. The vote was looking to be a close one.

            “All votes have been counted. H.R. 5572 has passed by a 53-47 vote. The National Guard will be deployed throughout California in the course of two days.”

            “I now officially call this meeting of the Senate adjourned,” said Vice President Adams.

“You are all making a huge mistake,” Senator Kenning yelled as he stomped out of the Congress Hall. “You will be sorry for ever passing H.R. 5572.”

Be on the look out for more chapter revisions. Correcting all the retcon I have done since restarting the writing.

Chapter 25: Closer Ties with Moscow

Chapter 25

Closer Ties with Moscow

            United Nations, New York City, New York. Canadian Ambassador Walter Shale sat in his office in the UN headquarters. He was joined by California Ambassador Ridley Jones. Jones had been living in the Canadian offices ever since he was snuck in by the Canadian diplomatic mission. Jones was too afraid of being arrested if he ever left the offices, knowing that the US government has said any government official from California would be tried for treason if caught.

            “Thank you for the new clothes, Walter.”

            “Ha ha. It wasn’t a problem.”

            “Any chance I could get some steak up here?” Jones smiled.

            “I’ll see what I can do.” Shale said laughing again. “I don’t mind having you around, but this office is getting a bit crowed.”

            “Yeah. You think?”

            “We are trying to get you your own office. I am moving some of my deputies to other places in order to give you your own office space.”

            “That would make my job a whole lot easier. Thanks for the security detail. Even though I wear the maple leaf out of the office, I can tell that the Americans are watching me.”

            “Don’t worry about it. You are safe. Did you watch the Prime Minister’s address last night?”

            “Yes I did. Strong words.”

            “The Canadian government is taking a stand against American aggression. They have called for a diplomatic solution to your dilemma.”

            “That would be a good resolution.”

            “Don’t get too excited. Our sources say that the Americans are not having it. So the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense are preparing for war.”

            Jones looked at the Canadian with a straight face. “I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I am glad that if it does that we have such a great ally.”

            “I feel the same way.” The Ambassadors looked at each other in silence. Jones caught a glimpse of the clock.

            “Look at the time. Walter, it looks like I have a meeting soon.”

            “Who are you meeting with?”

            “I have separate meetings with Mexican and Russian diplomats today.”

            “I will leave you to it then. Have a good day Ridley.”

            “Likewise Walter.” Ambassador Shale left the office and left the Californian to turn it into his own office for the time being. Jones ruffled through his papers trying to get everything in order. He kept looking at the clock on the wall, and then his watch. Constantly checking the time. Waiting for his appointment to arrive. He was expecting the Mexican deputy ambassador first. Jones waited another hour since Shale left, until finally he was told of the arrival of the Mexican deputy.

            “Hola, Señor Garcia.” Jones stood up and shook Deputy Garcia’s hand.

            “Hola, Señor Jones.”

            “Please have a seat.”

            “Gracias. Your office reminds me of the Canadian ambassador’s.”

            Jones laughed. “You are quite observant. Maybe I should get a new decorator and put a little California flair in here.” Both gentlemen shared a laughed. “So shall we discuss our little amount of business?”

            “Yes. Before we get started, you know that this is not an official visit. Since our countries do not have diplomatic relations, this is an unofficial visit and non-binding until approved by Mexico City.”

            “Understood.”

            “Great. Now why did you invite me here today?”

            “Well I was hoping that we would be able to solve the problem of our diplomatic relations.”

            “I have told you before. The Mexican Senate is still debating California recognition.”

            “Yes, I understand that. But I would also like to say again how beneficial a close relationship between our countries would be. We are bordering nations and would be a very good thing for us to have close ties. I would also like to put forth the large Latino, and more specifically Mexican, population living in ROC borders.”

            “Those are all good points and all points that the Senate is discussing. There is just nothing I can do for you at this time. I can only give my recommendation for recognition, which I have said that I can more than willingly do for you. So if you are only going to give me the same whole story then I can be on my way.” Garcia stood up.

            Disappointed, Ambassador Jones spoke up, “I didn’t want it to come to this, but there is one more thing. So please sit back down.”

            Deputy Garcia sat back down. “What is it?”

            “My country has given me more information to give to you if our conversation did not go in the right direction. We would like Mexico to extend diplomatic recognition to California. Mexico does not need to be an ally, just the relations are enough and neutrality is ok. But the California government is set to impose a trade embargo with Mexico. No imports into Mexico or out, including the movement of persons across the border and/or money back to families still living in Mexico. The California military is also prepared to impose a naval blockade on Mexican ports. If diplomatic relations are not met, and Mexico continues to support the US, California is prepare to receive to treat Mexico as a hostile nation and will take any actions necessary including cross border military actions. But if Mexico remains neutral, California is also prepare to say that they are ready to defend our southern neighbors in the instance of American hostilities. So please pass that onto the Mexican Senate and see if that speeds up the process.” The two diplomats stood up. “Good day Señor Garcia.”

            “Adios, Señor Jones.” Ambassador Jones watched the deputy leave the office and ruffled through more papers. He found the piece of paper that he was searching for and then began typing away on the computer.

            An hour passed as he waited for his last meeting of the day. He was meeting with a Russian deputy ambassador. This was an unscheduled meeting, having only been asked to meet by the Russian the day before. Jones was very anxious to find out what he was willing to talk about. Another hour passed, and Jones was starting to wonder if he was being stood up. Just when he was ready to give up hope, he was told of the Russian’s arrival.

            “Ah hello Sergei.”

            “Privet Ridley,” replied Sergei Agapov, the Russian deputy UN ambassador. Agapov spoke with a very heavy Russian accent.

            “So Sergei, can I assume that this meeting is important since it was so hastily asked for?”

            “Yes, Ridley it is. I will have to remind you that this meeting is unofficial and I was never in fact here.”

            “Yes, yes, yes. I keep getting the same spiel. I know the drill.”

            “Very well then. I come here today to tell you that, while not extending diplomatic relations, Russia would like to support your revolution.”

            “If you aren’t going to recognize us as a country, then how are you going to support us?”

            “Russia will not recognize you because you are weak. We are still not convinced that you can hold back the US. Russia cannot afford to weaken relations with the US over supporting a lost political cause within American borders. But Russia will make you strong. Russia is committed to a Californian victory. Russia wants a strong California and Russia will make you strong. We would like to help fund your military. We will provide money and arms through Canada in order to support your fight. We know your navy needs a little help as well. So, Russia would like to give you three nuclear submarine fighters to help sure up your naval capabilities.”

            “Wow.” Jones was thrown back by what Sergei had just said. He really never expected this. California intelligence coming out of Russia had never prepared him for this. “Sergei, my friend, you have given me a lot to think about. I will of course bring what you said to the Minister of Defense and to President Stanton.”

            “Thank you my friend.” The diplomats shook hands and the Russian left the California ambassador to once again sit alone in the Canadian office. Ridley then turned to his computer and began typing an email to the Minister of Defense.

            To Minister Davidson. This will be just a short message as I cannot type too much. I have information that allows me to recommend going through with Operation Moscow. We must seek closer ties with Moscow.

Coming Soon: Radical Liberals debate over their future. The American Civil War causes more worldwide ripples. Rumblings in New Mexico.

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Chapter 24: The Canada Solution

Chapter 24

The Canada Solution

Langevin Block, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honorable Wayne Hogan, stood in his office across from the Parliament. With him stood Canadian Ambassador to the US, Miss Janice Seals. They both were waiting for the arrival of Foreign Minister Cole Thomas. After waiting a couple more minutes the Minister arrived.

“I hope you weren’t waiting too long,” said Minister Thomas.

“Not at all Cole. Come, have a seat,” replied the Prime Minister.

“Now that Cole is here, can we start with our discussion?” torte Ambassador Seals.

“Very well then. I guess we can skip the pleasantries. Cole you know why I’ve called you back from your European trip. And Janice you know why you’ve been recalled from Washington. You are here because we need to deal with this diplomatic issue that Washington has caused. Janice, our diplomats have been returned correct?”

“Yes, Wayne they’ve been released and are all back in the country.”

“And they are being debriefed?”

“As we speak sir.”

“Good. Now we need to formulate a response. We cannot look like we are just going to lie back and take it from Washington. We need to stand up strong and let them know that we will not be a pushover.”

“This is obviously retaliation against us for recognizing the Republic of California,” said Thomas.

“Even so, that is no reason for illegally detaining foreign diplomats without cause. This is an even greater reason to appear strong in this situation.”

“Well, how do we ‘appear strong’ then Mr. Prime Minister?” asked Thomas.

The White House, Washington D.C., USA. President Smith sat in the Oval office along with Secretary of Defense Strong watching a television. The TV was tuned to the American News Network as they were ready to cover a major press conference from the Canadian government. The Prime Minister himself was ready to make a statement that was direct towards the diplomatic crisis during the Radical Liberal Convention.

“Ken, have your sources given any information as to what they could be talking about?”

“Not anything that special. Only what the rest of the world knows, that it has to do with the arrests of their diplomats.”

“I hate surprises. How is it that the damn President of the United States can’t know things in advance?”

“I don’t know Rich. No respect.”

“Shhhh. Quiet. Looks like the canucks are ready finally.”

“…we now turn it over to the Prime Minister and his address,” said the ANN newscaster.

“Ladies and Gentlemen of the world, I stand before you as a spokesperson for the Canadian people. As many of you know the United States government committed a great diplomatic faux pas. They arrested and detained Canadian diplomats on a diplomatic mission to the United Nations. They did so without cause or reason. We have still not received even a reason for this happenstance. Because of this we are pulling all Canadian diplomats out of the US including the Embassy in Washington and all consulates. We are also closing the American Embassy in Ottawa, and detaining all American diplomats. They will not be released or Canadian diplomats will not return to the US, until we receive an explanation and an apology from US President Smith for the detainment of our Canadian diplomats. The Canadian people will not stand by and allow the US to play by a different set of rules than the rest of the World. Just because the UN is located within US borders does not mean they own the UN. The Canadian people will not stand back and be disrespected. We will stand strong and not back down from bullies.” The Prime Minister paused and took a long breath.

“This also leads into the California question. Canada stands as the only country to recognize the sovereignty of the Republic of California. Because of this Canada is working as a voice for California on the world stage. Even though the California secession has led to fighting, we feel that there is still a possibility of a political solution and we would like to give it a chance to work. In order for that to work we are calling for a ceasefire on both sides. If a ceasefire is not declared from the American side, Canada is ready and willing to intervene on behalf of the Californians. In other words, if the US launches an offensive against Californian interests, then Canada will enter the war on the side of the ROC. America has a history of interventionism and it is about time that they feel the same against them. Thank you and good night.”

“What the hell was that?” screamed President Smith.

“I don’t…” sheepishly said Secretary Strong.

“I HATE SURPRISES.” Smith grabbed a mug off of his desk and threw it across the office and against the wall. The broken pieces lay on the floor surrounded by the dark brown coffee stain. “This is bullshit. The god damn Prime Minister of Canada just called us out on worldwide TV. We cannot let those damn canucks mouth off to us like that.”

The President took a deep breath to compose himself. “Ken, get the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in here now and don’t let the Secretary of State know about any of this. The three of us are going to come up with the Canada Solution.”

Coming Soon: Radical Liberals debate over their future. The American Civil War causes worldwide tensions. Mexico decides its role in the American crisis. Russia meets with Californian diplomats. Rumblings in New Mexico.

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Chapter 23: The First Session of the California General Assembly

Chapter 23

The First Session of the California General Assembly

            Republic of California Capitol, Sacramento, CA. Downtown Sacramento was busier than usual on this particular day. Today was to mark the first day of the first session of the California General Assembly. Elections were held across the new country and the 100 member assembly was beginning to take shape. Out of the 50 seats that were set aside for non-state affiliated candidates California took 25 of the seats, Nevada won 10, Washington won 10, and Oregon won 5. The final look of the Assembly ended up with California with 45 seats, Nevada with 20, Washington with 20, and Oregon held 15 seats. Politicians from California held an overwhelming plurality, but not a full majority which means that the other member states could band together to out vote California if necessary. This gave California the largest voice, but not the controlling. As for political party affiliations there were more than just Progressives making up the new Assembly. The Progressive Action Party earned themselves 55 seats in the Assembly, a majority but not a supermajority. Radical Liberals won 27 seats, the Green Party won 12 seats, and the Republican Party won 6 seats. The Peace Party was banned from contesting the elections and all former politicians were blacklisted. Before the start of the official session the Assembly met to elect the Speaker of the Assembly. The vote ended up being unanimous and thus set up a unified government with each party a member of the leading coalition.

            The Assembly started to take their seats for the beginning of the session in the renovated Capitol building. Assembly Majority Leader Scott Kenning took his spot behind the speaker’s podium. Kenning, the former US Senator from California, now represented the state of California in the General Assembly. He earned his spot in the Assembly by taking one of the 5 governor appointed California seats.

“If everyone would take their places we can get started.” People kept shuffling around the aisles to their seats. “To call this session to order I would like to call up the Speaker of the California General Assembly, Mr. Victor Ramos.” Kenning stepped back from the podium and the Assembly hall erupted into applause. The former Governor from Nevada made his way to his place at the podium. He waved his hands to call for quiet.

Bang. Bang. Bang. Ramos tapped his gavel. “I officially call the First Session of the Republic of California General Assembly now open for the conduction of business.” Once again the Assembly erupted into applause and gave a standing ovation. “I would like to thank you for electing me electing me to be the first Speaker of the Assembly. I would also like to thank the new Governor of Nevada, Mr. Jeff Hudson, for appointing me to one of the few assembly seats he is allotted to appoint as Governor. Now before we get started, there is a man who is just dying to talk to you all here. So I would like to introduce the President of the Republic of California, Mr. Michael Stanton.” The Assembly for a third time broke into applause. President Stanton made his way to the front of the hall. He shook Speaker Ramos’ hands and stepped to the podium. Ramos took a seat behind the president and to the right of the National Councilman, Peter Fisher.

“Thank you Mr. Speaker. And a thank you to you all for serving your country in its first legislature. I don’t want to take up too much of your time blabbing away so I will try to make my remarks short.”

“Today, you have the chance to make history. The work that you begin today will shape the future of our new country. I applaud you all for coming together and forming a unified government. It is important at this time to present a strong and unified front in the face of our former oppressors. I applaud the small number of Republican candidates for joining the unified government and not establishing an opposition coalition at this time. We will show the US that we are a strong and capable government.”

“In the vein of working toward the future, I have come here to ask for two things from the Assembly. First, I ask that you pass a military budget that will allow us to maintain our capability to fight the enemy. We are a country that is fighting for our right to existence, so I ask for an unlimited military budget that will keep our troops at full strength. Second, in order to keep our troop levels at fighting strength I suggest passing a new legislation. I suggest passing legislation that would give full citizenship to any non-citizen who serves in the military. California and the west have a large number of undocumented workers who have left their home countries looking for a better life. I say that we give them a chance to realize that better life, by giving them a direct path to citizenship. Let them fight for their new country like all other citizens. I would also suggest creating a path for citizenship to those people who are unable to serve in the military by giving them a chance to work for the military. I will leave you with those remarks and let you get down to your business. God bless the Assembly and God bless California.”

The President stepped down from the Speaker’s podium to yet another standing ovation from the Assembly. On his way out he shook hands with Speaker Ramos and Councilman Fisher, and then proceeded to leave the Capitol with his Secret Service escort. Once the commotion died down Speaker Ramos took his place back at the front of the Assembly.

“Well that was a heck of a speech. President Stanton gave us quite a bit to think about. I think we all saw the first thing coming, but the second suggestion must have come as a bit of a surprise. So I think we have our work cut out for us today as we also have our regular agenda to get to as well. Let’s get down to it. Let’s move quickly through the first measure, Assembly Bill 01: The California Military Budget Act.” The Speaker got a motion and a second quickly from the floor. After tallying the votes AB01 passed by a vote of 97-2 with the two dissenting votes coming from Republican assemblymen.

“Now let’s get moving onto the measure that might require more debate.  Let’s bring up Assembly Bill 02: The Immigrant Soldier Citizenship Act. Is there any debate on this bill?”

“I would like to speak Mr. Speaker.”

“The Assemblyman from Oregon has the floor.”

“Thank you Mr. Speaker. I am in full support of the bill. We need something to bolster our military. We are largely outnumbered manpower wise. We have the ability to defend ourselves, but if we want to fight for our survival we must actually do more. We need manpower and this bill will tap into a huge reserve of manpower. This would greatly increase out numbers. I am in favor of this bill and any that give our men and women a fighting chance out on the battlefield.”

“Thank you sir. Now the assemblyman from California has the floor.”

“Thank you Mr. Speaker. I am up here speaking for the Radical Liberal contingent. The Radical Liberal caucus does not support this bill. It puts our new country in a terrible position. It opens our military to the possibility of foreign mercenaries coming into the country and causing tensions. There is no way to track the undocumented workers who will sign up to take advantage of this Act.”

“Pansy…traitor…give our military a fighting chance.” Yells came from all across the Capitol directed at the Liberal assemblyman. Bang. Bang. Bang. The gavel sound echoed through the chamber.

“Quiet! Let the assemblyman speak. He has as much of right to speak as you all do.”

“Thank you Mr. Speaker. The Radical Liberal caucus does not disagree with the spirit of the bill, just in the way we feel it will be handled. We feel it will do more harm than good at this present moment.” As the assemblyman stepped down, the chamber once again erupted in jeers.

Bang. Bang. “We will now bring this up to a vote. We have had too much argument on this bill. I feel everyone is ready to vote.” After tallying the vote the bill passed with a vote of 67-32. The dissenting votes came from the entire Radical Liberal caucus joined by 3 Green Party votes and 2 from the Republicans.

“Now onto our regular agenda. We have to discuss the Idaho situation. As you all should know a group of politicians from Idaho have requested to send a delegation to sit in the Assembly. They have asked for voting rights, but have also said that they would accept a non-voting delegation. Is there any debate on this issue?”

An Assemblyman from California stepped forward. “I do not believe that we should seat any sort of delegation from Idaho at this present time. They are not a proper state of our country. Idaho is a military occupied zone. I believe in our military to defend the progress made in Idaho, but there is always the possibility of the US retaking the territory. And then what? Does the Idaho delegation remain here in Sacramento in exile? Or do they hightail it outta here to run back to their American counterparts. There is just too much risk in allowing a delegation to be seated at this time. As long as Idaho remains a military zone, then the California Assembly shall seek the best interests of Idaho.” The statement received a resounding ovation from the Assembly. It was clear that most of the Assembly felt similarly.

“If there is no further debate, than I feel we can keep moving along with a vote.” The vote was counted by the Clerk of the Assembly. The final tally of votes was 97-2 opposed to seating any kind of delegation from Idaho.

“Now we will move onto the last formal piece of business on the agenda. This business is why the National Councilman, Mr. Peter Fisher, has joined us today. We now discuss adding a seat for Idaho on the Council of Governors. The seat will be filled by General Torrance Grant, the Protector-General of Idaho, and to be replaced by an elected governor at a time when Idaho becomes a full member of the Republic. We will now open to debate. The National Councilman will be given the floor first.”

“Thank you sir. I would like to extend my own congratulations to you on becoming the Speaker of the Assembly. You were a great governor and I know that you will do just as fine of a job here in Sacramento as you did in Carson City. But onto the matter at hand. I am here to ask that you pass a resolution confirming the addition of an Idaho seat to the Council of Governors. Myself and the governors have voted and passed 5-0 to allow General Grant to sit on the Council. We feel that if Idaho is under the control of the Republic of California, then they must have a say in the governance. As the executive of Idaho, General Grant is entitled, by the Constitution, to a seat on the Council of Governors. The Council does not make the mistake in giving the general the seat. We are creating a seat for Idaho. As of right now the executive of the state is General Grant. If and when Idaho is admitted into the Republic, and elections for a new governor can take place, then the newly elected official shall take over the seat. I highly encourage the confirmation. Thank you for your time.” The Councilman stepped down and left the floor to the Assembly. A small, polite bit of applause met the Councilman. The Republican caucus led the applause.

“Is there anyone who would like to debate against the resolution?”

“I will Mr. Speaker.”

“The Assemblyman from Nevada has the floor.”

“Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to encourage the Assembly to vote against this resolution. We are not voting on a seat for Idaho on the Council. If we were Idaho would also be applying for statehood and holding elections for a new government. But no, the military is still occupying Idaho and skirmishes still go on along the border with Montana. Idaho is not in a position for admittance. They are still under military rule and law. This vote isn’t about a seat for Idaho; it is about a seat for the Military. It will undermine the civilian rule of the military. It would give the military a direct political voice and a vote in civilian affairs. Once given a seat there is no given that the General would indeed vacate the seat once asked. I encourage a no vote and keep the military in military affairs and civilians in civilian affairs.” A louder applause came after the Nevada assemblyman’s speech, but not quite a very loud one.

“We will now hold a vote on Assembly Resolution 01, the addition of Idaho seat on the Council of Governors. Please use your electronic devices to vote.” The votes began to be tallied. It was shaping up to be a close vote, with a few voters being able to swing the result in either direction. The Speaker banged his gavel.

“We will extend the voting time on this resolution. It is an important vote and we need to give people some time to think about their vote.” After making the announcement, the Speaker turned into a lobbyist and was trying to turn people’s vote towards passing the resolution. Everyone was trying to convince members of their party to vote as a bloc. The Progressives could pass the resolution if everyone voted together, but they were split. The Speaker tried to rally his party back together.

Looking at the voting screen you could see assemblymen changing their votes. The vote was getting so close that it even justified a call from President Stanton. After 3 hours of rallying voters, the Speaker finally acknowledged that they needed a time limit.

“We will close the voting in 15 minutes.” With the time limit and a new sense of urgency, assemblymen made their last minute pitches for votes. After the voting closed, the votes were officially tallied. The vote came down to 48 in favor, and 51 opposed. The resolution failed with a split vote. 43 Progressives were joined by 5 Republicans in voting in favor. While the entire Radical Liberal and Green Party blocs, 27 members and 12 members, were joined by 11 Progressives and 1 Republican in voting against the resolution. The Republican assemblymen switched his vote at the last second to tip the result.

“The resolution fails. Is there any other business to discuss?”

“Mr. Speaker I would like the floor.”

“The Assemblyman from Washington has the floor.”

“Thank you Mr. Speaker. I and a fellow Assemblyman from Oregon would like to introduce a piece of legislation that could avoid this whole Idaho situation. Our bill would provide representation for Idaho in the Assembly, provide representation in the Council, and would provide a path away from military rule of the territory. We would like to introduce Assembly Bill 03: The Idaho Partition Act. AB03 would extend the Washington/Oregon border eastward into Idaho. The northern part would become part of Washington State and the southern section would become part of the State of Oregon.”

After some minor debate, the Speaker called for a vote. The bill ultimately failed by a vote of 35-64. Washington and Oregon voted as a bloc in favor, and California and Nevada did likewise in opposition.

The Speaker once again took his place at the podium. “If there is no further business, I think we can adjourn the first day of the first session of the California General Assembly." 

Coming Soon: Canada/US relations worsen due to the diplomatic crisis. Radical Liberals debate over their future. Russia meets with California diplomats. Rumblings in New Mexico.

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