The Gentile Witness, Enoch Book 1: Enoch (24 page)

Chapter 92

6:38 PM EST Day two of 1260 Camp David, Maryland - Conference Room

Jamal, like the others here at Camp David, had settled down to a dinner set up in the conference room after the droning of the General Stoups for the past few hours. They had set up a couple of wide screen TVs. Bear News was on the one screen and The Network on the other. Most everyone was watching the Bear newscast and John Roddenburg, who was a pain for the administration, broadcasting live from Kansas City in anticipation of Jack’s Rally on Thursday night. Jack had everyone’s interest.

The volume on The Network broadcast was very low and I had to strain to hear the words being, said. I thought about switching over to subtitles, but decided to move closer to the monitor. After grabbing my plate and moving to the other end of the table, I grasped what was being, said, and I immediately found the remote and turned up the volume.

Brad Williams was saying, “In other news today, we have learned through our sources that Jack South, the alleged Witness from God, has made an illegal trip to Israel by landing a private jet near Zeta, Israel, which is near the Israeli Jordanian border. It is, reported he then took a troop transport truck to a mountainous area where he disappeared for a time with an unknown Israeli accomplice, only known as Veronica. After returning later, they took off again on their private jet and were starting to leave Israeli Airspace over the Mediterranean when Israeli jets forced them to land at Ramat David Air Force Base in Northern Israel.”

“It has further been reported that the Israelis detained Jack South on illegal entry into the country and he was temporarily detained in a holding cell at the base. President Richard Stevenson, on hearing of the situation, contacted the Israeli authorities and agreed to offer Israel the controversial new bombers designed and built by Lockheed as ransom for his release. We have not yet confirmed this, but the sources that we have are quite reliable.”

“Also, this is just in.” Brad looks at a piece of paper handed to him, and looks back at the camera with a somber face. “Ken Giles, Attorney General of the United States, has been found shot to death. A farmer who was checking his fence about eight miles from Camp David found his body late today. Local authorities and the FBI are on site and we have one of our correspondents, Mike Bloomer, in the area. Mike?”

“Yes Brad. As you can see behind me, the entire area is, taped off and an investigation is underway. What we know for sure is that Attorney General Ken Giles was at Camp David earlier, but had ordered a limousine from the government carpool to return him to Washington, at around 2:30 p.m. today. Ken had called his assistant and told her that he expected to be there between 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. at the latest.”

“Did she contact the authorities about him missing?”

“No she did not. She thought that he might have taken a detour prior to coming to the office.”

“Any word on where the limousine originated from or where, it is now?”

“We don’t know any details Brad. We do know the limo came from the Camp David Government carpool. The local sheriff and the FBI are on site collecting information, and the vehicle is still here.”

“Do you know if his family has been contacted yet?”

“No, We don’t know that either.”

“Thanks Mike.” Brad turns to the camera, “That was Mike Bloomer reporting from a field about eight miles from Camp David, where authorities have confirmed that Ken Giles, Attorney General of the United States, has been found shot to death. As we get more news on this, we will pass it on to you.”

Jamal noticed that everyone was now watching The Network for two reasons. One, it appeared that Brad Williams had suggested the President had paid a blackmail to spring Jack South and that Ken Giles was dead.

Chapter 93

7:55 PM EST Day two of 1260 Camp David, Maryland - President Richard Stevenson’s Office

President Stevenson, Jamal, and Press Secretary, Christopher Hughes were huddled together in the private office allocated to the President when he was at Camp David. They had been discussing both the accusation of the bribe with Israel and the apparent murder of Ken Giles.

Chris was saying, “Mr. President, I know we have a news blackout for this meeting, but we need to say something to the press. They are camped outside the gates and we are not going to get out of here without talking to them. We need at least to have an impromptu press conference about both of these issues and try and avoid any other issues.”

“I know,” Stevenson said. “I realize that we have to say something. I suppose first off we need to address the Ken Giles’ murder and send condolences to the family.” He hesitated thinking, then said, “Regarding the bribe, as it is being called, we need to white wash it and try and make it seem like it was going to happen anyway. I realize the Iranians are going to be all over this, but they are under sanctions and we do not pay that much attention to them anyway. There will be some saber rattling, which is normal, and some bad press, but I doubt if this would result in a congressional hearing of any sorts, at least not now.”

Jamal said, “I wonder if it got out that you asked for Ken’s resignation today. I mean Camp David is not quite as secure as the White House.”

“I doubt it Jamal, but then I see your point. We could, be getting set up. So maybe we might just want that to come out anyway. However, the problem is conspiracy reporters, like John Roddenburg, will just read into it a lot more than there is. I know for sure none of us gave an order to dispose of Ken.”

“Anyone you can think of in your opinion, which had reason to of done this?” Chris asked.

“No not really. I mean he was attorney general and that means that he does make enemies everywhere. It could have been any number of people.” In my thoughts though, I had remembered what Aafre said yesterday and that thought made me shudder.

It was quiet for a moment while everyone seemed in deep thought, then Stevenson said, “Here is what we are going to do. “

Chapter 94

7:00 PM CST Day two of 1260 Kansas City, Missouri - Liberty Memorial, Anchor Desk

During the top of the hour commercial break John Roddenburg was, handed a dispatch about Ken Giles the Attorney General. As he read through it and with the knowledge that the AG was the only one who left Camp David, he would normally go on the air and start questioning circumstantial evidence. Questions like why he is the only person that left the camp, and was there an issue with him and the President. That would be an easy one for it was common knowledge, Stevenson did not care for Giles. His appointment of Ken as Attorney General was, forced down his throat. That would make for good press. 

He then looked at the comment made or accusation made on The Network about Jack South and the Israelis and a bribe. That was another story that he would normally jump right on, for his primary strength has always been attacking the government and feeding conspiracies.  What was strange to him was that normally, The Network and Brad were Stevenson’s primary champions. They usually took the support road with his administration and this bribe that was not, confirmed by any known sources other than The Network’s own sources. This was out of character for them, very much out of character. There was something going on. 

He leaned over to his producer Donald MacKee and said, “I think this is going to force a press conference at Camp David. We will interrupt the broadcast to go live immediately if that happens, so make sure Debbie Cochran knows she needs to be ready, and not leave Camp David until we say.”

“Will do Jack, and by the way what do you think about this Jack for bombers accusation form Brad?”

“It’s very much out of character for them. That is a first and I am concerned there is a lot more going on here than meets the eye. Let us put some feelers out and see if we can get a bite somewhere. I think we may be changing sides for if Brad is now on the other side and is kicking Stevenson’s rear end, we will move to the other side and support Stevenson. I would not feel comfortable being on Brad’s side ever. 

I know what you mean John, as Donald thought to himself. This is a definite change in direction.

Chapter 95

8:30 PM EST Day two of 1260 New York - The Network, Brad Williams’ Office

Brad Williams had just come out of the meeting about the Ken Giles’ news and the news about the President and the suggested bribe. Biggman had made it clear that we had switched sides on Stevenson and that we were to start the campaign to destroy him. For what reason, I had no idea. We were normally on Stevenson’s side and all in for his support, but the boss had a different agenda this time and he was the boss. Such is politics and the media.

Brad knew that The Network was owned and operated, by a large organization that, when they wanted something done, it happened. They would insinuate and lie when necessary to get to a result that they wanted. Now it appears Stevenson was in the crosshairs.

He smiled to himself and thought about Bear News who usually took the stance of doing the same thing to Stevenson. He wondered if maybe they were going to switch sides too and start supporting him, while we now were trying to destroy him. Now that would be interesting, Brad thought. That would be very interesting.

His thoughts were, interrupted, when his Assistant Producer, Michelle stuck her head in the door. She said, “Brad, they are setting up for a press conference at Camp David. They want you on the desk to handle the comments.”

“No problem Michelle. Thanks.” He looked at her as she walked out the door and smiled. Nice looking woman she was. 

Chapter 96

8:35 PM EST Day two of 1260 Camp David, Maryland - Temporary Press Room

The press was, invited into Camp David to an auditorium hastily set up for a press conference. As usual, the feed was coming from The Network, which had priority since the Stevenson administration had come to office. The place was full. Many of the reporters had been, camped outside most of the day, and not to be, left out, several news agencies had filtered in as the day wore on.

The side door opened and Christopher Hughes, Press Secretary, stepped up to the podium. He glanced out at the sea of media people and took the notes he had and laid then on the podium. He then started to speak, “Ladies and gentlemen of the press thank you for your patience today. As you well know, the United States is under siege by the disaster in California, which is at this time, the worst we have ever had. We also have the possibility that Jack South may well be correct in his other assessments and predictions. Before I take any questions, I need to tell you three things. The first is that President Stevenson sends his regards and whole, hearted sympathies to the family of Ken Giles. As all of you know, Giles was, shot in a field near here today. The First Family’s prayers are with the Giles at this time of sorrow.”

“Secondly,” Hughes states, “the full ability of the United States, the FBI, and other agencies will work diligently until the murderer of the Attorney General is brought to justice. It is early in the investigation, but we feel confident that the FBI and the local authorities will gather all the clues necessary in order to find this person or persons responsible and bring them to justice.”

“Thirdly, we are announcing the President is traveling to Kansas City and will attend the Jack South Rally there on Thursday evening. The following day he will attend special meetings with other members of the world’s business and political leaders regarding the crisis that we now face. Those meetings are being, held in Center City in Kansas City on Friday and Saturday. Please note that for now, press releases will be given during those meetings, but the meetings themselves will be behind closed doors.”

“Now I am open for questions.”

The babble was unreal. The open forum then started a frenzy of hands and calling out. Chris looked through the audience and picked one he thought would not be very difficult. He pointed to Walter Sanchez from the Associated Press.

“Chris do you have any comment on the breaking news that was aired on The Network about the U.S. giving the okay to Israel to purchase the new state of the art military bombers. They are capable of accommodating nuclear warheads if I have my information correct. Are they to be sent there from Lockheed in exchange for releasing Jack South?” Sanchez asked.

“Yes we do have a comment. Jack South was, illegally detained in Israel on a technicality. Our government and the Israeli Government knew he was traveling to Israel and his Attorney, Mark Anderson, handled the pre-notifications to the State Department. Due to the security concerns for Mr. South, it was felt that going through the normal process of leaving one country and going to another would not be in his or anyone’s best interest. Unfortunately, someone in Israel’s Secret Service, also known as Mossad, overstepped his or her bounds on a tip from an unidentified source. The President, as he would for any citizen detained for no reason, made a call to the Israeli Prime Minister and they were able to secure the release of Jack. As best we know, he is now en route back to the United States.”

“Regarding the issue of allowing Israel to purchase the new bombers, we are and have been in negotiations with Israel over the purchase of the planes. I do realize that many in congress and other world leaders are concerned about the U.S. providing them to Israel due to their ability to be, armed with nuclear weapons. So here is you answer, yes it is still being, negotiated, and as we all know, the President has always been in favor of letting Israel have them. But to date, nothing has been sent to them.”

“Are you saying then that The Network Anchor, Brad Williams, is lying?” Sanchez asked.

“No, but maybe he is misinformed. “ Now, who is next?” He saw Julie and said, “Julie do you have a question?”

“Yes Chris, thank you. Julie Bernstein, New York Times. You have been in session here at Camp David all day. Do you have any updates of what you are discussing? There are rumors that the President is considering martial law. The other rumor is prior to the hurricanes, hitting the U.S. mainland, FEMA camps will be, opened and people will be, forced to leave the affected areas and go to these camps. Any truth, to this?”

“First of all Julie, this self proclaimed witness as he calls himself, and we know as Jack, has said this will happen, However, it has not yet happened and we are not one hundred percent sure that it will. You have to understand that we are in unchartered territory here and we do not have answers as to if he can predict anything for sure. However, in light of the rains in North Africa starting,” he said, “which has added up to Jack still being one hundred percent correct, we are taking precautionary measures. We are doing some planning in the event he is right on the hurricanes. From listening to the constant media reports on TV and other news outlets, you folks have done the calculation of the scenario we would face. Therefore if we feel these disasters are imminent then yes we do need a plan that will work.”

“To expand on this Julie, the affected areas, if it occurs, will affect up to thirty million people, not counting homes, property, businesses, and even national landmarks. Category four and five hurricanes are destructive and will in fact level certain areas and make some of them uninhabitable for a period, of time. You know as well as I do that the government has several avenues open to ensure the safety of the public. Some of those rules and regulations have been on the books for over thirty years and yes some were updated in the past ten years after 911.”

“But, are we planning on putting people in these camps today? No, we are not. Is it a possibility? Yes it is. We may need to mobilize a lot of material, personnel, and resources in the event Jack is right and provide as best as we can for the welfare of our citizens. I am sure you know the ramifications, but we do not want to start a panic when there is no reason to. We will react, as each situation deems necessary and decide what to do from that point. I hope this helps and Thank you Julie. 

Now, Dennis Crawford?”             

“Thanks Chris. Dennis Crawford, Washington News, District of Columbia. I have heard rumors that the U.S. government is going to Cheyenne Mountain next week. Is there any truth to this?”

“Yes Dennis. The storms have already started in North Africa and the Middle East, which we think will feed the tropical disturbances in the Atlantic. Therefore, Jack is right again. Yes, we will move the government to Cheyenne Mountain. As you well know, it was, built in the event of a nuclear strike. Of course, that is not on the agenda, but the facility will allow us, while Washington is shut down, if necessary to maintain the integrity of leadership for the country during this crisis.”

“Doesn’t that require martial law to be implemented Chris,” he asked, “Or as I understood it from scenarios that are public knowledge this would be the protocol in the event the government felt it had to take shelter?”

“No it does not. Moving the government’s headquarters to another location does not automatically invoke Article Nine or any of the numerous other executive orders that can be implemented if necessary.”

“Thanks Chris.”

“Okay, one more. Paul Wiegan.”

“Thank you Chris. Paul Wiegan, The Network News, New York”

“It is my understanding this afternoon the President sent to the Justice Department a brief that would in effect put the entire United States and its territories under martial law until further notice. Is that true?”

Chris thought to himself, how the hell, did they found that out? “Paul, do you want to expand your question?”

“Okay Chris. We have it on good authority that this afternoon the President sent a three hundred page document to the Justice Department, which we do not have a copy of, which relates to the constitutional question of martial law and its implementation. We do know that document was, delivered. What we do not know is what it says.”

We got a leak here, Chris thought. He was not sure whether to lie or let it be. He mulled over the question in his mind and wished the President was there, but it was his job to deal with it so he needed to come up with an answer. “Paul, we are possibly going into a crisis mode here in our country. There is a possibility that we may need to put martial law into effect to keep order and protect the sovereignty of the United States. However, in keeping with the concerns of the rights of people, a draft of such an order was sent to the Justice Department for full review and consideration.”

“In other words,” Paul said, “that is what you are planning to do?”

“Maybe.”

Chris picked up his notes and started for the side door. He could hear the questions from all over and some of them were getting nasty. He held his head up walked to the door, opened it, and shut it behind him. He leaned up against the wall, straightened his neck, and said silently to himself, God help us all. We have a major leak. He shook his head to shake off his feeling of uneasiness, and walked down the hall.