Holding Their Own: The Salt War Part 24

Terri came out of the bat cave entrance, Hunter in one hand, her AR in the other. Bishop motioned for her to put the rifle down, the weapon obviously making the surrounding agents nervous.

Hugging their visitor like he was an expected uncle arriving for the holidays, Bishop watched as his wife greeted the Colonel, still having no clue why the man had dropped in without warning.

"Sorry about coming by unannounced," the Colonel began, as if reading the Texans thoughts. "Ive actually been in Alpha on official business, and when I asked about you, I was informed there was no way to contact the ranch. So I decided to stop by, just like the last time."

Chuckling, Bishop couldnt help himself, "At least your landing was a little softer this time, sir."

The Colonel grinned, "No s.h.i.+t. You know, that airplane is still lying beside the highway. We flew over it on the way here."

Bishop started to say something about Mrs. Porters grave and the councils vote to leave the plane as a memorial, but decided against it.

"So what brings you to our little corner of the world, Colonel?" Bishop asked, moving away from what was sure to be a sensitive topic.

Terri immediately swatted his shoulder, "Bishop! Where are your manners?"

She then turned to their guest and said, "Would you like to step inside out of the heat? I can offer you a cold drink."

"No, thank you for the offer, but I cant stay long. I really just wanted to stop in and say h.e.l.lo, make sure you were all doing well."

One of the agents approached, trying discreetly to gain the Colonels attention. "Mr. President," he said, "I hate to rush you, sir, but the schedule...."

The Colonel acknowledged the man with a curt nod and then offered his hand to Bishop. But the Texan remained stock-still, surprise written all over his face. "Sir... Sir... did he just call you, Mr. President?"

Shyly, the Colonel answered, 'Yes, I was sworn in by whats left of the Senate and the Supreme Court just a few months ago. After the previous chief executive was a.s.sa.s.sinated, there was absolute chaos in Was.h.i.+ngton. For a while there, I thought the military was going to take over. But then someone found a signed letter in the presidents desk. It stated that he had appointed me to become the Vice President. There was a lot of bickering, but finally most everyone agreed I was next in line to occupy the Oval Office."

"Congratulations!" Terri said, again extending her arms to hug her guest.

Bishop finally regrouped enough to offer his hand, "Very pleased for you, sir. I cant think of anyone more qualified to run the country."

"I heard you just stepped down, Terri. I guess I was becoming a head of state just as you were leaving a similar post. I hope youre still pleased with your decision."

"Oh, absolutely, sir. It was time for me to move on. Bishop and I have been very busy. Weve got grandiose plans, and Im enjoying my new role as domestic G.o.ddess every single day."

Bishop remained silent and observing, not believing for one second that his old employer had "just dropped by." His feeling was compounded by the announcement of the presidency.

Sure enough, the Colonel finally got around to the real reason for his visit.

"Look you two, I confess to having an ulterior motive for stopping by. Im facing one h.e.l.l of a mess and could use both of you as advisors. I want to model our recovery after what you people have accomplished, and when I heard you were no longer actively involved with the Alliance, Diana granted me permission to stop by and offer you a job."

There it is, thought Bishop. The mans becoming a politician already.

The couple exchanged looks, a silent communication pa.s.sing between them. The Colonel sensed a negative response was on the way and spoke quickly to head it off.

"Before you answer, I just want to say I only expect the occasional need for your services. Im not asking for full-time dedicated commitment or even a formal agreement from either of you. But, if something special comes up, Id like to know I can count on your advice and support."

Again, Bishop and Terri exchanged glances. It was Bishop who answered since the Colonel was his ex-boss. "If you really, really need us, Colonel, errr... Mr. President, Terri and I would always be willing to listen. We would have to evaluate each situation independently, sir."

"Of course, of course," smiled the Commander in Chief. "I wouldnt think of asking any more of you."

The agent approached again, his voice more urgent, "Mr. President, we have to be going, sir."

The president spread his hands wide, "Youd never know I was in charge," he teased. "Thank you both for taking the time to talk with me. I hope to be in touch soon."

After another round of hugs and handshakes, he was off, surrounded by Marines and agents.

Terri and Bishop stood and watched the processions exit, both of them taking a moment to digest everything theyd learned from the visit.

After the noise from the last helicopter had faded, Bishop turned to his wife and commented, "I thought theyd never leave."

Terri, grinning widely, responded with, "Hes your family, Bishop. Im just the in-law. Next time, tell him he cant stay so long."

"But he always sends such nice Christmas cards," he responded with a straight face. "Besides, I hear hes rich, and we might be in the will."

They laughed hard, the outburst encouraging Hunter to offer a huge, toothless smile.

Terri then brightened, "Hey, our little monster will be going down for the night pretty soon. Want to meet later in the hot tub? I hear its bathing suits optional tonight."

"Youve got a date, pretty lady," he grinned, eyebrows bouncing up and down.

The End.

Other Books by Joe n.o.body:.

Holding Your Ground: Preparing for Defense if it All Falls Apart.

The TEOTWAWKI Tuxedo: Formal Survival Attire Without Rule of Law: Advanced Skills to Help You Survive.

Holding Their Own: A Story of Survival.

Holding Their Own II: The Independents Holding Their Own III: Pedestals of Ash.

Holding Their Own IV: The Ascent Holding Their Own V: The Alpha Chronicles.

Holding Their Own VI: Bishops Song.

Holding Their Own VII: Phoenix Star.

The Home Schooled Shootist: Training to Fight with a Carbine.

Apocalypse Drift.

The Little River Otter.

The Olympus Device: Book One.

The Olympus Device: Book Two.

Secession: The Storm.

The Ebola Wall.