Moral Imperative (15 page)

Chapter 29

The White House

Washington, D.C.

6:58am, August 15
th

President Zimmer stood behind the curtain and waited for his cue to take the podium. By now everyone had heard about the attack on the embassy in Baghdad. Few people knew all the details. The president was one of a handful.

Hours before, ISIS had posted a video lauding their brave soldiers who’d stormed the embassy, killing thousands of Americans in the process. It was a lie, a way to save face and try to get ahead of the global media. Zimmer would not let that happen. It was time.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the president,” announced Bob Lundgren, the White House press secretary.

Everyone in the packed room stood as Zimmer marched in. There were whispers as they noticed his attire. No shirt and tie. No suit or even a sport coat. He wore a leather bomber jacket with
President B. Zimmer
embroidered over the right pocket and a patch over the left that had the words
United States
embroidered on the American flag. It had been a gift from a group of special ops vets the month before. They’d invited him to Tampa for a roundtable discussion about the ongoing terrorist threats. Though no longer part of the active duty military, those men still felt deeply responsible for the future of their country and the free world. They’d offered to help. He hoped those men were watching now. Warriors like them had inspired him to act.

“Thank you all for coming. I’d like to address the American people first.” Zimmer looked directly into the camera, his eyes determined, lips tight. “Fellow Americans, as most of you know by now, at approximately one o’clock in the morning Eastern Time, the terrorists of ISIS attacked our embassy in Iraq. We don’t have the complete picture yet, but I can give you what we do know. The number of dead and wounded is still being assessed.

“At 7:15am Baghdad time, a group of approximately fifteen thousand unarmed marchers, dedicated to pursuing peace in Iraq and the Middle East, were accosted by armed ISIS thugs. The peaceful marchers were herded to the gates of the U.S. Embassy as a diversionary tactic. Ten were killed and over one hundred were wounded.

“The second diversion came from south of the embassy where an Iraqi military parade was commandeered by traitors within the Iraqi army. Countless rockets and artillery rounds pounded the embassy complex as embassy staffers started their day. Dead and wounded littered the embassy streets as the cowards assaulted from across the Tigris.

“While the two diversions engaged from the north and south, an EgyptAir 767 was hijacked by another ISIS element. The hijackers took control of the plane and aimed for the heart of our embassy. The embassy currently employs over ten thousand Americans and foreign nationals, most of whom were on their way to work.”

Zimmer paused, his eyes softening as he began again.

“Were it not for the selfless and heroic action of Navy Lieutenant Commander Dillon McKay, a husband and father of two, a former member of the Blue Angels, who somehow guided the larger airliner out of its intended path and into the Tigris River, thousands would have been lost. Fittingly, McKay’s call sign, Crapshoot, given to him for his steadfast belief in doing the right thing despite the possible outcome, served his purpose. It could have gone either way, but due to his skill and ultimate sacrifice, the aerial attack was thwarted.

“I have spoken to Lieutenant Commander McKay’s wife, Patty, and extended my condolences along with the gratitude of the American people. Because of the number of witnesses to McKay’s act, along with the bi-partisan support of Congress and the unanimous support of our military leadership, Lieutenant Commander Dillon McKay will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously at a date determined by Mrs. McKay.

“Commander McKay wasn’t the only hero in Baghdad. His wingman, Lieutenant Joey Nitalli, a second generation Italian-American from the Bronx, took the initiative and wiped out the entire column of vehicles that continued to pound our embassy with deadly fire. Unopposed, those vehicles would surely have killed many more were it not for Nitalli’s bravery. I commend him for his actions and have recommended to the chairman of the joint chiefs that Lieutenant Nitalli receive the Navy Cross for his actions.

“Despite what some of you may think, these are not dark times. The bravery of our men and women in and out of uniform shows us there is always hope. No matter how close the peril and no matter how deep the opposing evil, we will stand, heads held high, jaw set, united.

“That brings me to the next part of my address. To the thugs and prospective recruits of the group known as ISIS, your time has come. While you may think the American people are weary of war, I am here to tell you that her military is not. You see us as a weak country that would rather lounge on the beach than fight. You couldn’t be more wrong. What you’ve forgotten is that in addition to our armed forces, we also have thousands of former special operations veterans who’ve come to me personally and volunteered for future service. They, along with our active duty military, can’t wait to come find you.

“Effective immediately, my administration will do everything in its power to protect the American people
and
its allies. This is not a question of money or power. This is a battle between right and wrong, between good and evil. We will win. This will not be a fight; this will be a tsunami overwhelming your forces wherever they might be.

“To the American people who believe that war is wrong, that peace should prevail, I would say that I agree. But in order to have peace, we must first have justice. We cannot and will not negotiate with terrorists or their supporters. These murderers will not see a courtroom and they will not see the inside of a jail cell. There is only one fate these cowards deserve.

“Here is my six step process for how we will first start with ISIS and then build an international force that will fight terrorism and corruption wherever it appears.

“First, in dedication to Lieutenant Commander McKay, Operation Crapshoot commenced at six o’clock this morning. I’ve directed a handpicked team currently deployed in Iraq to coordinate a tenfold increase in aerial bombing and close air support. In addition to aerial support, fifteen civilian security companies, including delegations from our international allies, are flying special operations veterans into Iraq. Those forces will be tasked with finding and annihilating ISIS, wherever they walk, eat or sleep. I’ve been told that they can’t wait to get started.

“Second, going forward, our military will be a major component in our battle against evil. Militaries need training. I’ve been assured by General McMillan and his staff that there is no better final training test than live combat. So without much more expenditure, we will do two things, train our troops of the future, and wipe out international threats.

“Third, I have a message for our allies. If you need us, we will be there. If evil raises its ugly head, we will be with you, arm in arm, fighting for what is right. But that aid comes with a caveat. Our allies must be dedicated to the common global ideals of personal and religious freedom. Any supposed ally who ignores these terms will find themselves without impunity. A criminal is a criminal. A thief is a thief. Decide which side you’re on, because our side carries a big stick.

“Fourth, to the religious leaders of the world, especially those of Islam, though we live with differing traditions, we are still one people on this Earth. What one person does always has the possibility of affecting others. If you want to be part of our community, it is time to do your part. Denounce the criminals who besmirch your faith. Tell your followers the true meaning of the Koran. Do not let the money and influence of hypocrites taint your religion or your people. We request that you do this now, respectfully, or face the scrutiny of America and our allies.

“Fifth, starting today, an unprecedented coalition of three former American presidents, my predecessor included, will travel around the globe to strengthen our alliances. Much like our brave military leaders, we will lead from the front, go where we are needed. We will go toe to toe with any who would seek to undermine our good intentions, and who trample the freedoms of our citizens. In the coming days you will find out how great our resolve truly is.

“Sixth, my staff is in the process of drafting a proposal for the members of the United Nations. The proposal will outline our recommendations for the formation of an international terrorism strike force along with an international tax that will fund ongoing anti-terrorism operations. Only the countries that contribute to this fund will be supported by the strike force. You pay to play.”

Zimmer’s eyes lightened, a smile appeared where moments before a scowl stood firm.

“To the citizens of the world, I tell you that help is coming. Stand with us. Raise your voices for good. Do what is right, not what is convenient. Help your neighbors. Do unto others as you would have done unto you.”

The president’s voice trailed off. The only sound in the hot room was the clicking of pictures and whirring of video cameras.

“So there it is. You’re either with us or against us. Choose wisely, for as President Teddy Roosevelt once said,
It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things
. Thank you for your time, and may God bless you all.”

President Zimmer turned and walked off stage, the roar of the reporters’ questions following him out.

Chapter 30

Mosul, Iraq

4:16pm AST, August 15
th

It was almost two hours after the American president’s address that The Master got to see it. The power had been out most of the day along with his internet connection. No doubt the Americans were somehow involved.

He watched Zimmer’s address three times, silent, listening to the man who’d so abruptly taken over the helm of leadership in the land the caliph considered his greatest enemy. The man formerly known as Kiril Valko digested the news without blinking. For months he’d tried to get an indication of what Zimmer’s response might be, what kind of man he was. It wasn’t until today that he got a true sense of Zimmer’s agenda, a glimpse into his soul. Always careful in his planning, Kiril knew ISIS had overstepped. He had planned poorly.

Every detail of the Bagdad operation had been planned with simplicity in mind. He’d learned that years ago when first commanding a group of illiterate peasants who couldn’t read a map, let alone follow a set of complex orders.

Overwhelming force virtually guaranteed their success, but cruel fate stepped in. If the attack on the embassy had gone as planned, nothing else would have mattered. The Americans could bomb them until their dollars were spent and he could care less. It was supposed to be the key to decades of future recruitment around the world, much like the attacks on 9/11. Videos of the death and destruction could be used for years to come. Outposts and strongholds built. Armies raised.

Unfortunately, the Americans had gotten lucky, thwarted his brave warriors and the Iraqi army officers who he’d paid handsomely. Even now the Iraqi colonel tasked with the military parade diversion was being tortured, soon to be within an inch of his life. He’d hidden the millions somewhere, but the interrogator told The Master that the information would soon come. After all, they had the rest of the colonel’s family watching their patriarch, waiting for their turn in the blood drenched cell.

Kiril clicked his laptop closed and inhaled deeply. The reports were coming in from across Iraq and Syria. The Americans and their allies were bombing his brothers, many scurrying for hiding like cowards. If he wasn’t careful, his troops could be decimated. Although he believed those killed would live happy in the afterlife, he couldn’t let it happen. He needed his men if his plan was to succeed.

Establishing the caliphate in the Middle East was important, vitally so, but there were still other things to accomplish. Kiril Valko, Bulgarian by birth but a faithful follower of Allah by reawakening, stood from his chair, raising his hands to the ceiling, eyes cast to the heavens.
Guide me in my quest
.

+++

Erbil, Iraq

Kurdistan Regional Capital

4:57pm AST, August 15
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Hasan al-Mawsil marveled at the level of advancement in the Kurdish capital. He’d been there many times over the years, each trip finding that many things had changed. In the decade since Saddam’s ouster, a huge influx of international aid, primary American, flowed into the Kurdish stronghold. New buildings rose into the sky on what seemed like a daily basis. Shopping centers and office building housed international corporations that saw the Kurds as valuable allies.

Erbil was prospering despite the infighting in Baghdad and the encroachment of ISIS. The city of 1.5 million residents stood strong against the horde, one of the few bright spots in a tangled web of Iraqi inconsistency and bickering.

Hasan sat in the ancient Citadel of Erbil overlooking the rest of Erbil from its 100-foot plateau. Shaped in a rough circle, the original heart of the city looked like a shallow bowl from the sky. Some said the citadel was the oldest continuously inhabited town in the world. Hasan had heard that only one family remained in residence while the old fort was renovated, cranes and trucks dotting the streets at regular intervals. There was deep history in its stones. Hasan could feel it.

He felt a million miles away from Mosul even though the distance was just over fifty miles. A short drive.

His contacts said the Americans would meet him soon, probably under the cover of darkness, as was their way. It couldn’t happen soon enough.

He’d watched the American president’s address with a mixture of excitement and fear. Hasan knew that if the Americans wanted to do something, they would do it. Their warriors were said to be the best in the world. He’d met many Americans over the years. Most were courteous and humble, people Hasan could respect. Brave like his brother. Who else would fight far from home, death likely every day, all for the freedom of a foreign land?

There were still hours until the appointed time, and Hasan allowed himself to relax for the first time in months, gazing out over the city, waiting for the sunset, and the Americans.

+++

Iraq had experienced it before, the might of the American military, the relentless bombings, the deep thrumming of tremulous explosions. They’d been warned to lay low, allow the attacks to commence, not get in the way. Even now the distant booms from cruise missiles and drone attacks could be heard intermittently. It was beginning.

It would be worse when darkness fell, the invisible specters of high altitude bombers and swooping aircraft dropping their pinpoint payloads. Death dealers in the night.

Much had changed since 2003, but many things had not. The ancient system of cronyism and bribery resurfaced despite the best efforts of America and its allies. It was too entrenched from centuries of corruption. Every day its dark tentacles reached out to ensnare more willing servants. No one was safe, least of all the politicians hidden safely in their compounds, lording over the masses.

But now the American president was saying he would deal with these tainted men, those who sought to suppress freedoms, not just in Iraq, but around the world. It was too hard to believe, that one man could do such a thing. How could he dare it? Would he succeed?

No one knew the American president, this Zimmer, but they were about to find out about his resolve. Iraqis would experience a night filled with the screams of the dying, the last gasps of jihadists, the silence of the dead. The ISIS Passover had begun.