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  All the department heads who will be eliminated have been listed, and each one receives $177,000 per annum. That amounts to a first-year savings of $1,239,000, without counting staff, expense accounts, travel, and supplies.

  This is an oversimplification. A line- by-line search of the Federal budget will reveal most of those salaries hidden in internal funds. That practice will end.

  Robert Curtis

  President of the United States of America

  CHAPTER THREE

  The military bases in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado absorbed thousands of active-duty military and their families. The problem was, the budget hadn’t caught up to the demands on those bases. Texas had fifteen such bases, and all were up to or over their table of allowances. It all stemmed from the president’s Executive Order to base men and women near their homes. It wasn’t working. Some bases were so overstaffed, people had little or nothing to do.

  The latest announcement came in from Washington. The failure of President Curtis’s welfare and housing reforms cost the government massive amounts of money and a substantial loss of confidence and respect.

  Most of the welfare recipients weren’t only able to prove their eligibility. They also found ways to receive more money than before, which would cause future problems. Professional welfare recipients and their advocates always found ways to cheat more from the taxpayers.

  That created a tremendous increase in the Treasury Department’s forecasts. Those officials did all they could to deflect the blame. Like other areas in the country’s bureaucracy, they tried to blame President Curtis. Even some of his own people and advisors were less than cooperative.

  His initiatives were negated by those who were lifetime wards of the state. They knew nothing but government handouts since the days of Lyndon Johnson. His Great Society wasn’t all that great for those who wanted to work for a living. Interference from outside agitators made the situation worse. Publicity hungry, self- appointed spokesmen and women in Armani suits and Rolex watches grabbed headlines by appearing with starving babies and destitute single mothers. There was no mention of the missing fathers.

  For the first time in modern history, the military would miss a payday if something wasn’t done immediately. Funds available to the Treasury were almost exhausted.

  Unfortunately, there was nothing to be done. Welfare and handouts took priority over defense. Many grumbled about it, but no one took action to change it, or so conventional thinking went. In reality, many changes were coming from laws that were moving through the government before the inauguration and were finally ready to be enacted.

  In Texas, a message went to the governors of various surrounding states. A meeting would be held in Austin, the capital of Texas. Changes would be made, and they wouldn’t be for the good of the minority.

  Governor Kyle Harris of Texas watched his budget dwindle more each year. The so-called entitlement programs were ruining the nation. Many locals blamed it on uncontrolled immigration, with the new immigrants taking away jobs. Kyle knew better. The rampant socialism prevalent in America was causing the collapse of the country’s economics.

  Harris felt like spitting. “Taking jobs, indeed. Those jobs would be left undone before those losers would drop their welfare and dirty their hands.”

  He had no trouble with anyone who wanted to come to America to work. Most of the immigrants built highways, houses, and buildings, while welfare veterans walked the streets, posed, and goofed off. They complained they were hampered by bad backs or bad feet. He saw plenty of that and needed to take action against it. If his proposed coalition worked out, there would be some mighty disappointed people hanging around convenience storefronts in a few months.

  Another thought occurred to him. Jefferson once said, “A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.” Jefferson never lived with the messes Lyndon Johnson and the current president caused. No longer did the majority rule.

  Everything was set up for the welfare kings and queens who never contributed anything to the government, but that would stop. No one would show the courage to stand up to radical loudmouths and the politically correct crowd.

  Harris often thought of some acquaintances of his ultra left wing criers and moaners. They talked about how the downtrodden needed government help. They never thought that help meant making it easier for a person to achieve on his own. It didn’t mean endless giving.

  Those were the same people who would bemoan the fate of the downtrodden but rarely thought about them when taking multiple cruises each year or attending fancy banquets. They begrudgingly tipped waiters and waitresses to clean their messes, then they paid a pittance to the man who cleaned their Mercedes or BMW. They bragged about how they lifted people up from poverty.

  Talk is cheap. Giveaway programs aren’t. They could convince themselves that talking about problems would solve them.

  It had to stop. Harris was neither sympathetic nor politically correct. He scheduled a meeting with the Texas Attorney General for 2:30 that afternoon, when he would finalize his plans. Harris and others lost faith in the president, Congress, and the Supreme Court. They needed to create changes. Harris felt he and his group were the ones who could do it, and they would move soon.

  His closest advisors told him to start now.

  Harris knew he was right. If anyone took his changes as an insult to the downtrodden, so be it. The ones who would be crying would be the media and the ACLU, both of which he didn’t give a cow chip in Cuero about.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Colonel Willis W. Polk, Commander of the Texas Rangers, was a frequent visitor to the governor, so his current visit would draw little attention from the press. Most of the press vultures lounged in the press break room, anyway.

  At the Executive Office, he was met at the door by a fellow Ranger in full combat dress. Polk approved and told the man he was a magnificent representative of the Rangers and the State of Texas. The ranger asked for Polk’s ID card and pass, which Polk gladly gave.

  When the young trooper waved him inside, Polk saluted and noted his name and unit. A man that sharp and unimpressed by rank would bear watching. Colonel Polk rewarded excellence.

  Governor Harris walked around his Texas-sized desk to meet his old college classmate and war buddy. “Willis, old friend, please sit down and relax.”

  “Yes, Sir. Thank you. It’s good to be here again.” “Relax, Willis. You can call me Kyle anytime.

  “No, Sir, not while in uniform or in this building. I hope you’ll indulge me on this.”

  “Yes, yes. Of course. Surely you’ll share coffee and white chocolate with macadamia nut cookies with me.”

  “I’ll take that as a direct order, and I shall comply.”

  The formalities taken care of, they settled back in the manner of two men who were best friends and partners in work and play.

  “Willis, we’re ready to do what we’ve been working on for a long time,” Harris began. “Ever since our days of struggle in college and afterward in the war, we’ve seen the erosion and degradation of the state and country we love. We’ve been able to do very little about it, though we tried. None of it was in vain.

  Governors Amalia Espada, John Raven, Matt Wilson, and Simon Tate will be here this afternoon. They’re traveling with only one guard and one assistant each. Someone will meet them at Austin’s Bergstrom Airport and bring them here in state cars this evening.”

  “All four agreed to what we formulated?”

  “Yes. It’s mainly due to the prodding and lobbying by former Vice President Eliot Randall. He may be our best ally and is certainly dependable.

  “We can proceed with our plan to speed things up. I’m appointing you Adjutant General of the State of Texas. Since Jeffrey Dickinson died suddenly last month, the post has been empty. You’ll be reporting directly to me for providing trained forces in the Texas Army Guard, the Texas Air Guard, the Te
xas State Guard, and the Adjutant General’s Department, better known as the Texas Military Forces. The Texas Rangers will be included in this.

  “You’ll be in command of state operations with overall command of all departments. You’ll keep the Rangers as your primary source of manpower. I’d recommend you find an aide to help you with anything you don’t have time for. Believe me, you won’t have time for everything that I and the state need, but I’ll leave that up to you. You know your men better than any commander in the past.”

  Willis smiled, thinking of some of the commanders he and Kyle had worked for when they were in the military together. Only one higher ranking officer impressed them, but Ray Green was far away in distance and frame of mind. Currently the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he wasn’t aware of the two men’s aims.

  “You must start organizing the different groups to come under your command. As Adjutant General, you’ll outrank any military group in the state. You’re the commander. Messages have already been sent to that effect. I have received replies.”

  “All commanders have agreed to the plan. They know how the situation will be, and they know you’ll give the necessary leadership in the coming months.”

  “How are things, Governor? Is this the course we charted during those many nights in this office? Do we have the needed support to declare ourselves independent of the mess in Washington?”

  “As you know, Willis, I’ve been meeting with the Attorney General and various legislative leaders, as well as our representatives in Washington. They agree this is the time to act. I need assurance of cooperation from the military.

  “All the actions are proceeding according to our original plan. The one remaining task is for you to find an aide de camp and make sure he has the rank and ability to make himself heard and respected. He must know everything, and his input can begin now. One man who comes to mind is Captain Scott Roberts, your office manager. I believe he deserves more and would provide you with what you need.

  “You and I have a lot of work to do. I’m proud to know and work with a man of your stature and ability.”

  The two men discussed the upcoming meetings and the agenda for the shakeup they were about to start. Governor Harris told Polk legislative meetings would start soon, and he needed to be there. Polk stood and saluted his soon-to-be Commander in Chief.

  When Polk returned to the hall, he was met by a squad of Rangers led by Captain Roberts, who saluted and said, “Please follow us, Sir. Your transportation is waiting.”

  “Wait a few minutes. I want the man guarding the door placed on my guard detail.”

  Roberts replaced the man with someone from his platoon. The party walked outside under the many-columned porticos on one side of the mansion and met a Bradley Fighting Vehicle with the Texas flag on it – Polk’s sole mode of transportation from then on.

  They drove to Ranger headquarters outside of town. They had a lot to do but not much time to do it.

  Arriving at headquarters, Polk went to his office, while Ranger Roberts picked up the distribution documents and messages. The first message was sealed in an envelope with Top Secret taped across the opening. Scott took it to his office to read. Then he took it to the Adjutant General’s office, dropping it on the desk and sitting in a couch while Polk read.

  “It’s time to start, Scott,” Polk said finally. “This will be great. Get the division officers together for a meeting as soon as possible.” He stared out the windows and thought, Kyle Harris, my old friend, I hope you know what you’re doing.

  He turned back to Roberts. “Scott I want to know where your loyalties lie. We’re embarking on a dangerous journey, and I want you with me.”

  Scott didn’t have to consider his answer. He immediately said, “God, Texas, and you, Sir.”

  “Do any of them trump the others?”

  “Yes, Sir. God’s foremost. Texas is second. You’re third. All else is subordinate.”

  “Sit down, Lieutenant Colonel, and relax. Yes, that’s right. You’re now a Lieutenant Colonel by order of the Adjutant General of Texas. I have a story and a proposition for you. Whatever you choose, you’ll leave this room a changed man. Hear me out, then we’ll discuss everything.

  “I’m going to tell you what has happened. Some of it you know, some will be a surprise. I doubt any of it will shock you. I want you to stick with me. If you feel you can’t, I need to know it.”

  “Everything we’re doing is for the good of Texas. I can’t think of another man I want beside me as we save this state and its people. Do you have any doubts about your loyalty to me or the state?”

  Lieutenant Colonel Roberts looked at the general. “No, Sir. I have no doubt that I serve at your pleasure, and the pleasure is mine. If it doesn’t go against the laws of God, I’ll back you and Texas to the end.”

  Polk smiled and nodded, then he leaned back. “A few years ago, Vice President Randall met with me and Governor Harris….”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Governor Amalia Espada of New Mexico arrived in Austin with her retinue. She was the subject of many recent TV interviews and raised considerable objections to almost everything that came out of Washington. Her stance was based on state’s rights. She felt the federal government crossed too many lines and interfered with the citizens. Instead of a few complicated bureaucracies interfering, there were many minor bureaucracies interfering even more.

  An old saying went that power gained recently is the most severe. She took that to mean that recently demoted bureaucrats were the severest. Such people took their anger out on governors or companies that supported the Reduction in Force (RIF) the president proposed and implemented.

  Governor Espada was a leading critic of such a move, saying the reason government officials were too tough in enforcing the changes was because they were vindictive. She knew what she thought and was willing to say it. Like always, she said Washington went too far.

  She spoke with Governor Harris and her fellow New Mexican ex-Vice President Randall, and both agreed. They listened and proposed a few ideas. She found them intriguing and saw they could mean an end to the problems caused by the bloated government in Washington.

  Governors Wilson, Espada, Raven, Tate, and former Vice President Elliott Randall rested in preparation for their meeting. Governor Harris was on the phone and hadn’t rested for sixteen

  hours. Finally taking a break, he paced to restore circulation to his legs and give himself a chance to clear his mind.

  Aides set up the conference room. Governor Harris walked in to look it over and saw Steve Austin, Jim Bowie, and Sam Houston looking at him from their portraits on the wall.

  All seemed to nod in approval. Of them all, Houston would have known what was at stake—and would have approved of the actions the governors were ready to take.

  Harris went to his apartment and showered before donning a fresh shirt, tie, and three-piece suit. He wore lace-up Florsheim wingtip shoes, having never developed an affectation for boots, which he wore only when required by convention. He had only two pair, which were like new. His normal business attire was a three- piece, navy-blue, pin-stripe suit with his favorite tie. When he looked at himself in the mirror, he saw confidence and authority.

  He walked into the meeting room, wanting to be the first one there to greet the arrivals.

  Adjutant General Polk was the first to arrive with Lieutenant Colonel Scott Roberts as his aide de camp. Polk looked imposing in his dress uniform, as did Roberts. Polk exuded authority, while Roberts was the image of calm, confidence and ability. Both were formidable men, forces to be reckoned with. Harris, a soldier who’d seen combat, was comfortable with those men. He knew quality when he saw it.

  Polk took his place beside Governor Harris to greet the other arrivals. Governors Espada and Raven arrived together, talking as they walked down the hall.

  When they entered the conference room, they left their escorts at the door. Governor Harris’ enthusiasm was overwhelming to some, but not
to Governor Raven. Governor Espada welcomed it. She was accompanied by her own security force, who, in deference to the Rangers, remained with her limousine. Governor Raven’s men were outside by the governor’s car and their communications gear. The other security forces had been at the capitol many times and knew that if the Rangers were inside, their governors were safe.

  Governor Raven came to Austin on his own. His Director of Public Safety would meet him in his guest room after the meeting.

  Raven was pleased that Harris was showing some backbone. Raven wanted to do what Harris suggested, but he had to hold back, because he didn’t have enough resources.

  Next to arrive was Governor Matt Wilson of Arizona, a former professor of government and a member of the Rand Corporation Think Tank. He was on the kitchen cabinet of two former presidents. With him came Simon Tate, the Governor of Colorado, who was much like Wilson. A landowner and developer, Tate surveyed his own property and cleared several mountain sides to build a nature-friendly cabin for his family and a detached one for his and his wife’s parents.

  Lieutenant Colonel Roberts was near the door, ready to close it, but Governor Harris told him to wait for another guest. Roberts was surprised to see ex-Vice President Elliott Randall march into the room. Accustomed to being the center of attention, he exuded an aura of power. Contrary to what the current president thought, Randall’s age hadn’t diminished him.

  When Randall walked into the room, all stood and applauded him. They greeted him and wished him well, but he waved it off.

  He just didn’t want to deal with the current administration any longer.

  “Thank you one and all,” Randall said. “From the time I resigned from that joke of an administration, I no longer cared to be associated with it.”