MacArthur's Freehold

Chapter 7

Chapter 7 -- FEQWQTRGQZEFPTGREWFCDMR

"As my father said" Donald began "we are part of a resistance organization. I know that that term usually refers to something that exists during a war, or an occupation of one's homeland by a foreign power. In this case it is a war, it just isn't yet out in the open. We're laying the groundwork, preparing for the time when this situation can't be allowed to continue.

"How long that will be, there's no way to know. The present government is determined to turn this country into a liberal fascist regime, and now that they seem certain to control elections from here on out. They're likely to have complete control after the next election, not that there is any serious opposition now. The only thing saving us so far is their incompetence and that most of the population is so thoroughly corrupt as to be unpredictable should they make any major mistakes.

"Most of the major cities, even most of them in conservative states, have become veritable hell-holes of crime populated by parasites. The politicians who have been buying their votes with the taxpayers' money may not know what to do when the money runs out. We can certainly expect the usual riots and destruction, but who knows what the government will do with literally millions of people who have been dependent for their entire lives.

"They won't be coming out of the cities, not in any great numbers. Most of them don't have any way to travel, or any idea where to go. It's going to be one big mess, which is one scenario we hope for. Those of us out here in the country, mostly armed, can defend ourselves. We just hope the eruptions in the cities will be starting before the government gets its plans for the rest of us underway."

"You mean taking the guns? Locking up political dissidents?" asked Carter.

"To begin with" replied Donald. "There are a lot of other plans, but those will come first. Which is why we are hoping the cities blow up first. With about forty cities over a half million population, and most of that is the underclass, it's going to be wild. And of course by then, it will be in our interests to be sure it does, and encourage it."

"Infiltrate the bad guys, agents provocateur. Something like that?" Carter asked.

"I like the way you think" said Donald. "If necessary, and other measures may be needed as well. As I said, given the incompetence, and downright stupidity, of many in the government, they won't know when we arrive at the breaking point. The fact that we will be ready for it gives us an advantage. The government will be reacting to circumstances while we are carrying out already prepared plans."

"You said you're part of an organization. If I may ask, how big is it?."

"It's big." Donald said. "Our organization has about twenty available people, and we're actually one of the smaller ones. There are a few with close to a hundred, but that's getting to the point where security becomes a problem.

"We have operations in, I believe, eighteen states. That may not seem like much in the way of coverage, but some states are not even worth considering for our purposes. If we are successful, they won't matter. We have the entire southern section of the country covered, coast to coast. Along with the entire southeast."

"You mentioned security." said Carter. "How tight is the operation?"

"I would ask if you've heard anything about us, even rumors. But you've been out of it for a while. But that's one thing we constantly look for - any signs that our existence is even suspected. So far, it isn't."

"How did you happen to be interested in me?"

"Tommy believed you would be a good candidate. Aside from the fact that you seemed to have no goal in life other than revenge, he saw you had potential. He's been through the mill himself. While we're on the subject, what are your thoughts on vengeance now?"