Chapter 9
Heart, Will and Force
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    The Saint Ann's Church in Cleveland has stood on a small side street for over 100 years and is one of the many churches in the United States that through a vote of nearly 100% of the parishioners, chose to join The Restoration as a single body and not as a group of individuals.  It is a rather small church, and like so many of the others, has gone on a 12 hour Mass schedule on Sundays due to the marked increase in attendance.  The setting is so traditional.  There is the original crucifix and statues of Mary and Joseph at the front of the church.  Votive candles are on both front walls and confessional booths have been re-installed at the rear of the sanctuary.  
    The elderly priest's voice has an authoritative tone that disputes his rather frail appearance, and his homily was not preceded by the reading of a specific scripture but only a brief reference to Christ's words when he spoke to his apostles, "The world will hate you and seek to kill you." 
    The old man has been a priest for who knows how many years, and there is a sincerity in his voice as he says, "Much of our faith is based on the remembrance of a man who came into the world and during his short life, gave us a message of love, understanding,  forgiveness and most importantly of all - purpose.  He was constantly telling his apostles what they should do when he had departed this world but his loving words were not intended for them alone.  No, they were intended for each of us as well for it is we who are now the Church and with that.... with that, there is much responsibility.  Surely, meeting this responsibility must first begin by reading the scriptures but it must not stop there.  As a young man, and even after that, when I heard a scripture reading or homily, many times I felt it had a very special meaning to me, because it spoke to some thought that was in my mind or some responsibility I knew I had but sometimes was reluctant to recognize.  We must, therefore, look into our own lives and ask is there a purpose there or do we simply follow the lines of least resistance and permit ourselves coast one way or the other, refusing to know truth and a clear path towards purpose when it is presented to us."
    "If we are sincere, truth can find its way into our hearts where it is our responsibility alone to develop or make the best use of the force at our hands to lead us in the direction we know is right.  Truth, will and force notwithstanding, there will always be evil in the world; and for one person, this essential force might simply be small acts of kindness.  Feed the hungry, help to shelter the homeless and each day, try to do something that will bring a moment of peace to someone who may need your kind words or simple acts more than you may know or fail to recognize.  Still others, due to their positions in life, may have far stronger degrees of force at their hands, and it is they who, if demanded by circumstances, must respond with that force in the same manner as someone else who only offers a meal to someone who is hungry or makes a contribution to some worthwhile purpose.  Some will not respond to kindness and indeed, may rebel against it under the banner of some deceitful cause, only offered as a mask for what they do.  Again, only recall Christ's words, 'Some will hate you and seek to kill you.'"
    "Once we have taken that essential first step and know the purpose we must seek, be it great or small, we will be guided not only by intellect but also by emotion, will and determination towards the cause of bringing back the real America, for the real America is there, laying dormant much the same as will and purpose may be laying dormant in our hearts.  As I stand before you here today, I am only what I've always been - a parish priest. I hope with the determination to do the will of Christ but in any event, limited authority to move on the scale needed to restore America.  Somehow, I know in my own heart that The Restoration has much more power at its hands than we may realize.  There must be a force to set it off towards the truth of one Church that must seize upon the authority The Restoration has every right and responsibility to grant.  I wonder where it will lead us."

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    Isaac Greenblat is short, fat, bald, has a hook noise and can be identified as a Jew as far as he can be seen.  He took special offense at Melvin Rubenstein's press conference and his "intimidating threat" in demanding Greenblat Enterprises cease distribution of some of its video games.  Some local editorial writers referred to The Restoration's effort to establish itself as a reborn Nazi force that, if permitted to expand, would eventually rule with an iron hand and destroy freedom and right to privacy.  Once his challenging comments were seized upon by the news media and turned into an item of entertainment in the same manner as reporting Hollywood divorce actions, representatives from the Descendents of the World and International Diversity Society organizations descended on Cleveland like vultures on an animal corpse, organizing a number of protests against alleged terror tactics and threats by The Restoration.  There is even a representative from the Gay Rights Alliance in this protest gathering due to The Church's strong position against homosexuality.  Greenblat's speech, which opened the protest,  did not make an effective connection between the restoration of American and what was described as "freedom-loving people's right to privacy," an obvious reference to the success of gay lobbyists at the state legislature and efforts to continue the practice of making medical records unavailable to potential employers or require medical tests to determine the existence of venereal diseases and AIDS - an unacknowledged threat from homosexuals.
    Greenblat is quite a promoter and pounced on the opportunity to organize all the unrest into a hip-hop and rap concert on the premises of Greenblat Enterprises where booths are set up to market a number of products ranging from porn videos to magazines containing only strange photographs of men holding hands and kissing each other.  After the concert, there is to be a march on local churches that have joined The Restoration in a protest against "a movement towards Nazi-type anarchy."
    The day is perfect with clear skies and moderate temperature.  Many thousands of mostly younger people fill the parking lot in front of the main production building.  After several speeches from members of Descendents of the World and the International Diversity Society, the affair takes a rather unusual turn from extreme political views to rather striking examples of the very trend The Restoration is committed to defeat.  At this moment, the Rubberheads are on stage performing several numbers from a recent album that achieved gold status in only a few weeks.  The group consists of 4 emaciated, long haired men with much ornamentation on their faces and large, dangling earrings.  All of them are wearing hats that look like oversized condoms and dangle down on the sides of their heads like a Santa Clause cap.  The group is just finishing the final spot which includes 3 titles from the album - Go Where Your Prick Points, Get High And Strange Ass Will Come To Pass and Wet Cunts And Funny Stunts.  At the conclusion of those assertions of modern-day artistry, the large mass begins moving in the direction of the Saint Ann's Church.
    There is the quite obvious scent of marijuana in the mob.  In a well-embellished means to mock The Restoration  during the concert, a number of individuals dressed in white robes with their heads covered had circulated through the crowd.  At first, they kept shouting, "Hail Hitler," but presently began passing out small bags containing a white substance.  Many in the crowd appear under the influence of some drug and become progressively more unruly and hostile as the demonstration approaches the church.  There are placards with swastikas and others depicting Adolf Hitler dressed as a priest.  The drugs, inflammatory rhetoric during the speeches and screaming music has produced an aggregate, hostile fervor that continues to build as the mob moves forward.  The hooded individuals begin the chant, "No more Nazis, No more Nazis," and as they all reach the church, some begin to throw rocks through the stained glass windows.  As the chants grow louder and louder, the robed individuals assemble and move away from the crowd and towards the back of the church.  Soon, there is smoke, and the mood of the protest quickly takes on a manner of panic.  People are running, not knowing where they are going.  Some fall to the ground and are stomped over by the horror-stricken mass.   Several Molotov Cocktails are thrown onto the roof, and within a number of minutes, the old church comes crashing to the ground.  For many decades, it had been a place of peace and solace but in an instant, it is taken away in an act of reprisal against something that all those people now fleeing through the streets do not even understand.  Worse of all, with it is also taken the poor souls who had come to their church to pray and seek a moment of peace.

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    Within hours after the St. Ann attack, The Leader requested a press conference.  All the networks recognized the entertainment value their commentary could offer after his statement - not to mention the increased cost of advertising granted by a large viewing audience.
    As The Leader faces the reporters in the press room of the church compound, all are struck by the fact he is no longer dressed as a priest but is wearing the black fatigue uniform of the SS.  His expression is stern, and his opening statement very brief.  "I understand some of you were quite put out by the last press conference when Rubenstein asked all the questions but speculations arising from questions at this point would serve no purpose.  First of all, let me thank the networks for carrying this conference.  My main purpose, I should say my only purpose, in requesting access to the media is to, within the authority of The Church, order all party members, parishioners, volunteers and anyone working with The Restoration to take no retaliatory action against anyone you think or might know is responsible for the St. Ann attack.  Any such uncoordinated vandalism can only serve the purpose of those working against the rebuilding of America.  Such acts as the terrorist action against the Techside Apartments and St. Ann's Church are an effort to turn the face of The Restoration into one of hate by acts of the very sort we are being accused.  This is not to say that any overt action against the movement will be allowed to stand but any such response must be well-directed and under central control.  With actions such as the Techside and St. Ann attacks, there is a clear threat, and I believe an intent, to create and fuel opposing forces within the country.  The Church orders there be no retaliatory street violence for this would only play into the hands of those who seek to divide us.  Our intelligence extends much further than I can reveal but only know these attacks are not random acts.  I can only say they must be stopped."
    When he pauses, the press takes it the opening statement is concluded, and one reporter asks in a very loud voice, "What do you mean must be stopped?"    
    The Leader asks, "What would you do if burglars began removing furniture from your house in broad daylight?"
    The reporter snaps, "I'd call the police and let the proper authority handle it."
    "Do you really think a burglar would stand by and watch you call someone to come and arrest him?"
    "No, but we can't have anyone who chooses to do so take the law into his own hands," the reporter says in a very intimidating voice.
    The Leader smiles and leans forward.  "Young man, young man, you must not have listened to what I just said.  Just anyone, as you put it, is not going take the law into his own hands.  Think about it.  You in the media are always speaking of human rights and privacy.  Whose rights were violated by the Techside and St. Ann attacks?  If you refuse to report the true facts, I'll tell you.  It was the homeless who are trying to regain their lives.  It was the innocent people who were killed at St. Ann's.  After the Lee Street attack, why did you chose to make something of a hide-and-seek game out of it and build viewer interest like one of those television series by assigning a bunch of investigative reporters to run down those responsible.  Why didn't you report the real issue.  Drugs, weapons and inflammatory propaganda were seized.  What do you expect the Chytinos were planning to do with that - save it all for the next 4th of July parade?"
    Another reporter stands up so quickly he almost stumbles over himself and asks, "You keep saying these incidents are under investigation and you can't specifically comment on involvement but all your comments contain a latent admission it was The Restoration who was responsible for the Lee Street attack.  I'm going to take it you were involved.  How do you justify that?"
    The Leader tilts his head and in a demeaning voices, says, "And how do you justify the attack on the Techside Crusade?  Surely you don't think efforts to feed and shelter the homeless, create public works projects that will bring jobs into the blighted areas of the city and try to restore the American spirit are worthy of such despicable action."
    The reporter snaps, "And what do you think would happen if anyone who feels justified takes the law into his own hands, as you seem to have done?  Law enforcement has that responsibility."
    The Leader smiles.  "At last we are in agreement with the press but don't stop with law enforcement.  Look into the many state and federal agencies that have all sorts of responsibilities.  Just to mention a few important issues you might consider, crime is increasing, unemployment is at its highest in 25 years, and the treatment of illnesses has reached a point too expensive to be treated within the insurance system and has been relegated into washed hands pain management where the patient can only hope for death to relieve the suffering.  When such conditions exist and those responsible to deal with such issues as you put it, either due to incompetence or political expediency, refuse to face their responsibilities, it is The Church who has every right and responsibility to take action."  He begins to shake his head.  "I really don't see that we need to continue this any further.  I was hoping your questions would be directed towards the real issues facing the country but you refuse to remove yourselves from the cesspool, tabloid atmosphere that has ruled the press for sometime.  The conference is concluded."

The Evening News

    The local television anchorperson is a very attractive young woman with bleached hair, a bright red suit and too much makeup.  She does, however, seem quite at ease, and her comments are presented in a clear and well-organized manner.  "Local high school officials have suspended Emily Harris pending further investigation into claims by several parents she had sexual relations with some of her students.  In one instance, it is alleged she followed a 13 year old boy to a church outing in the north Georgia mountains and continued the relationship in a motel across the street from where his Sunday School class was staying at a church in Blue Ridge, Georgia.  Her husband was contacted by Headline News but declined comment."
    "The Atlanta Board of Education also made another announcement today regarding the overcrowding of schools in certain sections of the city.  It cited the barrier presented by students speaking several different languages required that English-speaking Caucasians and Negroes be bussed into areas where English is the dominant language."
    "The Gay Rights Alliance at its annual convention in Chicago pledges to continue its fight to protect the rights of gay and lesbian couples.  The central issue is privacy and denial to access to medical records from potential employers.  Presently, there is a case brought by Burger Busters pending before the Supreme Court in which it is maintained the food service industry has a special responsibility to protect the general public from the transmission of diseases from the handling of food by those infected with AIDS.  The alliance maintains there is no evidence the disease can be transmitted by other than blood to blood contract, and access to records would be an invasion of privacy."
    "This report just in from Nashville.  Law enforcement officials have again searched the home of Jonnie Morris, seeking evidence in a pending case involving the molestation of under-age males that frequently stayed overnight at the entertainer's estate.  Several years ago, a similar case was settled out of court when the plaintiff, without explanation, withdrew all charges.  Morris has consistently denied any wrong-doing and maintains such overnight visits result from her love of children and nothing else."
    "On the national scene, Pope Anthony officially excommunicated all party members of The Restoration and any Catholic who has become a member of the many churches this movement has gained throughout the nation.  In a brief statement, the Pope announced the excommunication and stated, 'This movement represents a return to Nazi terror and reprisal tactics that stained the last century and any such methods under the name of God are blasphemous.'  Melvin Rubenstien, the Public Information Officer of The Restoration, issued the terse, one sentence reply, "One cannot evict someone from a run-down building he has already vacated on his own.'"
    "The Cleveland Police Department today issued a statement they have no specific leads as to who was responsible for the recent attack on the Saint Ann's Church and regard the incident as a public demonstration that simply got out of hand.  Following this attack, there were random acts of violence against adult entertainment businesses throughout the nation, however, this ceased when The Restoration issued what amounted to an order to cease any further public demonstrations.  At the same time the order was issue, there was a strong implication The Restoration would take some action under what was referred to as a policy of central control."
    "Today in Washington....I think....yes, we're getting a breaking news report from Cleveland and now join the national network for their on the scene coverage."
    "This is Dan Planter reporting from the site of Greenblat Enterprises where within the past few minutes, some sort of activity was reported to 911.  All streets surrounding the manufacturing complex have been sealed off by persons dressed in swat team type uniforms, and employees are being escorted from the buildings and held at gunpoint in the parking lot.  Now....now, there's a bull horn sounding.  It's....it's demanding that anyone remaining in the buildings immediately vacate.  There's 25 or so men in the same type uniforms, heavily armed and crouched around the buildings.  Everyone is wondering where are the police.  It's been several minutes and no one has come from any of the buildings.  The uniformed men are running towards the parking lot.  The employees are screaming and many are laying on the ground.  I'm not sure what....what...."
    As the reporter continues his frantic commentary, there is the sound of engines in the sky towards the north.  Soon, one delta-wing fighter-bomber appears, followed by 3 troop-carrying helicopters.  The fighter plane peels off from the formation, gains altitude and begins to circle back towards the complex. All the markings on the fighter and helicopters are obscured by what looks like duct tape.  The airplane begins a 60 degree dive towards the main production building and fires 3 wing-mounted rockets into the roof section.  There are several explosions causing the roof to collapse and expose the interior of the building.  The fighter begins a rapid climb and circles for another pass at a much lower speed before releasing one laser-guided bomb into the center of the building.  There is a massive explosion sending fragmented masonry, steel and glass in all directions.  Those laying in the parking lot are covered in concrete dust.  The building is quickly involved in rapidly spreading flame which ignites the large inventory of x-rated film and cassettes emitting large columns of black smoke into the sky.  After the second pass, the fighter regains speed and disappears towards the east.  The helicopters quickly land, and all the men on the ground run through their open doors except for 3 who are running along the back of the helicopters throwing smoke grenades between them and the screaming employees.  Thick white smoke obscures the helicopters, and only their motors can be heard as they take off in the same general direction as the fighter.  The smoke begins to clear.  Someone in the parking lot shouts, "Look there!" and points to a black crucifix driven into the ground on a wooden stake.  It is the only discernable object remaining in the flaming, smoking mass of destruction.

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    The Oval Office in the White House presents one of the few traditional settings in Washington DC that has remained the same over the years.  There's still the dark blue rug with the spread eagle, and the walls are the same light blue color they have been for so very long.  The wall still has the pictures of pivotal moments in American history - George Washington crossing the Delaware, the Pacific Fleet in flames at Pearl Harbor and the raising of the American Flag on Iwo Jimo.
    Tradition, however, is not in anyone's mind as the entire cabinet faces the President whose manner and expression convey something of a disoriented nature and do little to instill confidence in the leader of a nation in turmoil on nearly every front of objective analysis.
    The President looks at the Secretary of Defense and asks in a tone underscoring his anxiety, "Where did those damn helicopters and fighter come from?"
    The only thing the secretary knew would occur in the hastily-arranged meeting was that he would be asked that very question.  He tries to convey some degree of awareness when he responds, "Sir, due to the range of the aircraft, they could have come from a number of bases - maybe even an aircraft carrier."
    The President continues to stare at him, expecting a more detailed and informative response but when the secretary simply returns his muted stare, the President extends one hand into the air and says, "Where they came from might not be the central issue.  No one in the country outside this room has the authority to order an attack on a domestic target."
    He looks toward the Secretary of Homeland Security, an agency that has been trying to find its true purpose for decades and consequently has done nothing in the past and has no immediate prospects to do anything meaningful in the foreseeable future, save issue declarations of certain color codes to identify an assortment of threats that never materialize.  As the Secretary of Homeland Security has the same muted stare, it is obvious the tradition of that agency will continue, and it will contribute nothing to these deliberations.  
    The President addresses no one in particular but his impatient disposition builds as he asks, "How much power does The Restoration have?  One day it makes what seems a stupid-ass warning it has no power to fulfill, and what in the hell happens but some of our own forces bomb a domestic site of a business that is paying taxes to buy the very airplanes that are blowing up its plant." 
    The Secretary of the Treasury speaks up.  "Sir, that's not completely true.  Greenblat Enterprises has paid no federal income taxes for the past 10 years.  All these privacy laws make it difficult for us to monitor such situations but as best as we can determine, all profits are being funneled into a tax-free trust to be used for humanitarian purposes, but we can't find any record they have contributed to anything."
    The President seems momentarily relieved that the subject has transferred from The Restoration, and in slightly more composed tone, asks, "You mean all the money is just sitting there?"
    The secretary hesitates, starts fumbling through some papers in his briefcase and says, "Not exactly.  During the time we've been trying to run down their accounting, it appears the principal in the trust has remained the same.  We don't know where the interest is going.  We audited their income tax records last year and found large sums of money were transferred to corporations in Germany where another trust exists but still, no payouts to anyone.  All these tax accountants and lawyers are quite expert in setting up such networks that are near impossible to follow."
    The President stands up and begins to pace around the table as though he were warming up for a track event.  He sees no need in opening discussion on the income tax system which has been a matter of debate in Congress for many years and is no closer to an equitable solution now than it was during the administration of Franklin Roosevelt.  He looks back at the Secretary of Defense and says, "Federalize the Georgia National Guard.  Tap all The Restoration telephone lines and subpoena all their computer records."
    The Attorney General joins the conversation.  "We can't do that, sir."
    The President's pacing comes to a halt so abruptly he nearly loses balance.  "What?"
    The Attorney General reaches out to prevent the President from falling and says, "It's these privacy laws, sir.  A few years ago, the Georgia Legislature passed what they called the State Jurisdictional Authority Act that denies access to business records for any purpose except income tax matters."
    The President has the appearance of someone who has dropped out during a marathon, returns to his seat and asks, "Why in the hell.....?"
    The Secretary interrupts.  "It's all the controversy about illegal immigrants.  The Descendents of the World and International Diversity Society have a substantial lobby in the Georgia Legislature.  The present governor and most of the state representatives and senators were more concerned about losing the block vote of the Orientals and Spanish that are registered voters.  It was simply a measure of appeasement to retain that vote and avoid domestic violence they were sure would follow any effort to run down all the illegal immigrants.  These organizations are constantly passing out propaganda about how their races have suffered at the hands of the capitalist system.  Most employers have down-sized, laid off workers and replaced them with immigrants that will work for much less pay.  The theory of progressive statistic rules the business world these days."
    The President's head begins a slow rotation towards the Secretary of Defense who reluctantly says, "We can't federalize the Georgia National Guard.  All these bills to return power to the states in the last several years have given state governors exclusive command of the National Guard except in the event of a declared war."
    Again, the President is perplexed, except this time, he throws both hands into the air and almost shouts, "Then contact the Georgia governor and tell him to....to do something.  Hell, put a 24 hour guard around The Restoration headquarters and screen everything going in and out.  What in the hell is the National Guard doing with a near insurrection underway?"
    The secretary's mouth opens but for a few moments but emits no words.  Finally, he says, "Georgia income tax collections have declined to the point many of the State Highway Department's employees have been laid off.  The National Guard is being used during weekend drills to pick up garbage on the expressway systems."
    The President's hands fall to his lap, his mouth drops slightly open and he begins a fixed stare at the clock on the rear wall.
    The White House Attorney speaks up.  "Sir, we need to show discretion and consider the fallout from any action we take - that is, if we have the authority.  There's substantial political risk.  Spanish, Oriental and other immigrants now represent 51% of all registered voters, and I'm sure at this very moment, someone is working on a method for the illegal immigrants to vote, even though they are not registered.  The Chytinos and Indicos are a small percentage of the immigrant population but they have great political power.  Aside from that, the general public fears them, because it's well known they are responsible for much of the domestic violence throughout the country. The country is being divided into self-serving political interests among the races. We really don't know how this will turn the next election."
    Since tape recordings of Oval Office activities have been the central source of information in a number of scandals and Congressional investigations, years ago, the practice of making such recordings was discontinued.  There is a stenographer seated at the back of the room making a shorthand transcript of the meeting.  She is the spinster type with short hair, no makeup, a white blouse and black pants that do little to enhance her straight line figure.  When the cabinet members say nothing for a few moments and only stare at one another, she raises her hand and says, "Sir."
    All the stares turn to her and become more intense when she begins to speak.  "I believe you're overlooking some rather obvious points.  Within the past few years, there's been what seems well-organized street violence, drug trafficking, inflammatory action by special interests groups and several trends on Wall Street suggesting a designed effort to release information causing many stocks to decline in value.  We must take it there is some external source behind all these efforts to attack the stability of the country.  None of you has spoken a word about that and only seem concerned about how The Restoration has gained such a following and the power it has recently demonstrated.  Look at the forces attacking the country.  Violence, pornography, unemployment and a loss of confidence in the government to deal with or even recognize such conditions exist, because to do so would involve some political risk you've just mentioned.  Consider that and then look at The Restoration.  It has a well-documented plan to face all these issues and is now beginning to act - I suppose largely because the fragmented nature of 50 separate state governments lacks the ability to act on any organized front.  There is public works crusades, shelters for the homeless, workable revisions to the income tax system, efforts to revitalize local businesses and most importantly of all, firm action against, admit it or not, the growing rebellion of all these special interest groups, largely divided among race and economic standing.  Should we really be trying to tap the phone lines of those determined to restore America or should we join them?"
    In unison, all eyes turn to the President who looks at the Attorney General and says, "Organize a study group and give me your report in 2 weeks."
    With that, the meeting is concluded, having reached the same dead end verdict as so many previous ones.  A study to obtain facts with questionable validity but regardless, produce no substantive action except the measurement of political risk.

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    Within the past few weeks, building materials have been delivered to the Avondale Station job site which has come under sporadic vandalism attempts that were repelled without damage by the substantial defense perimeter around the site.  The adjacent Bellview residential subdivision, now principally occupied by Malatas, has experienced increased vandalism and protection demands by the Indicos, whose gangs have long ruled this part of the city.
    The night is dark with a slight mist in the air.  There is very little traffic on the streets which is commonplace during the nighttime hours for this area and many like it throughout the city.  Two cars turn into Bellview.  All occupants are wearing the headband of the Indicos.  They slowly drive through the streets where at least 50% of the houses are vacant, have overgrown yards and evidence of past vandalism.  They stop at the end of the street, walk through the yard of one house that has a dim light inside and begin to kick on the door.  When an elderly man opens the door barely enough to look through, one of the Indicos shouts, "Hell, he ain't no Malata - he's a fucking nilla."  The Indico kicks the door until it is completely open and says, "Landlord, grandpa.  Time to pay protection, if you want to keep this shit-shack standing."
    The elderly man is terrified and steps back as he says, "We don't have the money....my wife and I...."
    The Indico says something in a foreign language and strikes the man with the back of his hand, sending him sprawling across the floor.  All the others laugh but the scene gradually comes to a hush as there is the whining sound of the opening of the garage door from the house across the street.  There is the sound of a parking brake being released, and the latest model of the military M382 jeep rolls forward without starting its motor.  In the dim street lights, there is a faint outline of a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a swivel base.  It begins pumping tracer rounds into the parked vehicles which burst into flames emitting a glow so bright the astonished expression on the Indios's faces can be seen all the way across the street.  The landlords, as they had identified themselves, break into a sprint towards the vacant shopping center behind the residences just as automatic weapons fire begins spraying rubber stun rounds striking them all in the legs and causing them to stumble to the ground, cursing and screaming in the same broken foreign language.
    A loud voice orders them to throw their weapons into the street.  No one responds until the .50 caliber sprays a trail of tracer rounds across the ground in front of them and into the dumpster at the side of the shopping center making a deafening clanging sound as the rounds tear into the metal.  There are numerous clicking sounds as various types of hand guns are thrown into the street.  Several men, some in the black fatigues of the SS and some in the regular uniform of The Restoration, quickly recover the handguns and train their weapons on the babbling vandals sprawled face-down on the wet grass.  There is the crackling sound of a communications device, and within minutes, 2 paddy wagons from the Atlanta Police Department come screaming down the street with their sirens echoing against the vacant buildings and their blue lights casting a dancing glow across the wet pavement.  There is a brief communication between the police and an SS officer before the vandals are herded into the paddy wagons and carried away.

News Item

   Today, members of the International Diversity Society and Descendents of the World organizations in close coordination with labor unions representing Oriental and Spanish members of the Atlanta Police Department announced that all union members are officially on strike in protest against what seems collusion between the department and recent violent acts of The Restoration.  Such a strike will reduce the manpower of the police force by some 45% in a city that has faced growing  street violence, drug trafficking and related crimes for the past number of years.  There is immediate concern among city officials that this severe limitation in strength will place the city at even greater risk from what seems a higher level of crime that has shown definite levels of synchronization between Atlanta and other larger cities throughout the country.  The City Council has demanded that Police Chief J. D. Jennings meet with the press and explain how he intends to deal with this crisis.  He will hold a press conference today at 2:00pm and of course, we will be there to cover the developments.

Press Conference

    The press conference isn't as well-attended as most, because many of the on-the-scene local reporters are in Chicago covering a meeting of the Gay Rights Alliance on strengthening the privacy laws relating to the medical records of homosexuals and improving the adoption rights of same-sex married couples.
    J. D. Jennings faces the reporters and says, "The last several press conferences have consisted largely of only opening statements.  I have none and will answer your questions to the extent security measures permit."
    Numerous hands fly up, and the first question is, "Sir, I'm flatly going to ask you - is the Atlanta Police Department and other departments throughout the country in collusion with The Restoration?"
    Without hesitation, the chief responds, "I wouldn't put it that way.  The department and The Restoration share certain interests in maintaining order and reducing violence against innocent citizens."
    Another reporter shouts so his voice will carry over the others requesting recognition.  "What about the military? With the equipment used in the Greenblat attack, it must be involved.  Who authorized this use?"
    The chief is quite calm and continues to supply information far beyond what the press expected.  "Any military or police action against a well-organized and wide-spread criminal base requires a degree of secrecy.  I can only tell you that substantial resources exist to deal with whatever tactics this base chooses to pursue.  More importantly, the enemy must realize these resources will be used without hesitation to protect the citizens of this city and others throughout America."
    Another reporter, in an even louder voice, shouts, "Now, how can you do that when 45% of the department is on strike?!"
    There is a slight smile on the chief's face as he says, "Well, I don't know if you should call it collusion or not but The Restoration will replace in even greater numbers those who have chosen to abandon their duty.  The replacements have received substantial police and riot control training and are well-qualified to fill this assignment.  The striking individuals are officially separated from the Atlanta Police Department and will not be reinstated due to negligent and flagrant acts endangering the security of the city.  The command of the joint force will rest with the Atlanta Police Department under the principal of central control."
    The reporter is quick with the follow-up question, "Do you mean to tell me that the police department is joining forces with the very body that is responsible for the unlawful Lee Street attack.  What else could you call this but collusion?!"
    Immediately, the chief says, "As the news media has put it, the city is in a condition of crisis.  Following the announcement of the strike, we in the department considered a number of alternatives and correctly reached the decision that would best allow us to complete our duty in the manner the city should expect."
    Another reporter breaks and in a mocking tone, says, "Come on now.  Is it really that bad?"
    The chief's smile broadens.  He has manipulated the questioners into exactly the position he intended to create in making the major announcement of the press conference.  "To meet these responsibilities, the department can no longer allow itself to operate as a reactionary, responding to criminal acts as they occur on an individual basis.  Past or present levels of manpower will not allow that.  In cooperation with other reliable sources I cannot identify, we have developed a quite effective and accurate intelligence network and are aware of large scale criminal activities presently being planned against this city and others.  The primary targets of these activities are businesses that have supported The Restoration's public works programs that have done so much to feed the hungry, put people back to work and improve the economy of localities in many major cities.  We're not going to issue anything like a color-coded, open-ended warning.  Think of it.  When such warnings have been issued in the past, they always say there is a higher likelihood of some level of violence but everyone should go about what they had intended to do, just as though no warning had been issued.  As best as we can determine, that's about all the Department of Homeland Security ever does."
    He hesitates for the first time and seems uncertain what he should say next.  His expression grows stern, and he says, "For the past several weeks, the department and other entities have carefully monitored activity in the Simpson Street warehouse area.  Quite a large quantity of material has been delivered to several of the vacant buildings; and through this intelligence network, we know this material to be weapons and other material to be used in violent attacks such as the one on the Saint Ann's Church in Cleveland, although on a much larger scale."  He looks at his watch.  "We can't just stand around with our hands in our pockets waiting to go through the process that sometimes takes days and days to get a search warrant.  At this very moment, appropriate action is being taken to remove the weapons from the hands of those intent on destroying America."
    Someone shouts, "What kind of action?"
    Just then, there are sounds of explosions from the direction of the Simpson Street warehouse area.  There is the fainter sound of small arms fire.  The chief stands at the podium and seems amused as the reporters stumble over each other in a mad dash to their mobile vehicles in order that their station might break the story first.

________________

    A number of news vans with all sorts of communications equipment, dishes and antennas is halted at the intersection of Spring and Simpson Streets.  The reporters dismount the vehicles and begin a shocked stare at the latest model of the M245 tank blocking entry to Spring Street.  Adding to their astonishment is the fact the tank is not painted in the traditional military color but is black and is marked only with the white circle enclosing the crucifix, the insignia of The Restoration.  After a moment, as if under the baton of an orchestra conductor, their heads turn in unison to 3 other tanks further down Spring Street.  Foot soldiers, some in khaki fatigues and some in black fatigues of the SS, are behind the tanks, and the procession is slowly advancing towards the warehouse buildings, one of which has several gapping holes already inflicted by the tank rounds.  The voids in the building reveal 12 inch masonry walls and recall the more durable construction methods of another time.
    Suddenly, 2 figures appear in a window of one of the other buildings and a rocket-propelled grenade comes hissing through the air, striking one of the tanks squarely in the turret.  Shrapnel tears into the bodies of several of the foot soldiers, causing gushing blood as limbs are torn away.  The tank commander's body is hurled through the air and comes crashing down in a disfigured heap some 50 feet away.  Immediately, the other 2 tanks rotate their turrets and train their cannons on the building.  Several rounds are discharged, collapsing the exterior wall and floor of the 2nd story.  It all comes down on the 2 men who fired the grenade, and their crushed bodies are barely visible under the fallen bricks and plaster.
    Many men erupt from the buildings and begin running towards the vacant buildings towards the rear of the warehouse complex just as there is a bull horn command for everyone to stop and throw down their weapons.  As they continue their wild retreat, several heavy machine gun crews expel a wall of rounds on the ground in front of them and against the walls of the surrounding buildings.  A few turn and return fire but are quickly cut down by riflemen laying prone at the sides of the tanks.  The others stop, throw down their weapons and glare at the line of riflemen advancing in the skirmish formation.
    A booming voice shouts, "Forward!" and the tanks quickly move to the front of the advancing riflemen just as medical teams begin attending the wounded in the attack force.  As the attack formation draws closer to the Indicos, they begin screaming and seem to feel they are about to be gunned down by the small group of men who are running towards them but then, they notice the men have no weapons and are carrying medical bags.  As the medics reach them, the expression of hate on many of their faces disappears as they relax and have their wounds treated.  There is the sound of sirens coming from the direction of West Peachtree Street, and 5 ambulances soon appear.  Before they come to a complete stop, the paramedics rush to the wounded and begin transporting the stretcher cases, both attackers and Indicos, back to the ambulances that soon begin a mad race towards Clairmont Hospital.
    A slight wind carries the smoke in the direction of the attack force but several priests can be seen praying at the sides of the dead.  In a few moments, the dead are placed in body bags and loaded into the one remaining ambulance that quietly departs the scene, now engulfed in flames and dense, black smoke but not completely obscuring the black crucifix driven into the ground among the rubble.

News Item

    Today, Atlanta Mayor Clarence Masters officially relieved police chief J. D. Jennings from duty after a majority vote of the city council recommending this action.  The mayor forcefully stated the city government cannot permit alleged independent operation of the department in preemptive action against any organization, even if such organization represents a threat to the security of the city.  This left open the question that in the increasing street violence facing the city, just how the combined force of the Atlanta Police Department and Restoration intends to face this growing crisis.  The concern was underscored by the fact that after the recent Simpson Street attack, tons of ammunition, mortar rounds and rocket-propelled grenades were removed from the old warehouse complex.  Restoration headquarters, still not acknowledging any direct involvement, even though its insignia was on the attack vehicles,  issued a statement that security must be maintained at all construction sites, homeless shelters and food distribution facilities.  It was not immediately clear how this statement would be applied in the event of additional violence.

________________

    Within minutes after the mayor's announcement, a large crowd of protesters gather outside city hall.  Many are carrying signs demanding the mayor resign for his apparent non-concern about the obvious fact a large scale act of civil vandalism against the city was in the planning stages, considering the munitions found along Simpson Street.  The chants grow louder and louder as the crowd continues to grow.  The few police on the scene seem disoriented and are too small in number to manage such a large demonstration.  There is the sound of another crowd approaching from Central Avenue.  It is a counter-demonstration, and all the protesters are wearing the headbands of the Chytinos and Indicos, suggesting they have united, at least in the face of recent events.  All are shouting in foreign languages, and bodies of the aggregation do not understand what the others are saying.  The whole group appears under the leadership of a number of bearded men who somehow manage to stop the babbling mob about a block for city hall.  Then, in unison, the whole mob begins to run straight into the protesters.  Fights break out.  The Chytinos and Indicos begin beating people with nightsticks, and many fall in blood-soaked clothes.  Several vehicles are set on fire.  Pistol shoots ring out, and the counter-demonstrators trample over the injured laying in front of city hall and begin running towards Edgewood Avenue. 
    Suddenly, 2 vans appear at the corner of Edgewood Avenue and Hurt Street.  Bearded individuals begin pouring gasoline on the ground and quickly speed away. As the fleeing crowd reaches the intersection, a flare is fired into the gasoline which ignites and consume many in flame.  There are many screams and the scent of burning flesh.  There is an explosion in the lobby of the Capital Police Precinct, blowing out the windows and sending particles of glass through the air, straight into those fleeing the flame.  A few Chytinos remain behind and are defacing city hall with spray paint.
    The shouting mob moves down Edgewood Avenue towards Conner Building Materials where supplies for the Avondale Station renovation are marshaled.  Several other vans appear and begin unloading more gasoline but just then, 2 black jet fighters bearing the insignia of The Restoration appear, make an echelon dive on the vandals and release air bursts of tear gas.  The mob begins to disperse, but a smaller number appears from the direction of Courtland Street and begins a sprint towards the marshaling yard.  One of the jets passes directly over them and tips its wings in the traditional military warning to disarm but some give the pilot the finger and others begin firing their weapons at his plane.  The 2nd jet over-flies and tips his wings.  Additional shots are fired by the protesters.
    Both jets gain altitude, circle over Peachtree Street and begin a wing-to-wing descend on the group now approaching the entrance to Connor Building Materials.  They fire machine gun bursts directly into the mob, the gasoline cans spill on the ground, ignite and burn many of the vandals alive.  A few of them towards the rear of the mass run back to the vans that speed back towards Peachtree Street and where they come under the cover of the multi-story office buildings.

News Item

   Breaking news from city hall.  Soon after the announcement J. D. Jennings had been removed from command of the Atlanta Police Department, there was a demonstration demanding he be reinstated.  This was moments before a rival group charged into the demonstrators, beating many with night sticks and setting fire to several vehicles.  There was a minor police presence, and they could not contain the vandalism to many businesses along Hurt Street.  The Capital Precinct of the Atlanta Police Department was fire-bombed, city hall was vandalized and several fires were started at the Connor Building Materials marshaling yard before 2 strange jet fighter planes appeared, first launching a tear gas attack around the city hall area and then making a strafing run into the protesters who seemed intent on burning the materials intended for the Avondale Station renovation.  Initial reports are there are 27 dead, 148 wounded.  Atlanta mayor Clarence Masters has announced that present conditions warrant the reinstatement of police chief J. D. Jennings but investigation into the department's involvement in recent attacks will continue.  No mention was made of Jenning's previously announced plans to replace Spanish and Oriental strikers with members of The Restoration.  At this point, it is assumed  the police chief again assumes command of a joint force consisting of remaining police department members and representatives of The Restoration.

________________

    The president faces the cabinet and certain members of the study group and says, "I'm surprised your recommendations are coming so soon.  What do you suggest?"
    The chairman of the study group nervously glances at the others and says, "Nothing."
    The president responds, "I thought you said nothing."
    Following another nervous glance, the chairman says, "Sir, we've got grave concern about The Restoration.  Its following is increasing by the day, and they haven't even began the political aspect of the movement.  The public works projects they're starting are going to cost valuable votes to the party plus who knows what sort of support that damn fool Joseph Adamson can drum up when he starts his presidential campaign.  I'm afraid with the economic decline, racial unrest and vast reduction in access to the medial system, the public is going to become fed up with it all and decide to cast some protest vote to any candidate tied to The Restoration.  The other day, there was a virtual street war in Atlanta, and stores of weapons were found in the possession of the Chytinos and Indicos.  Those groups have some powerful support from Descendents of the World and the International Diversity Society.  They're intent on stirring up civil unrest. They're saying the public works projects of The Restoration are giving all the construction jobs to street people when they should be going to the labor unions representing their races.  You realize that Spanish, Oriental and mixed races have had a firm hold on unskilled construction jobs for many years and now, they're claiming their rights are being violated due to some kind of conspiracy against labor unions." 
    The president starts waiving one hand from side to side and says, "Wait a minute.  There's a damn private army that came from somewhere and its taken off on its own to put down the civil violence.  How can we just sit still and let that happen?" 
    The chairman seems to be gaining some composure and quickly says, "We considered that.  If we move against this private army as you put it, the public is going to expect someone to stop the street violence.  How can we take any such action when it's obvious the private army has prevented larger violence against the general public.  Look at all the weapons they've confiscated.  Some sort of action was in the planning stages but right now, we're not sure against whom.  If we move against the insurgents, the public is going to ask why did we take preemptive action only after someone else, I guess the private army, identified the threat?
    The president is perplexed and gasps, "Then what can we do, and don't say nothing."
    "Well sir, we can blame our inactivity against all the legislation in recent years returning so much power to the states and say it is the responsibility of the state National Guards to deal with such matters.  We need to maintain unrest of this sort is a state responsibility and doesn't come under federal law.  If we can move the responsibility to the states, we can concentrate on the political aspect and start a campaign to discredit Samuel Adamson.  He was always an opponent of states rights before he resigned from the Senate.  Then too, he had the reputation of being quite a ladies' man.  We can have him investigated and I'll bet come up with some information we can turn into a scandal.  We need to discredit him and separate ourselves from any of the recent activity."
    There is a knock on the door.  The president's secretary enters the Oval Office and says, "Mr. President, the Georgia governor has just activated the National Guard.  Martial law has been declared in sections of Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah.  There is a 10:00 pm to 6:00 am curfew everywhere in those cities."
    The president leans back and appears consumed in thought for a few moments before saying, "I'm beginning to see the merit of doing nothing.  He looks to the press secretary and says, "Issue some statement supporting the Georgia governor."  He pauses again and adds, "Take off after Adamson."

News Item

    At first light this morning, officials at the Shallowford DeKalb Airport were shocked to find 5 black, delta-wing fighters, all bearing the insignia of The Restoration, parked outside a hanger that is sometimes used by the Georgia National Guard.  No one knows when they landed but when airport security attempted to investigate, they were stopped by what appeared a Military Police unit of the National Guard.  The hanger area has been sealed off, and no one is being permitted within 100 yards.  Speculation has it that 2 of the planes were used in the recent attack to put down the street violence at the state Capital.  One of the planes does appear to have minor damage in the fuselage which possibly could have come from ground fire from the protesters.

The Horace Hastings Radio Show From Chicago

    Horace Hastings is a rather small man with long hair hanging over his ears.  He is dressed is faded blue jeans and a white shirt with flower prints.  His voice has the high-pitch chime of a homosexual but seems much more assertive as he opens his program.  "Hello out there in America or do you believe this nonsense being vomited up by The Restoration that the real American no longer exists and has mutated into a racially-divided assortment of states and no longer has any purpose or will?  Every bigot and tyrant throughout history has always had some fraudulent basis on which to justify his action.  Adolf Hitler claimed the harsh conditions of the Treaty of Versailles justified the German people to strike back against the world, and a brutal rule of persecution, murder and occupation stained the pages of history as never before."
    "I must say that I was shocked when The Restoration agreed to allowing this interview and who....who is now on the telephone line but a Jew representing an organization that claims Christianity is the only means by which this alleged reconstruction of American can be pulled off?  It's Melvin Rubenstein, the Adjutant and Public Information Officer of The Restoration.  Mr. Rubenstein, I usually welcome guests to the show but I'm not sure I want to extend such a greeting to you."
    With a slight laugh, Rubenstein responds, "I'm somewhat surprised myself to learn you are anti-Semitic and don't feel any Jew could have interest in feeding the hungry, giving shelter to the homeless and rebuilding the economy - not to mention building a strong front against crime, drug traffic and pornography." 
    Hastings almost screams, "There you go with some self-serving, self-vindicating, phony, holy rhetoric on one hand but on the other, you're cutting down people in the street who were exercising their right to free speech."
    "If you're referring to the recent incident in Atlanta," Rubenstein says, "more than the issue of free speech was involved.  Businesses were destroyed and people were clubbed down in the street.  These were the very same tactics employed by the Nazis to whom you seem intent on comparing to The Restoration."
    Hastings is annoyed.  "Then let me ask you point blank, what involvement did The Restoration have?"
    "Oh, that would be telling."
    Even more annoyed, Hastings asks, "Are you going to clam up just like you have in every press conference and turn the who thing around by asking questions yourself?"
    "No, I'm just waiting for a sensible question from you.  You must realize that conditions in America, which you refuse to admit even exist, require a certain amount of secrecy - certainly in regard to past acts and most surely future operations.  The Allies didn't announce the Normandy invasion beforehand and didn't conduct an interview with a reporter afterwards to reveal troop strength and future tactics."
    Hastings blates out, "You don't need to reveal anything when everyone knows those airplanes that appeared at the Shallowford DeKalb Airport belong to the Georgia National Guard, and they obviously supplied the pilots."
    Rubenstein laughs again.  "One thing...one very bad thing about talk show hosts.  You're on the air everyday and simply due to this fact alone, after a certain time, you gain a credibility you don't deserve.  If you had any idea what you were talking about, you'd know that the airplanes at the Shallowford DeKalb Airport are M160s, the latest fighter bomber of the Air Force, and no National Guard or Reserve unit in the country has them in their Table of Organization and Equipment."
    Hastings' voice loses much of its velocity, and he almost mumbles, "How much of the military have you sucked into this insurrection you're conducting?"
    Rubenstein responds, "I thought you might ask such a question, so I looked up insurrection in the dictionary just before the show.  An insurrection is an extensive or radical change in governmental, social or other conditions, relations, methods or ideas of government.  Read The Constitution.  The Restoration isn't trying to change or overthrow any of the principals on which America was founded - its only trying to re-identify these principles and turn the will of the nation back towards them.  How can you call that an insurrection?"
    Hastings:  "More double-talk.  You don't even mention forceful acts can't be carried out by anyone whenever the mood strikes them.  It must be done by established law enforcement."
    Rubenstein:  " I'm going to use the same example as The Leader did in a recent press conference. What would you do if burglars entered you house and began removing all your furniture?"
    Hastings:  "I'd call 911 and let the police handle it."
    Rubenstein:  "What do you think the burglars would do.  Stand by and watch you call and then wait for the police to come and arrest them?"  When Hastings doesn't answer, he adds, "Do you own a gun?"
    Hastings:  "No.  Gun ownership contributes to crime."
    Rubenstein:  "There you go, making over-generalized statements such as you keep saying I am.  Let me put the question another way.  If you did own a gun, would you be more likely to commit a violent crime.  I mean as soon as you bought it, would your whole sense of values and respect of the law disappear?  Back to my first question.  If you owned a gun, would you be justified is shooting anyone who attempted a violent crime against you, assuming off course, you accept the premise a criminal is not going to wait for the police to arrive and fight out the issue on equal terms?"
    With diminished force, Hastings says, "You're turning the discussion away from unauthorized private armies who assume authority as they see fit and some drummed up crusade to save American from crime and pornography."
    Rubenstein:  "Really?"  Why don't you tell the listeners about your next guest on today's program?"
    "Benny Boob."
    "And what are you going to discuss?"
    "His recent movie."
    Quickly, Rubenstein seizes the initiative and responds, "Why don't you tell the listeners what the movie is about?"
    With another hesitation, Hastings says, "I'm a journalist - not an entertainment critic."
    Rubenstein:  "Now it's you that's avoiding the questions.  I read the ad copy for his movie just a few moments ago.  It's called The Staff and the story line concerns an 18th Century gay man and woman who were forced into a marriage by their wealthy families.  After the marriage, they never sleep together, rarely see each other and both begin prostituted episodes with the servants.  What do you feel best serves the traditions of American - feeding the hungry or dramatizing such an unnatural situation as that?"
    Hastings:  "You miss the point.  It's a comedy and supposed to be funny."
    Rubenstein:  "Maybe.  When I read the ad copy, I didn't laugh.  It made me sick.  Maybe the theaters should increase the cost of admission by 25 cents and include a vomit bag."
    Hastings:  "I'm not going to expose the listeners to any more of your extreme rhetoric....."  Click, and the line goes dead.