095: The Other Side

December 30th, 2000

"I, spoke, with the 'kin.  They are wroght."

"Do they blame us?"

"No, they have the scent of your prey.  Those who will talk want our participation as a gesture of good-will."

"More like a distraction."

"Does it matter?"

"No, no.  What of my men?"

"Hizzoner is in a agreement with the CIVGOV representatives.  A MILGOV presence on the island is undesireable.  Hizzoner will get the recognition he craves once they are removed."

"Naturally, it is as you command."

"Clumsy to rely on command overmuch.  Better to get them to acknowledge your desires as their own.  Minimize dissonance.  Something you should work on."

"..."

"You have two-hundred released to your command.  In support you'll receive ten of the trucks, two M113s, a M577 command post, and one of the two Stingrays.  If we had artillery, it would be tasked to you as well.  Is it enough?"

"And the 'kin?"

"Two are headed to the north, along with their herds.  You'll have to find your own way to work with them.  They are independently minded."

"More than enough."

December 31st, 2000

"I'm Major Jones.  Hizzoner says you call me 'Boss'.  Our target is the Allen Pavilion of Columbia Hospital.  There's a platoon, twenty to thirty, of MILGOV soldiers and a handful of support, occupying the structure.  As part of Hizzoner's regocnition as the leader ofMmanhattan, and eventually all of New York City, by the legitimate government of the United States these traitors will be removed."

"Our intelligence indicates they are armed with rifles, medium machineguns, and a handful of grenade launchers.  We'll be moving the first wave of troops up in the trucks to here, Isham Park.  You'll secure the approaches along these streets and a screen along Inhill Park.  Pay particular attention to Broadway.  They have a number of trucks that could lead an assault force while you're setting up."

"The remaining troops and our tank will proceed up Broadway and marshall in the Sub Yards, here. They're the hammer.  You'll form the anvil.  Once they're in position you move up to 128th street.  Occupy the buildings across from Baker Field and provide a strong base of fire.  Under your fire, the tank and mobile infantry elements will proceed to assault Allen." 

"The assult force outnumbers the defenders 3:1.  Once they get inside, it'll all be over.  Advance to Baker Field and look to pick off any survivors escaping to the west."

"Tell your men to be on the lookout for these individuals.  Major Katriona Paterson is a big, strapping bitch who favors an M60 for a sidearm.  She's in charge.  Capturing her would be an intelligence coup and Hizzoner is offering 6 months easy living for her alive.  Her second is Captain Leonid Padgorny, a Russian defector and Special Forces operative, blonde, scarred, and incredibly deadly.  He may know as much as she does, but will be harder to take alive.  Four months for the man or team that brings him in.  Now, I do have a personal interest in the Ivan and ten gold eagles for the man who brings me him alive. That'll buy you many more months if you want it."

"These remaining individuals; "Doc" Miller, "Alphabet" McGillifry, Lt George, and Eddie Cutter, are all part of the inner circle.  They're not as skilled as the Bitch or Ivan, but they're all European vets.  Take them if you can, but Hizoneer isn't offering nearly as much."

"As for the rest, fuck'em or kill'em.  Questions?"

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January 1st, 2000

By my god of shadows and pain, this morning is glorious!

The air has just the right sting to it.  I can already scent blood biting into the wind.  The rich swirl of emotions, desperation, fear, and a levening of determination, add to the pleasure as the monkey's make their way to a little war.  It feeds the parts of me mere food could never hope to. 

By this time tomorrow I'll have her and, maybe, the others.  Kilpatrick and I will see what's inside thier muddled heads.  Father will have his due.  Indeed.