The Vaults of Heaven (AU)

[Johnnie Lyle]

Those dipshits are going to get a lot of kids killed unnecessarily. Especially on the Mexican side, many of those kids will deserve to die for something better - and the kids who die far better than what they will die for.

[jemhouston]

If I was Mexico, I'd kicked off Dec 25. Everyone figures Mexico will get off New Years and possible catch people flat footed.


I'm assuming the US knows where the Mexican version of Raven Rock is. B-2 raid with MOPs day 1.

[Jotun]

Over in TLW I once likened the Soviet approach to a specific battle to running crotch-first into a blender.

This is the same, just on a national level. Whatever they are smoking, chewing, injecting or putting in their butts down in Tenochtitlàn, they should stop. Immediately.

How would the Màximo Líder of Mexico or whatever it is he calls himself react of POTUS called his hand and told him to unf*** the situation before shit gets real?

[Johnnie Lyle]

Over in TLW I once likened the Soviet approach to a specific battle to running crotch-first into a blender.

This is the same, just on a national level. Whatever they are smoking, chewing, injecting or putting in their butts down in Tenochtitlàn, they should stop. Immediately.

How would the Màximo Líder of Mexico or whatever it is he calls himself react of POTUS called his hand and told him to unf*** the situation before shit gets real?

That might be the worst thing to do, because El Jefe is now backed into a corner where he has no acceptable out. He won’t stay atop the greasy pole of Mexican politics if he caves to the Gringos, and his own machismo will force him into writing checks his army can’t cash. It’s automatically a “go” signal.

[Wolfman]

So SANDLINE is now a go?

[Belushi TD]

"Except that he's a married man."

"That he is."

Helen smiled again. Doesn't mean he can't marry another bride, honey.

Is this the second or third time one of his wives has had a thought about bringing another into the fold?

Belushi TD

[Poohbah]

"Except that he's a married man."

"That he is."

Helen smiled again. Doesn't mean he can't marry another bride, honey.

Is this the second or third time one of his wives has had a thought about bringing another into the fold?

Belushi TD

Second.

[Matt Wiser]

So SANDLINE is now a go?

Once the Mexicans openly act with their terminal case of the stupids? Yes. Whether or not the Chairman of the "Revolutionary Council of Mexico" listens to anyone telling him that two U.S. Field Armies, backed up by much of the USAF, with Navy and Marine assets off both coasts and they plan to make Mexico scream if they shoot so much as a volley or two of Katyushas across the border once Baja Statehood is official (O001 Pacific Time 1 January) is a whole different matter entirely. At the very least, said functionary will have his protests dismissed out of hand. At most? He'll be shot for "Defeatism and Counter-Revolutionary Thinking".

[Johnnie Lyle]

So SANDLINE is now a go?

Once the Mexicans openly act with their terminal case of the stupids? Yes. Whether or not the Chairman of the "Revolutionary Council of Mexico" listens to anyone telling him that two U.S. Field Armies, backed up by much of the USAF, with Navy and Marine assets off both coasts and they plan to make Mexico scream if they shoot so much as a volley or two of Katyushas across the border once Baja Statehood is official (O001 Pacific Time 1 January) is a whole different matter entirely. At the very least, said functionary will have his protests dismissed out of hand. At most? He'll be shot for "Defeatism and Counter-Revolutionary Thinking".

AKA being smarter than El Jefe.

[Wolfman]

So SANDLINE is now a go?

Once the Mexicans openly act with their terminal case of the stupids? Yes. Whether or not the Chairman of the "Revolutionary Council of Mexico" listens to anyone telling him that two U.S. Field Armies, backed up by much of the USAF, with Navy and Marine assets off both coasts and they plan to make Mexico scream if they shoot so much as a volley or two of Katyushas across the border once Baja Statehood is official (O001 Pacific Time 1 January) is a whole different matter entirely. At the very least, said functionary will have his protests dismissed out of hand. At most? He'll be shot for "Defeatism and Counter-Revolutionary Thinking".

AKA being smarter than El Jefe.

Or disagreeing with El Jefe, take your pick.

[Matt Wiser]

"Shooting the messenger". Not unknown in dictator circles, and a common trait in such governments.

[Poohbah]

09 December 2010
Clovis, NM

The anchor's voice reflected English public schools.

"Good evening, this is CNN International News, I'm Laura Griggs."

Becky Parkinson noticed that Kathy's attention was utterly riveted on the TV.

"Tonight, the Pentagon announced that several Army Reserve and Army National Guard formations have been summoned to active federal service. A list of activated units is available at the Department of Defense main website. Units activated include armor, cavalry, and mechanized infantry units, plus various combat support units. Sources close to the Pentagon said that this was due to the escalating crisis with Mexico over Baja California's impending statehood--"

Becky felt a chill run through her.

"Kathy?"

"Yeah?"

"They're getting stupid down in Mexico City, aren't they?"

"Getting? No. They've had a death grip on the idiot ball for a while. General Secretary Ayala's brain has taken a walk off the map this past week."

* * *

Portneuf, ID
09 December 2010

"...In business news, both Fedex and UPS have announced that their shipping operations may be disrupted by the Army's mobilization, as American railroads will be used to move heavy equipment cross-country during the busiest shipping season. The St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank's General Freight Index has spiked to a four-year high of 147.86, while Fedex and UPS shares were down sharply on the news, helping the Standard & Poor 500 index drop to 1226.4 . . . "

Jeanna Mantell sighed. Can't fire up a war right in the middle of the Christmas season without getting some blowback.

She saw Dana moping slightly as she did her homework.

She turned off the TV. "Dana, honey, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure, Mama."

Their youngest child came to the couch and sat down next to Jeanna, who tousled the girl's hair and held her close.

"You scared about Daddy?"

"And Mama Helen." She paused, then said, "And Mr. Creasey."

"Me too, punkin."

"That means you're smart."

"Huh?"

"When we went hunting back in September, Daddy said being scared meant you were smart."

Jeanna chuckled. "Smart enough to know that things are dangerous?"

"Uh-huh."

"Yeah. You know why Mr. Creasey and his people are here?"

"I heard you and Mama Debs talking about it. Something about Ack . . . acker . . . "

"Achernar, sweetie?"

"Yeah. What's that?"

"Well, it's a star. You can't see it from here, it's in the southern sky. But it's also the name of a unit Daddy and I were in. Mexico may have gotten our names, and they probably blame us for Baja becoming a state. They might send someone after us."

Dana's eyes widened. "Oh."

"Honey, if bad things start happening, Mr. Creasey and his people will be going outside to deal with it, all of us will be down in the basement vault, and me, your mom, and Mama Debs will be arming up. We won't let anything happen to you."

Dana nodded, then said, "I know, Mama."

* * *

10 December 2010
11th Special Reconnaissance Squadron
Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, UT

The squadron was formed in front of the hangar. Everyone had rifles slung.

Good thing we have okay weather.

Mantell marched to the head of the formation and took his place.

"SQUADRON! COLUMN OF FLIGHTS, RIGHT FLIGHT--"

Suddenly, he heard a drum tattoo, and saw movement to his right.

"BELAY MY LAST!"

The Air Force Reserve Pipe Band marched up and came to a halt in position to assume the lead for the formation.

Pipe Major Chief Master Sergeant James Campbell marched up to Mantell and saluted. Mantell returned the salute.

"Good morning, sir! I heard you were planning to attend our concert this evening, but duty calls."

"Indeed it does, Chief."

"Well, then. I've been briefed on your traditional route to the air terminal, and we have an appropriate selection of music to march by. We'll give a drum cadence while you get the squadron into column, sir."

"Lead on, Chief."

* * *

12th Air Force Headquarters

Master Sergeant Jennifer Rizzo, Hildebrand's secretary, looked out the front office window, then stuck her head into Hildebrand's office.

"Sir, you might want to step outside and watch this. Looks like the Blackhorse is doing their usual leave-taking . . . but with a little extra."

* * *

Hildebrand heard the music shift to "Cock of the North" and said, "Has Mantell nothing to offer me but these Amazons?"

Rizzo blinked. "Pardon me, sir?"

Youngsters these days don't appreciate classic movies.

Mantell's headquarters section approached, and Hildebrand heard Mantell call, "EYES . . . RIGHT!" as his left hand grasped the sling of his rifle, and his right came up in salute.

Hildebrand came to attention and returned Mantell's salute, then held it as the rest of the squadron marched past.

* * *

Rizzo asked quietly, "Sir . . . why does he do that every time they head out? March them across the base like that?"

Hildebrand said, "To remind them that they're going to war. To let them see one last round of normal life, to remind them of what they're leaving behind." He sighed. "And maybe to remind himself, as well. I've spoken to people who knew him during the war . . . if there's anyone in this Air Force who is a warrior first and foremost, it's Mantell. When he goes into battle . . . he fights with the strength of several dozen men, because he is a man of focus, commitment, and sheer will . . . something that few people in this world know anything about. I sure don't, not on his level. But he's also a husband and a father, and he knows that he needs to remember that, too."

Rizzo sighed. "He's . . . scary."

"I don't know if he'll frighten the enemy, but, by God, he frightens me."

* * *

The band was halted in front of the air terminal, playing "Highland Cathedral" as the squadron marched into place and halted.

The song ended, and Campbell came over and saluted Mantell again.

"Safe journeys, sir. It's been a privilege to participate in this tradition."

"It's been a privilege to have music this time, Chief. Thank you."

* * *

In the terminal, Mantell found Judith Levy. "Nice job, Padre."

She flashed Mantell a grin. "Glad you appreciated it." She looked out the terminal windows to the Sawatch Range, painted pure white with snow. "Going to be a bit of a shift when we get down to Fort Stockton." She looked at him carefully. "You good, sir?"

"I'm good. For varying values of good."

"Josh . . . the past only has whatever power you choose to grant to it."

Josh nodded. "And yet . . . the past made me what I am today."

"It made you into a pretty good guy. We can't control the universe, Josh. All any of us can do is tend to our own garden as best we can." She paused, then said, "You think Kathy would want you moping like this? I think she'd want you focused on the mission."

Josh nodded. "There's a memorial to her in the headquarters building. I'm going to leave some flowers . . . and say a prayer or two."

Judith nodded.

"Good idea. Acknowledging the past is important. Don't dwell on it to excess; don't try to ignore it. Just admit that it's there and then just keep on keepin' on."

10 December 2010
Pocatello, ID

Adam Lodge chewed snow to ensure his breath didn't steam, and kept his eyes on the restaurant across the ravine from his position.

"Pedro," as he referred to his opponent, appeared in the window, escorting Diane Alton to the table he'd bribed the maitre'd to hold open for the couple.

Adam got six quick shots with his digital SLR and got a decent set of pictures as the man sat down.

Passes for an Anglo with the correct accent and body language, but could flip like a pancake to fit into the barrio. Almost as perfect as I was in the day. All right, my friend, I'll wait for you.

Ninety minutes later, he was back in his pickup truck, having hastily changed into fresh, dry clothing.

The old habits of countersurveillance came back to him. Go with the flow, blend in. Vary your pattern and stay within your cover. Lull them into a sense of complacency. He drove a surveillance detection route to a cul-de-sac in Chubbuck and parked the truck.

They never follow you down a cul-de-sac. Too easy to set up an ambush.

But he still waited for signs of surveillance. Once satisfied no one was watching, he got out of the truck and hopped the fence separating the one cul-de-sac from another. Once over the fence, he moved purposefully to a Subaru Outback and drove off to a parking garage in Pocatello, where he retrieved his Mercedes and drove back to his house.

Nice that I own the parking garage.

Back at the house, he downloaded the camera images, used a VPN through a site he owned in Liechtenstein, and sent an email to Ishtasapa.

Do you know this guy?

He attached the pictures and went to bed.

[Matt Wiser]

Christmas is going to be delayed some this year. Moving four divisions at least (two from Polk, two from Carson, maybe 24th ID also from Stewart), plus an ACR from idaho is going to take some doing. Airfields in Texas and New Mexico will also be busy.

Besides the 116th ACR, some Guard who may be called up:

40th ID (M) (CA)
49th AD (TX)
45th ID (M) (OK)
158th Mechanized Brigade (AZ)
36th Air Assault Brigade (TX)

And that's not counting the artillery, aviation, MPs, service and support that normally go under Corps command on mobilization.

Then there's the ANG and AFRES, and some Marine Reserves, who will get the call either as Xmas approaches, or just after.

[jemhouston]

Three of the units are coming from states occupied during the war, two more that saw ground fighting, and airstrikes.

Vengeance is the Lord's Business, and the US Military is happy to help him with it.

[Wolfman]

Three of the units are coming from states occupied during the war, two more that saw ground fighting, and airstrikes.

Vengeance is the Lord's Business, and the US Military is happy to help him with it.

They’re also happy to serve as His Collections Department…

[Poohbah]

11 December 2010
667th Base Wing HQ
Barzanian Air Force Base
Fort Stockton, TX

Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Mantell walked up to the display in the lobby of the base headquarters building.

Kathy's last official picture from her personnel jacket was there, along with a concise biography:

KATHERINE SUSAN BARZANIAN
MAJOR, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE (RESERVE)
OCTOBER 11TH ,1960 - JUNE 13TH, 1988

Major Katherine Susan Barzanian was born on October 11th, 1960 in Yerevan, Armenia, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In 1964, her parents led her on a daring escape from the Soviet Union into Turkey, where they were found half-starving and dying of hypothermia by a United States Air Force intelligence patrol.

The Barzanians were sponsored to emigrate to the United States and settled down in Fresno, California. She was naturalized with her parents on October 27th, 1970. Katherine excelled in school, becoming fluent in Spanish and French while lettering in track and field at Fresno High School. She attended San Diego State University on an athletic scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and minoring History. She was an ROTC cadet and was commissioned into the United States Air Force as an intelligence officer on graduation.

Before and during World War III, she performed numerous clandestine missions, many of a highly sensitive nature; on one of these missions, she was murdered by renegade US intelligence personnel. Despite this perfidy, Major Barzanian was able to communicate the intelligence she had gathered to friendly personnel, resulting in the apprehension and/or neutralization of several traitors to America.

Major Barzanian is buried in the Ararat Armenian Cemetery in Fresno, CA. Her awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (posthumous), Silver Star, Airman's Medal, Purple Heart, and the Legion of Merit. Her sustained courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon herself, the United States Air Force, and the United States of America.

Mantell placed a bouquet of white roses in front of her picture.

So much left unsaid. There's no room there for the warmth, compassion, and tenderness she gave to a guy suffering from PTSD. Without her love . . . I never could have loved Roberta, Helen, Jeanna, and Debs the way I have, the way I do, and the way I forever will.

Mantell bowed his head and prayed, God . . . in her own way, she deserved a heartfelt "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" from Thee. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may Perpetual Light shine upon her. Amen.

A soft voice said, Don't worry, sireli. When it's time, I'll be waiting for you, along with anyone who comes on ahead of you. Just be the good and decent man God made you to be, my love. Until we see one another face to face . . . I love you.

Mantell straightened up, turned--and almost ran into a full bird colonel, a tall blonde woman.

"Ah, good morning, ma'am."

"Good morning, Colonel Mantell. I'm Colonel Denise Jensen, the CC of the 667th Base Wing."

"Ah, yes, ma'am. I was on my way to make my manners to you, actually."

"Oh, good!" Jensen gestured to the flowers. "Did you know her?"

Mantell nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Had she survived the war, I would've married her."

Jensen's eyes widened. "Oh! I'm sorry, I had no idea."

"It's all right, ma'am."

* * *

Jensen breezed into her office, pausing to grab the coffee pot and gesture at Mantell, who said, "Black, please."

Coffee poured, she handed a cup to Mantell and sat down behind her desk. On the wall behind her was a picture of Jensen, along with a man and another woman Jensen's age. She gestured to a chair and said, "Have a seat, Colonel Mantell. Welcome to Barzanian Air Force Base. As you've seen, it's kind of a bare-bones facility."

"Good enough, ma'am. I expect my airmen won't be in garrison much, I have a pretty active training plan . . . and then there's, well . . . "

Jensen sighed. "Ayala has painted himself into a corner."

"Ma'am, there's something you need to know: Mexico City has put a bullseye on my back, personally."

Jensen rolled her eyes. "Wonderful."

"I was part of the happy crew that planned out grabbing Baja back in '89, ma'am."

"Well, I guess I have you to thank for the lovely honeymoon I had with Sheila and George down in Cabo last year. I will take it rather personally if anyone tries to whack you. I'll make sure the CSPs know."

"Thank you, ma'am."

They discussed the bed-down and Mantell's range requirements.

After a productive discussion, Jensen stood up, and Mantell did as well.

She shook his hand firmly. "Good luck and good hunting, Colonel Mantell."

"Thank you, ma'am."

* * *

After Mantell left, Jensen went out to her secretary's office and said, "Sergeant DaRita?"

Technical Sergeant Mark DaRita stood to attention. "Yes, ma'am?"

"There are some white roses at the memorial wall for Major Barzanian, please put them in a vase. New standing order: I want white roses in a proper vase at the memorial. Keep 'em fresh, replace as needed. Make sure the duty officer's standing orders reflect that."

"Ah, yes, ma'am, I'll see to that." DaRita wrote a quick note and asked, "May I ask why?"

"She's not just the base's namesake or a just another wartime hero. She was a woman who loved, and was loved. Let's remember that part of her as well."

"Yes, ma'am."

[Matt Wiser]

Let me guess: the Mexicans found out-probably via DGI or KGB, who planned Baja in '89. Whether it was via Congressional hearings, open-source material, or being handed a classified after-action report on how it went down...

[jemhouston]

Mexico on top, Josh on bottom

[Wolfman]

For what it’s worth, my money’s on Titanus Gojira.

[Jotun]

Let me guess: the Mexicans found out-probably via DGI or KGB, who planned Baja in '89. Whether it was via Congressional hearings, open-source material, or being handed a classified after-action report on how it went down...

Or some eager-beaver Senator‘s aide^^