Ride the Lightning: Book 7 of the Storm's Fury Series: (An Epic Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller) by Justin Bell & Mike Kraus

Author:Justin Bell & Mike Kraus [Bell, Justin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Muonic Press Inc
Published: 2020-09-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Chicago, Illinois

“Mr. Willoughby,” Colonel Lancaster said through gritted teeth, his fingers closing tightly around the radio handset. “What can I do for you, sir?”

Drydan Willoughby had reached out to the colonel for the second time that morning, and Lancaster was already tired of the scrutiny. For the first two months of the crisis he’d been operating by the seat of his pants, making decisions on the field of battle, using just his own will and his own wits, avoiding the sort of bureaucratic rigamarole that had unnecessarily entangled the military machine throughout the rest of his career.

But already, just a few hours after getting a battlefield promotion to colonel, he was on his second radio call with the secretary of defense and felt like an insect under a magnifying glass.

“Just curious if you had any luck reaching out to Major Valley yet,” Willoughby said, his voice tinged with static. “We are very anxious to evaluate the potential threat that Stone Sword poses to national security.”

“Yes, sir. I understand, sir,” Lancaster replied. “I spoke to the major a short while ago. He was in Sterling, Colorado on a refugee relocation operation. Said he figures on being back in Cheyenne this evening. He’s hoping to coordinate some reconnaissance and get some intel for us within the next forty-eight hours.”

“Forty-eight hours?” Willoughby asked and Colonel Lancaster was already bracing himself for the next words. “We’ve got to do better than that, Colonel.”

“Understood,” Colonel Lancaster replied. “He was already in Sterling when I reached him. Refugee relocation is going well, but it will take time—”

“I’m afraid we don’t have time to spare,” Willoughby replied curtly. “Who did he leave in command back in Cheyenne? Have you reached out directly?”

“I’m not sure who is running the show in Cheyenne, sir, but as for reaching out directly, I’d prefer to follow established chain of command, sir. It’s there for a reason.”

“Indeed, it is,” Willoughby replied, “but as both of us have demonstrated just this morning, there are times when jumping over the established protocol is warranted and desired. Would you agree?”

Lancaster opened his mouth to reply, but gently eased it closed again, pinching his lips between his teeth. Things were beginning to take shape already.

Willoughby had handed him a colonel’s rank. He now intended to use that benefit as leverage against him every single chance he got. Less than a day after accepting his new role and already Lancaster was feeling the rough tug of the puppet strings. He wondered if it was too late to hand the rank back. There was enough stress to deal with without suddenly being thrust into Washington power struggles.

“I do agree, sir, and I see your point,” Lancaster replied, choosing to take the gracious path around. “I will see what I can do.”

“Thank you, Colonel,” Willoughby replied. “I knew offering you this new rank was the right thing to do. Thanks for not making me question my own judgment.”

Lancaster scowled at the handset as it clicked softly, the voice fading into static.

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