Ethan’s source network and communications systems were so good that he generally knew what happened in the JP before the JP leadership did, especially now that they were without electricity and phones. Ethan had also used his considerable power to collect every satellite phone within the WTR, and after combining these with crank chargers, provided the perfect means of communicating instantly over long distances. The world may be dead he thought, but those satellites up in orbit just keep on trucking.

The satellite phones were provided to key sources within the JP. They used these phones to call and relay information to their respective source handlers, all of whom worked for Ethan and were personally trained by him…except for Walter Beale. That mission had been so sensitive that he could not entrust it to another. The assassination failure was disappointing, but not a great loss. The JP would be scared of further attempts and expend resources to protect against it. Ethan admitted that the one sided “conversation” he had with Reggie Phillips was somewhat surprising, but again of no real concern.

Overall, his spy network worked well and efficiently. Sometimes too efficiently Ethan told himself as he ended a meeting with his operations officer. This man had the daunting task of collecting all the intelligence reports and providing the information to Ethan. He in turn provided taskings for the numerous spy handlers operating throughout the extended area. They already knew of the embarrassing and frustrating raid along the border which resulted in the loss of three of their tanks. Sampson was beside himself with fury, promising dire punishments for those responsible. Ethan noticed that Sampson’s behavior over the past few weeks had become more irrational and unpredictable. He was concerned how this latest news would affect him.

Ethan looked at his watch and knew it was nearly time for his briefing to the General. He walked over to his office, mentally prepared himself, and then knocked.

“What?” yelled Sampson.

“Sir, it’s Ethan.”

“Get in here!” yelled the gruff voice. Ethan walked in as Sampson motioned him to sit and jumped right to business. “So, any news about the dam?”

“Actually yes, sir, and I’m afraid it isn’t good,” said Ethan.

Sampson’s face reddened, “It better be! I’ve had enough bad news. First, your moron fails to kill Phillips, then your lack of warning allows them to steal my tanks, and now something else? You better have good news for me.”

“Sir,” started Ethan hesitantly, “the entire force was lost, but the good news is that the dam itself may be damaged beyond repair. We also know that the lakes are gone due to the damage our forces inflicted on the dam.” Ethan saw that the news wasn’t being received well. “Sir, if you remember, we knew this was a gamble to begin with; but we thought it worth the risk if there was a chance to capture the dam. Barring that, we wanted to at least destroy it so the enemy couldn’t use it. In that regard it is a partial success, and we have certainly destroyed many of their troops. And we dealt the JP populace a crushing psychological blow.”

“I don’t want to hear about partial victories!” growled Sampson, jumping up and slamming his hand down on the table. “We should be rolling over those losers! We should be achieving victory on every front! Instead we’re taking solace in the silver linings!” Sampson stood there for a minute, fuming. “I’m starting to wonder if someone isn’t against me.”

“Sir?” asked Ethan.

“You know what I mean,” said Sampson impatiently. “Someone on our side is sabotaging our efforts. Sabotaging me. Someone maybe even close to me.”

Ethan felt like he was on dangerous ground with someone over whom he might no longer have control. He decided to change the subject. “Are we still going forward with our other surprise attack given our recent setbacks?”

Sampson thought for a moment. “Yes. Yes, we must. Victory is all that is acceptable. We must keep moving forward.”

Ethan recommended in, what he hoped was, a neutral tone, “Sir, might I recommend that we either postpone the attack or coordinate it with another attack to spread the enemy defenses.”

Sampson rubbed his chin and looked at Ethan with what Ethan thought might be a suspicious look. “No postponement. But a coordinated attack might not be a bad idea. We could use the force up near the border and push north when the other force hits on the Mississippi. Catch ‘em by surprise. Might even get my tanks back.”

Ethan started to tell him the other bit of news. News that might cause Sampson to rethink using the force near the border. He had heard sketchy reports that the LBL forces were preparing for something big, possibly an offensive. Ethan agonized over this and felt it was possible that the JP had uncovered the ruse and knew the southern border was paper thin. The JP also knew the WTR northern force was near Fulton and that its eastern flank was exposed. Ethan thought it was a stretch, but he had to assume that the JP forces were going to attack the northern force in a combined operation from the north and southwest. He started to tell Sampson this when Sampson started talking again.

“You know a lot of this would have been avoided if I had the right information,” Sampson muttered. He wasn’t looking at Ethan anymore, but was staring out the window. “Information that I should have gotten, plans I could have made, victory that would have been mine if not for the disloyalty of others.” Sampson’s voice became louder and surer, “The people always want someone to blame, hell they’ve lost family members, they deserve someone to blame. Ethan, if things don’t start going right soon, I won’t have to look far to find someone to blame. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“All too well,” said Ethan truthfully.

“Good, then we should proceed with the combined offensive. I believe I will lead the northern force personally. I’m sick of sitting in the rear and watching cowardly subordinates piss away my victories.”

Normally Ethan would have tried to dissuade Sampson from such a course, but he held his tongue.

“There comes a time Ethan, when every man has to accept the consequences of his actions and cannot hide behind others. I hope you understand and don’t take personally any potential…complications, that might happen.” Sampson stopped awkwardly at the window and looked as if he had more to say, but finally blurted out, “That is all. You are dismissed.”

Ethan walked out of Sampson’s office, closing the door softly behind him. “I do understand, and much better than you, old fool,” said Ethan to himself as he walked back outside.