The Shift: Book II of the Wildfire Saga Read Online Free Page B

gasped Jayne, “you mean that antiquated document that was invalidated and suspended by order of President Barron?"   She put a hand on the President's arm.   "I thought we were beyond all this?"
    Secretary Brooks cleared his throat.   "Yes, well, we've done some research…and discovered that should you in fact give that order, sir, we might be facing a significant revolt from inside the military.   Quite frankly, I'm worried that we would be able to enforce any law after that.”   He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes.   "We're seeing some heavy defection rates from the Army…"
    "And don't forget that almost the entire Marine Corps has switched sides," said Adm. Price.   "It's disgraceful and I never would have guessed that General Rykker would have turned traitor, but there you have it…"
    "Gentlemen, this is all the more reason we need to enforce the martial law decree,and do it now,” Jayne said.   She leaned over the table, exposing her assets for the cameras.   The President saw the immediate effect.   Gen. Vidua flushed with color and Adm. Price averted his eyes.   Secretary Brooks, easily the youngest man in the room, stared unabashedly at Jayne's chest.
    "There will be no need to use the military in this capacity."
    That was more like it.   He’d hardly spoken louder than a whisper, yet the room fell completely silent.   He had everyone’s attention.   That's right, he thought, I'm the President of the United States.   When I speak, you shut the fuck up and listen.   I'm the one who makes the rules here, not her.   Not anymore.
    "I seem to recall issuing an Executive Order a while back that placed all of the security forces of the various agencies of the federal government under my direct control.”
    "Yes, my love, but—" Jayne said in a tremulous voice as she squeezed his hand.
    The President continued without pause.   "I suggest it's time we use them.   I want to avoid any entanglements with the Constitution—I know, I know," he said with a raised hand, "I'm the one who signed the Executive Order suspending the Constitution and granting near-sovereign rights to the United Nations—but that doesn't mean that solution is permanent.  
    “I have every intention of restoring the Constitution in my term of office.   I see no reason to anger any further our more conservative citizens   by declaring martial law.   Even though it's good for the country and quite possibly necessary for our survival.   There's no point in making the reconciliation all the more difficult when we get past this mess.   Is there?"
    No one said a word.   Jayne squeezed his hand.   Suddenly her touch felt repulsive.   Her squeeze, most assuredly meant to convey comfort or to warn him to back off, felt nothing more than a desperate attempt to regain control.   He removed his hand from hers and placed it on the table.   "I asked a question people.   I expect an answer."
    "Oh," said Assistant Sosa, “of course not, sir.   I think your idea has merit—especially in terms of maintaining what law and order we can during this crisis."
    General Vidua sighed.   "Well, I for one can't say that I'm upset about avoiding conflicts over the whole posse comitatus problem.   We have few enough people who are loyal to us at the moment to worry about trying to police the entire country.   I think it's a good idea, sir."
    "Absolutely," said Admiral Price.
    The Chief of Staff of the Army, Major General Eugene Kuhlman looked relieved.   "Of course.   The agency security forces have seen a lot more day-to-day contact with the public lately.   More so than the military.   Let them handle it."
    "But…" stammered Jayne.   "Even in peacetime, federal agencies hate each other.   Look at the FBI and the CIA.   They can't get along under the best of circumstances—how are we going to force them all to cooperate now?"
    The President turned and regarded Jayne with a cool gaze.   "Well my dear, for starters,