Von Neumann’s War

Units deployed overseas are currently under warning orders for redeployment to the United States. This does not mean that we’re abandoning our allies in their time of need, but where and when the threat might strike is, at this time, indeterminate. Having our troops in the United States means that they will be in position to react in any direction, and as rapidly as possible.

Tomorrow, I intend to place a declaration of war before the United States Congress. A declaration of war is necessary to begin the process of converting the U.S. from standard peacetime footing, which even with the many small wars and cold wars we have had since the 1940s has never been done since the war our parents and grandparents fought.

Today and in the dark days before us, we must stand united against this threat. I ask that all Americans and all people of the world prepare themselves calmly, thoughtfully and with belief in the ultimate power of the human soul. And I ask that God be with us in this, our hour of challenge.

* * *

Briefings expanding the President’s speech lasted thirty-seven minutes longer from that point and John, Alice, Charlotte, Tina, and the rest of the world remained fixed to their televisions for the rest of the evening with hopes of learning more. The government had multiple news conferences going on but the information was often repetitious and, with few exceptions, the President’s speech covered the high points. Aliens were coming, probably with bad intentions. Bad times were here.

John and Alice knew more and had a plan. Both of them had pushed to get assigned to the Asymmetric Soldier project group in Huntsville, Alabama. Their intent was to make certain that their daughters were with them when the curfew was put in place. John and Alice would finish their tasks at the CCAFS facility in Florida, then fly to Huntsville from there with the girls.

“Does this mean we don’t have to go back to school next week?” Tina asked her mom when the grown-ups finally insisted the television go off.

Charlotte elbowed her. “Dingbat!”

* * *

Ret Ball: My God! Did you hear the President’s speech tonight? It would appear that we had the Truth here first before the rest of the world. There really is something going on with Mars and there really is an alien threat. We have exclusively online tonight our friend Megiddo who first turned us on to this. Megiddo, what is your take on the President’s speech?

Megiddo: I told you so is about all I can say, Ret. The CIA and these right-wing conspirators just couldn’t keep the Truth from us any longer. I suspect they tried to cut a deal with their alien masters and when that didn’t work, they decided to go to war.

Ret Ball: Indeed, Megiddo. What do you propose that our listeners do?

Megiddo: I’m not sure just yet. We don’t really know what these aliens want, except that they seem to have moved in on Mars and took it. What is to say they do not have the same plans for Earth?

Ret Ball: Indeed!