Land of Flatwater: Protect and Survive Middle America
- Thread starter Chipperback
- Start date
Land Of Flatwater: Flowers and Weeds..Continued
Governor’s Mansion – 10:30am – Tuesday February 14, 1984
The Governor looks at the television set along with a breakfast guest.
“Coach, I’m glad you could give me a minute,”
“No problem Governor,” Coach Osborne said. “I apologize that we couldn’t meet at the Stadium offices, so I’d figure I’d come to you.”
The champion coach looked at the TV. It was tuned into one of the Omaha station covering the growing protest march.
“There’s a lot of fear in the world today,” the coach said mournfully. “A few of my players went to the rally. Some of those who couldn’t get back home right away are staying around to help out until they can.”
The Governor listened in. “Coach Osborne, what are your plans.”
“I’ll head to my home in Hastings and wait it out I suppose,” the coach said. “Lord willing, cooler heads prevail and we can get back to normal. I 'd rather worry about recruiting instead of radiation.”
“Coach Osborne, “ The Governor came to the point, “You are very important to the state of Nebraska.”
“I’m just a football coach, Governor,” he replied humbly. Typical Tom Osborne.
“Maybe so,” the Governor said. “But you and athletic director Devaney are people Nebraskans listen to. If either of you ran for Governor had have to raise a heck of a lot of money to be competitive. Coach Osborne, should war come and we are attacked, there are plans for a sustainable, continued state government. They involve plans for the national guard to supplement local law enforcement to maintain order. Hastings is a control point. Coach, should it go bad, I will need you, sir.”
“Need me for what?”
“To be a voice of reason, a voice of morale. I need as many people of good will as possible if things break down. I’m sure you’ll be helping your neighbors anyway, It’s the type of person you are. But, should I call on you for the sake of the state, can I count on you?”
Coach Osborne understood. “I’m curious, does the Mayor of Hastings know about this?”
“Who do you think asked me to talk to you?” the Governor replied.
”We must protest if we are to survive. Protest is the only realistic form of civil defense." – E.P. Thompson
15TH and Farnam street/Downtown Omaha 11:05 am
The downtown protest churned toward the city-county building. Among the throngs, Rick, Rhonda and their older son Denny were weaving in and out trying to catch up with Ed and Gail..
In another part of the crowd was Jim, The old vet turned activist was in his army uniform, arm with his daughter while holding a sign showing his sons with a big caption underneath asking “How Much Are Their Lives Worth?”
Throught the route small counter demonstrations sprung up. People shouting derisively “GO BACK TO RUSSIA!” and calling people “COMMIE” and such. Some paid them mind, others like Jim didn’t.
Neither did Chip’s grandfather. A reporter came up to him and asked, “Must be tough to hear that as an older man.”
Chip’s grandfather was cool and friendly as always, “Son,” he began. “These people don’t know any better. They are afraid same as us. They don’t know that I was fighting communism in Korea in ’51, and then came home and fought Alabama and Mississippi fascism in ’65. This is just another fight for our country is all.”
”Having said that, what are your thoughts on the situation in Europe. More troops are going as you have this demonstration."
”I have family and friends there now,” grandfather John continued. “I think the Soviets are wrong. I think we’ve added to that wrong by not working to make things right. Both sides are picking a fight over nothing. Its time to talk it out.”
”The President said earlier that the lines of communication are open.”
”If that is so, I hope both sides are making phone calls now."
Ed looked at his father-in-law. Not noticing that Rick finally caught up.
”Hey Ed,” A slightly winded Rick said. “Finally caught you.”
”You made it up here,” Ed replied. “Hi Rhonda.”
”Hi Ed, Gail…good to see you,” Rhonda noted. “Rick tells me you will be coming out to stay with us until this blows over. I just hope it does soon.”
”So do we,” Gail answered. “I hope they all come to their senses.
Ed put his arm around his wife, “If they can’t do it on Valentines Day, when can they?”
”Very true,” Rick said as he looked up the street toward the stage at the city-county building. “We’re almost at the end.”
”Did Chip come to this with you all? Denny asked.
”Yeah, he was right behind us,” Ed looked around. “Or at least he was.
Chip was maybe half-a-block behind, with Matt, Dina and a bunch of kids. They were huddled together lost in the blur of color and noise. They were yelling “WE WANNA GROW UP!”, they were getting some attention.
On one side of the street an NBC News crew had their cameras trained on them. One of the local stations did as well, and they were carrying it live.
On the opposite side of the street, another crew was in position as well. “I wasn’t expecting this,” the cameraman said. “The reporter said this was a smaller city."
”We’ve seen wild things in this country,” the audioman said in a clashing Cumbrian accent, “Wot did we get ourselves into.”
The producer looked at them both thinking the same thing. She was twentysomething, brownish-haired, leggy, smart and ambitious. Last June she was given a chance. "Produce one of our best reporters for a series of reports on America in the Reagan era," is how the executive producer put it that day in his office.
“I just want to feed these last two stories and get back to London,” she thought ruefully. “A BAFTA award isn’t worth all this shit.”
”Oi!” The cameraman said as he locked on something interesting. “Check out these kids…This is a great shot…Even out ‘ere they got bleedin’ socialist bedwetters, and at a young age.”
”Ian shut it!” the producer said as she looked at the kids. She looked hard at the kid in the sweatshirt. She called to her reporter..”Trevor, you need to see this,”
The reporter looked up from the noted her was furiously taking. He noticed the kids. And saw his cameraman and sound man racing to set up a new position in front of him.
”Ian stay on those kids!” the reporter said. He trained his eyes on the sweatshirt, Chip’s sweatshirt and on the kid wearing it. Through his focused eyes I could see a younger version of himself in a young kid on the plains.
”Notice the sweatshirt,” the producer said. Her private school accent rising with urgency. “Didn’t think they would have hardcores here who know of that….’HUSKERS CND’???? Out here.”
”Emma, you can find the news in the strangest places,” the reporter said. “I hope he’s a decent interview. They are kids after all. Its worth a try I suppose.”
The producer had a gleam in her eye, “A tenner says he would be.”
”I’ll take that bet,” the audioman said.
The overflowing protest settled in at the city-county building. Carolina’s son was already there preparing the audio. The cable where ready. Assorting clergy, peaceniks, politicians and others were massing. And so was a smaller but loud counter-demonstration of maybe 2,000 coming from the opposite direction.
”This is a scene that you’d never thought you see in Omaha, Gary. Aerial estimates put the total crowd at more than 50,000. Demonstrations similar to this one are occurring in New York and San Francisco today, as well as a second day of demonstrations in both Britain and France, who’d thought Omaha would be a part of this?"
”An incredible scene in downtown Omaha, Carol. This protest is the largest in Omaha’s history by far. No question. We’re trying to get comment from the mayor.”
”Press coverage has been surprising. . There are foreign news teams here from Canada, Japan and the UK . Tom Brokaw will co-host NBC Nightly News from here with John Chancellor and Roger Mudd tonight. In addition to the protest,s a lot of important announcement coming from the White House today. There are reports that President Reagan is in communications with the acting political leader of the Soviet Union."
Above the crowd two F-4 Phantoms played traffic cop with the Channel 7 and Channel 3 news helicopters. “Husker 1 to Husker 2, over,” Todd said into his radio. “Husker 2, responding..”
”Report fuel status.”
”Fuel status, nominal. Can you believe all that down there?”
”It’s unreal…and I hope it makes a dent."
The Mayor’s office 11:45am
”The mayor looked at the scene from balcony near the city council chambers.
He was overwhelmed by what he saw, yet excited by it. “Omaha couldn’t buy this type of publicity,” he said to Walt.
Walt shook his head. “This isn’t about publicity, Mike. These are people desperate to live.”
”Their voices are being heard,” the Mayor said. “The news is reporting Reagan and the new Soviet leaders are talking.”
”They were ‘talking’ a few weeks ago, too,” Walt said. “I’ll believe it when they start pulling in troops.”
”If it falls through, we evacuate,” the Mayor said. “The Governor wants us at a bunker west of Lincoln.”
”Be sure to let me know your radio frequency, Mr. Mayor.”
”Why would I need to do that, Walt,” the Mayor asked. “As head of emergency operations, you are the de facto deputy Mayor. You’d be there with me.”
Walt looked at the Mayor. “Only if my wife and kids are with me.”
”Walt you know the rules, essential personnel only.”
”My family are my essential personnel. I’m not going anywhere without them. Like I said. Leave the radio frequency with me. If I’m really that vital then we’ll find each other. But I’m not evacuating without my wife, Jeff and Jill. I’ve done my bit for the city and the state. I need to do my bit for my team.”
”Walt,” the Mayor said. “When this is all over…”
”Save the threat, Mike. When this is all over I hope we are both alive and back in this building, working on fixing potholes and sewers…instead of being city officials of a city that no longer exists”
Walt headed toward the exit and showed his city credentials. He headed out into the protests. The crowd pleading for peace increased by one.
”Excuse me, lad…Excuse me, kids…”
Chip and Matt looked around. Their growing group of kids stopped.
The producer and the reporter flagged them down. What they saw was a mix of impressionable 12 and 13-year-old kids. The producer expected them to be a little behind the times. She was wrong. The New Wave thing even landed here.
The reporter looked at the two boys, “You guys look like the leaders,”
Dina pointed them out, “Yes sir, that would be them.
Chip, showing the future TV reporter he wanted to be, went right into character. “This guy is the man,” Chip pointing to Matt, “His auntie put all this together.”
Matt pointed back at chip, he was blushing a little bit. “Yes she did, but you guys need to talk this kid. Check out the sweatshirt, dude.”
”Well, like to talk to both of you,” the producer said as she extended her hand. “I’m a producer with ITN in England…my name is Emma.”
Chip noticed her pretty face and long legs and blurted out, “Wow…I’m meeting a real Emma Peel..”
The reporter was laughing, “I think you have a fan.” Emma was blushing, “Thank you!” she said softly. “I’m flattered.”
The reporter began, “We are going to have a camera on you and we want you to talk to us,”
Chip was game, “okay!”. He studied the reporter. “He’s doing world news, and he’s black! Someday, I’m going to be sharing an anchor desk with this guy,” Chip thought.
The reporter began, “Where are all you kids from and how old are you.”
A chorus of “Omaha”, “12” and “13” rang out from a group of about 20 kids.
”So how did you two get together,” the reporter asked Matt.
”It really started with my aunt, Carolina,” Matt said. “She leads a peace group, and I turn I organized one when I was in 5th grade at my grade school. That’s where I met Dina, Lynne, and Jake” He pointed to his friends behind him.”
”I’m in junior high now and we all went to the same school, and we started finding more people who wanted peace, too…and Dina told me about a kid in her class who know a lot about this stuff…and that how we met Chip.”
The reporter turned to Chip, “Tell me about the sweatshirt. You’ll have to tell me, exactly what is a Husker?”
”It’s the nickname of the best college football team in the world. The Nebraska Cornhuskers…national champs!”
Cheers rang out from the kids and a few adults.
The reporter got things back on track, “Okay, but I noticed ‘HUSKERS CND’, First do you know what the CND is.”
”Yes sir,” Chip beamed. “It’s the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. I have a friend in the Army. He was doing some training in England, and I asked him to bring me back a CND t-shirt, and he did. He also brought me back a couple of books on disarmament, issues, things like that. I was at a day camp during the summer and we were making out own iron-on transfers, right? So wanted to put things I liked on it. I like my Huskers. I like peace. I put ‘em together.”
It was at that moment that Ed, Gail and Rick found there son. “They are interviewing, Chip! Find my dad!” Gail exclaimed.
The NBC News cameraman go to them too. His audio man snuck into the scene and they were rolling tape.
”Are you kids scared at all,” the reporter said.
”I am,” Dina said. “I don’t want to die. I want to be a ballet dancer someday.”
”I want to be an engineer,” another kid said.
”I want to be teacher.” “I want to build big skyscrapers.” “I want to play pro baseball.”
Chip looked at the reporter, “I want to be a sports commentator,” he said proudly. “Maybe I’ll get to work with you someday.”
The reporter smiled, “Move to England, and that just might happen.”
A pouty smiley girl floated behind Chip, “You aren’t going there without me,” she pleaded.
Chip turned around. It was Jill. She was happy to see him..
The producer smiled. “Look like you have another little friend”
The camera was still rolling. “Yeah,” Jill said. “He’s my future husband.”
”Ooooh,” said the huddle of kids.
”Awwwww,” Dina said. “That is so cute.”
Chip soft brown skin was taking on a soft red tinge.
Jill wasn’t fazed by a microphone and a camera at all. “Why am I here? Because of my dad. He works for the city, and part of his job is….getting the shelters ready. It’s been really hard, and I can tell he’s scared, too.”
”Is there anything you’d want to say to both sides,”
”Yes,” Matt said. “We’re scared. There are kids in Russia who are just as scared as we are…, and in England and France…and Germany, I’d hate to be in Germany right now. We don’t want to die.”
”Both sides need to talk,” Chip added. “President Reagan and General Secretary Ogarkov have to sit down and talk this out, or better yet, both of them need to do what my grandfather says. Put some boxing gloves on, find a ring and work it out!”
His grandfather looked on. A tear fell from his eye.
The interview was over and the weary camera crew scrambled toward the main stage at the entrance of the city-county building. But they seemed to get an energy boost. The producer thought as she scurried to get a good spot in the press area, “I wasn’t expected that. I hope the government doesn’t D-Notice this report. This is something people bloody need to see.”
The kids headed to get as close to the stage as possible. Chip stood behind for a second. He was shaking with excitement. He was going to be on TV…maybe… Goosebumps completely raised..
Jill took him by hand, “Earth to Chip…come in Chip”
”Oh,” Chip said. “I must have been daydreaming for a second.”
”Heavenly father,” the priest began. “Show us the bounty of thy peace and extend thy peace to a weary world, Lord. Let us come together as people. Help us heal the wounds that divide us. Help us to be of one accord again…."
Each speaker brought on the same theme. A desperate cry for peace…And then Carolina’s son spoke…
”I am a young man,” he began. “I want to have a family and build a career. I want to be alive! Without a sustained commitment to peace, that won’t happen for me…or those who are here younger than me..”
”I must admit,” he continued. “My mother, Carolina Welch was right…and I was wrong. I didn’t think we’d get the turnout here in Omaha. I was wrong…And I’ll say so. We are sending a message, that even here…We want no part of the chest-beating of the superpowers. If the reports are true that both sides are talking…I say GET SERIOUS AND GET TO WORK!”
Cheers rang out…but after the cheers came a bronx cheer of boos.
”BOOOOO!” “THEY ATTACKED US!!!!!!” “WHAT ABOUT KAL 007?” “WHAT ABOUT MUNICH!!!”
He tried to maintain his cool and continued. “A good point, what about those incidents? They were deplorable and sad. And how did we respond. By increasing escalation. What do we do? We in turn vandalize their embassies. Shout anti-Soviet slogans. Send more troops to war to the point to where we are nearly locked into war, a war with no winner.”
”WE DON’T BRAINWASH LITTLE KIDS, SON!” YEAH!!!”
A loud man with a good bullhorn was near the front. “CAROLINA WELCH SHOULD BE SHOT FOR TREASON!!!”
The greater crowd, booed in response.
The counter demonstration was smaller but loud, and they flexed what muscle they had. What was a speech was turning into a debate. Microphones and cameras rushing to get both sides.
The Bullhorn man continued his attack. “THESE PEOPLE WANT NEBRASKA UNDER SOVIET CONTROL! WE CAN’T LET THAT HAPPEN!!”
His followers flanked behind him. “MY FRIENDS, CAROLINA WELCH BELIEVES 100% IN COMMUNISM. HER AND THAT ISABEL CRONIN, WHO IS AN AVOWED SOCIALIST! SHE RAN FOR OFFICE ON THE SOCIALIST PARTY TICKET. NEBRASKA HAVING A SOCIALIST PARTY IS OFFENSIVE TO ME AND ALL RIGHT THINKING AMERICANS!”
His crowd had taken control. “U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!"
Carolina stepped to the microphone. “It is the freedom of this country to be of all political persuasions. That is what made us a strong, free nation. You sir, speak of offense. I am offended that both sides dictate that entire world must die for their rivalry.”
A large cheer rang out from across the streets. “That’s my aunt,” Matt said proudly.
Ed heard the words and looked at some counter-demonstration near him. He was seething. “Now I really understand,” he thought.
Rick noticed Ed’s body language. “I’m right with you brother,” Rick thought. “I’m not liking vibe here, too."
The Bullhorn Man shouted. “LOOK AT ALL OF YOU CLERGYMEN. IN LEAGUE WITH AN ATHEIST LIKE THAT BASTARD CHAMBERS! SITTING WITH COMMUNISTS WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN GOD OR FREEDOM…I DIDN’T SERVE MY COUNTRY AND GET SHOT AT TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU SELL US OUT.”
A man standing near the Bullhorn man strolled up to him. His bullhorn was still live. A couple of police officer and national guard made their way through the crowd. This was a situation, possibly..
The wiry man in an army uniform came up to the man. “May I speak to you, sir,” he began politely.
Carolina looked at the scene. She knew the man. It was Jim.
The Bullhorn man saw the uniform. “Can you believe this, man? These people don’t understand.”
Jim spoke, “May I borrow your bullhorn? One American to another.”
“Absolutely,” the Bullhorn Man said. “Did you serve?”
“Yes sir,” Jim said. “Vietnam. Two tours in long range recon.”
“You’ve earned the right to speak, brother.”
“My good people,” Jim began. “I wear my uniform today. PROUDLY. I stand for my country. PROUDLY. I have two sons who are standing on the line against the Soviets, and I am proud of them."
The clapping and cheering from the Bullhorn man’s supporters grow.
Jim then brought the punchline. “BUT I ALSO STAND PROUDLY WITH CAROLINA WELCH!”
Jim looked at the bullhorn man. “I’ve seen war. I’ve been to war. I know what it means. I know what it means to be afraid that you will never seen your sons! Now I know what my wife went throug when I was overseas. Scared that the one you love won’t come home."
”BOOOOOO” “TRAITOR!!!”
”You call me a traitor?” Jim said. “I know who you are!”
Jim was in the Bullhorn man’s face. “You are a goddamned blowhard on the radio! This isn’t about the country. This is about YOU!
”I oughta rip that uniform off you..
The police and national guard pushed through the crowd. Racing to defuse this..
Jim and the Bullhorn Man were nose to nose.
Two younger man surrounding the bullhorn man menacing glared at Jim.
”I’d like to see you try to rip this uniform off me, bub,” Jim said.
”DAMN COMMIE”
One of the young men jumped at Jim. Jim’s hand-to-hand training went into automatic. He kicked the young man in the groin as the kid descended on him..Two other people grabbed him. Other raced in to help Jim out.. Police and National guardsmen where in the middle..and then..
”CRACK” “CRACK”
Gunshots rang out toward the podium. Everybody was ducking. Another set of shots rang out.
Matt, Chip and all the kids scattered…Chip heard a voice…”CHIIIIIP!!!!!”
Dina and Jill were caught in the middle of people rushing to get away.
”HELP!!!” There were swept away…
”From the courthouse steps, Walt was on his radio. “Police control over…if you can get officer to 14th and 15th street…We have to defuse this..
Walt raced back to the stage. “HELP ME!!!!!!” he heard a voice scream.
Walt and two police officers came on the scene amid the chaos, two EMTs were carrying injured people into the city-county building.
The most frantic voice was from Carolina’s son. “HELP ME!!!!!” He screamed…”THEY SHOT MY MOM!!!!!!!!!!!”
Carolina was battered, bruised…and had a gaping wound just underneath the rib cage.
The policeman led the EMTs. “I need a cruiser at the side entrance of city-county now. Get as many of you can. Get UNMC prepared. We have injured and wounded coming in TWO CRITICAL!!!…”
Matt and Chip were the next block over when they saw smoke…”Tear Gas!!!” Chip said. He could feel his eye burning. “What about my mom and dad?”
”We have to find Dina,” Matt yelled. “Where are we?”
”Chip looked around, “We are near Civic auditorium.”
Gail, Ed and grandfather John retreated two blocks away..Rick and Rhonda..where with him..
”Anybody see Denny?” Rick yelled.
”I didn’t.” Ed said.
”Did anybody see Chip!!! WHERE IS MY SON!?!?” Gail was lost in fear.
Dina and Jill, bruised and battered among a group of kids where unsure of where they were.
”Where do we go?” Dina asked.
”My dad is at the city-county building. If we could get back there.
”They are shooting people back there!!!” Dina cried.
Jill was near tears, “We need to find a phone…We need to hide.”
Matt was scared. So was Chip. “Where’s Dina….”
”We’ll find ‘em, Matt. Right now we have to get safe somehow.”
”If something happens to Dina..”
They ran away from the smoke. Chip’s heart beating. Thinking the worst. He remembered his nightmare…”CHIIIIIP HELP MEEEEEEEEEE!” percolated through his brain.
Chip stopped. “I know where we go,”
”Where?”
”Where’s my son??” Gail wailed. “CHIIIIIP!!!”
”What are we going to do?” Rhonda asked.
Ed stayed cool. “Let’s calm down. To find Chip we have to think like him."
”Oh my god, Walt…I heard there was shooting.,” His wife Jennifer said on the phone.
”It’s a mess down here honey,”
”Did Jill get in touch with you.
”Isn’t she home?”
”No, Jill went to the protest with her friend and her parents.”
Walt turned pale with fear.
”Dina right?” jill said as they walked down a side street. The commotion still going on.
”Yeah,” Dina said. “And your name is?”
”Jill”
”OOOOOH,” Dina said. “I know about you!”
”how so”
”Chip talks about you a lot.”
”He does?”
”Yeah,” Dina said. “He really likes you. I think that’s cool. He’s a normal kid when he talks about you.”
University of Nebraska Medical Center – 1:00pm
”We just got Mrs. Welch into surgery. She got hit with a ‘frag’ bullet,” the doctor said. “When the round impacted it splittered. Them damn things cause a lot of damage. I’ve seen them before. I was a medic in the Army.
Carolina’s son was pale and shaken.
”I have some good news though, Mr. Welch,” the policeman said. “We got the gunman in custody. The national guardsmen saw them and chased them. One of the bastards tried shooting at them. He didn’t last long”
The officer looked at Carolina’s son. “You know, I don’t agree with your mom at all, but she’s a good woman and she didn’t deserve this. I’m praying for her, son. And the guy who shot her? We’re putting him away. You can take that to the bank.”
W. Dale Clark Library – same time
”It’s open,” Chip said. “We can hang here until we are found or we can call somebody.”
One of the Librarians saw them, “Are you two looking for your parents?”
”Yes ma’am.” Matt and Chip said.
The Librarian smiled, “Well were are setting up a bank of phones. We figured there’d be some people separated when the commotion happened.
”Ma’am, Chip asked. “Is there a TV or a radio around.”
”There’s a TV on the second floor.
When Matt and Chip got to the second floor, there was already a small group of people watching the TV. One of the local news stations was continuing coverage. They were replaying the part when the shooting started..
During the argument and the fight…The shooting started as you can see here…Unofficially, the count was 7 people wounded, another 15 injured. Omaha police have the gunmen in custody at this hour. The police did say that the gunmen were using military ammunition.
We have received a report from UNMC that one of the wounded was confirmed to be Omaha peace activist Carolina Welch. She is in critical condition at this hour…
”OH NO!!!” Matt cried. Chip hugged his friend, the color draining from his own face.
Dina and Jill entered the library and immediately raced to a pay phone. “Hello dad?”
Walt was still there…”hello? JILL!!!!!!!! THANK HEAVEN!!!!! WHERE ARE YOU!!!”
”I’m at the Library dad…I heard shooting….Are you okay dad?”
”I’m at my office princess, I’m okay…but a few people aren’t. HONEY! You stay there, I will get you, okay? JUST STAY PUT OKAY!”
Denny was watching the TV when he noticed the two younger boys crying.
”Hey,” Denny said. “You okay….”
”No,” Matt whimpered.
”The lady who got shot is his auntie,” Chip said.”
”Oh,” Denny said. He took a second look. Its been maybe a year since he saw Chip last. He’s grown up a little.
”Chip?”
”Yeah…”
Chip looked up…It was Denny…he actually had hair on his chin now.
”DENNY!!!” What are you doing here? Is Rick here, too?”
”I came with Dad,” Denny said. “He says you guys are going to stay with us until things gets back to normal.
Chip sighed. “Things just seem to get worse.”
”I know,” Denny said. “I know. I’m sure all our parents are darn worried.”
Ed was standing next to his car when it hit him, “I know where that boy is,”
”Where?”
Ed smiled. “I know my son. I just have to think like him. Where’s one place you are sure to find him in Downtown Omaha.
Gail smiled for the first time through worried tears. Grandfather John laughed. “That boy is at the damn library!”
Ed laughed. “Correct. Give that man a prize.”
Governor’s Mansion – 2:15 p.m.
“Last damn thing we needed!” the Commander said.
“Tell me it ain’t so, buddy,” the Governor said.
“I wish I could, Bob,” the Commander said mournfully. “The shooters had military grade weapons. Omaha police confirmed the serial numbers. They were Nebraska Guard issued.”
“You mean to tell me this radio asshole used guard members as a security team?”
“Governor, they weren't current guard, they were former guard. They got access to weapons somehow. Some troops in Omaha confirmed it. A couple of the guardsmen knew them personally.”
“We can’t afford gaps like this,” the Governor said. “I’m having a hard enough time trying to get the mayors to stay on board.”
“We still having problems with Fremont and Columbus?”
“Those two are going to fuck this all up!" the Governor said. "and now we have Carolina Welch fighting for her damn life. WHY THE HELL WOULD ANYBODY WANT TO SHOOT CAROLINA WELCH!”
The Commander could see the Governor’s agitation. He was just as pissed off. Both knew that all the smart plans could quickly go to shit because of some idiot with a gun.
KETV Television uplink room 2:40pm..
It is still unknown at this hour how many injured. If nothing else this day was a bittersweet juxtaposition. A conservative American meat-and-potatoes town found voices for peace, and now are praying that those voices shall not be silenced. In Omaha, Nebraska…Trevor McDonald…ITN News at Ten.
”What do you think,” the producer said.
”I think this is definitely awards worthy and you should be pleased,” the executive producer said. “I just hope we don’t get D-noticed.”
”Open your gob and fight for this Gene!,” Emma said. Her upper-class tones growing with agitation. “This is something people need to see. Damned Thatcher needs to see this! Damned Ogarkov needs to see this!!”
”I don’t think you are quite aware of what going on, Emma,” the exec producer said. “By the way, there’s a BA plane leaving Chicago at 6:00 am central time tomorrow morning. You lot best be on it. Its already been arranged. Drive there now. We already checked you out of the hotel in Omaha is it? Get there.
”What is going on?” Emma demanded. “What has you so skittish?”
”What’s going on??? All overseas flights carrying a British flag have to be on UK soil in the next 36 hours. That’s what’s going on! Transition To War, Luv! Nobody’s getting in and nobody’s getting out. If you want to spend doomsday in a cornfield in Nebraska. Just miss the plane."
Emma was stone silent as she got the particulars. “What about the possible peace talks,”
”Ogarkov pissed off Reagan somewhere,” Gene said. “ The Soviet ambassador to Britain is flying home now. Dobrynin is leaving Washington tomorrow. Oh and guess what's going to follow News at Ten tonight??? BLOODY PROTECT AND SURVIVE!!! That’s what’s going on! Do you want to continue this row, or do you want to get back home?
”We’ll leave immediately, sir.”
”Good,” the exec producer said. “Emma, when you get back here. I’m going to salute you for some great work, and then I’m going to do something I’ve wanted to do for months.”
”What’s that sir?”
”I am going to plant a crocodile boot right in your privately-educated backside!"
”I missed you too, sir."
UNMC – 3:30pm
The doctor came back out. By now many more friends and family were in room. The nurses were doing what they could to keep the growing horde of press and officials out.
”Any news doc?” Carolina’s son asked.
”Sir, we need to talk in private..”
They went into a side room.
”Your mom got busted up pretty badly,” the Doctor said. “The good news we have her stabilized."
”That's good isn’t it,” Her son said.
”There is bad news,” the Doctor continued. “There’s a lot of internal bleeding. Right now..it is really touch-and-go. We have our best guy on it, though. He’s one of the tops in the country at this sort of procedure. We’re are going to go above and beyond on this one.”
to be continued.
Governor’s Mansion – 10:30am – Tuesday February 14, 1984
The Governor looks at the television set along with a breakfast guest.
“Coach, I’m glad you could give me a minute,”
“No problem Governor,” Coach Osborne said. “I apologize that we couldn’t meet at the Stadium offices, so I’d figure I’d come to you.”
The champion coach looked at the TV. It was tuned into one of the Omaha station covering the growing protest march.
“There’s a lot of fear in the world today,” the coach said mournfully. “A few of my players went to the rally. Some of those who couldn’t get back home right away are staying around to help out until they can.”
The Governor listened in. “Coach Osborne, what are your plans.”
“I’ll head to my home in Hastings and wait it out I suppose,” the coach said. “Lord willing, cooler heads prevail and we can get back to normal. I 'd rather worry about recruiting instead of radiation.”
“Coach Osborne, “ The Governor came to the point, “You are very important to the state of Nebraska.”
“I’m just a football coach, Governor,” he replied humbly. Typical Tom Osborne.
“Maybe so,” the Governor said. “But you and athletic director Devaney are people Nebraskans listen to. If either of you ran for Governor had have to raise a heck of a lot of money to be competitive. Coach Osborne, should war come and we are attacked, there are plans for a sustainable, continued state government. They involve plans for the national guard to supplement local law enforcement to maintain order. Hastings is a control point. Coach, should it go bad, I will need you, sir.”
“Need me for what?”
“To be a voice of reason, a voice of morale. I need as many people of good will as possible if things break down. I’m sure you’ll be helping your neighbors anyway, It’s the type of person you are. But, should I call on you for the sake of the state, can I count on you?”
Coach Osborne understood. “I’m curious, does the Mayor of Hastings know about this?”
“Who do you think asked me to talk to you?” the Governor replied.
”We must protest if we are to survive. Protest is the only realistic form of civil defense." – E.P. Thompson
15TH and Farnam street/Downtown Omaha 11:05 am
The downtown protest churned toward the city-county building. Among the throngs, Rick, Rhonda and their older son Denny were weaving in and out trying to catch up with Ed and Gail..
In another part of the crowd was Jim, The old vet turned activist was in his army uniform, arm with his daughter while holding a sign showing his sons with a big caption underneath asking “How Much Are Their Lives Worth?”
Throught the route small counter demonstrations sprung up. People shouting derisively “GO BACK TO RUSSIA!” and calling people “COMMIE” and such. Some paid them mind, others like Jim didn’t.
Neither did Chip’s grandfather. A reporter came up to him and asked, “Must be tough to hear that as an older man.”
Chip’s grandfather was cool and friendly as always, “Son,” he began. “These people don’t know any better. They are afraid same as us. They don’t know that I was fighting communism in Korea in ’51, and then came home and fought Alabama and Mississippi fascism in ’65. This is just another fight for our country is all.”
”Having said that, what are your thoughts on the situation in Europe. More troops are going as you have this demonstration."
”I have family and friends there now,” grandfather John continued. “I think the Soviets are wrong. I think we’ve added to that wrong by not working to make things right. Both sides are picking a fight over nothing. Its time to talk it out.”
”The President said earlier that the lines of communication are open.”
”If that is so, I hope both sides are making phone calls now."
Ed looked at his father-in-law. Not noticing that Rick finally caught up.
”Hey Ed,” A slightly winded Rick said. “Finally caught you.”
”You made it up here,” Ed replied. “Hi Rhonda.”
”Hi Ed, Gail…good to see you,” Rhonda noted. “Rick tells me you will be coming out to stay with us until this blows over. I just hope it does soon.”
”So do we,” Gail answered. “I hope they all come to their senses.
Ed put his arm around his wife, “If they can’t do it on Valentines Day, when can they?”
”Very true,” Rick said as he looked up the street toward the stage at the city-county building. “We’re almost at the end.”
”Did Chip come to this with you all? Denny asked.
”Yeah, he was right behind us,” Ed looked around. “Or at least he was.
Chip was maybe half-a-block behind, with Matt, Dina and a bunch of kids. They were huddled together lost in the blur of color and noise. They were yelling “WE WANNA GROW UP!”, they were getting some attention.
On one side of the street an NBC News crew had their cameras trained on them. One of the local stations did as well, and they were carrying it live.
On the opposite side of the street, another crew was in position as well. “I wasn’t expecting this,” the cameraman said. “The reporter said this was a smaller city."
”We’ve seen wild things in this country,” the audioman said in a clashing Cumbrian accent, “Wot did we get ourselves into.”
The producer looked at them both thinking the same thing. She was twentysomething, brownish-haired, leggy, smart and ambitious. Last June she was given a chance. "Produce one of our best reporters for a series of reports on America in the Reagan era," is how the executive producer put it that day in his office.
“I just want to feed these last two stories and get back to London,” she thought ruefully. “A BAFTA award isn’t worth all this shit.”
”Oi!” The cameraman said as he locked on something interesting. “Check out these kids…This is a great shot…Even out ‘ere they got bleedin’ socialist bedwetters, and at a young age.”
”Ian shut it!” the producer said as she looked at the kids. She looked hard at the kid in the sweatshirt. She called to her reporter..”Trevor, you need to see this,”
The reporter looked up from the noted her was furiously taking. He noticed the kids. And saw his cameraman and sound man racing to set up a new position in front of him.
”Ian stay on those kids!” the reporter said. He trained his eyes on the sweatshirt, Chip’s sweatshirt and on the kid wearing it. Through his focused eyes I could see a younger version of himself in a young kid on the plains.
”Notice the sweatshirt,” the producer said. Her private school accent rising with urgency. “Didn’t think they would have hardcores here who know of that….’HUSKERS CND’???? Out here.”
”Emma, you can find the news in the strangest places,” the reporter said. “I hope he’s a decent interview. They are kids after all. Its worth a try I suppose.”
The producer had a gleam in her eye, “A tenner says he would be.”
”I’ll take that bet,” the audioman said.
The overflowing protest settled in at the city-county building. Carolina’s son was already there preparing the audio. The cable where ready. Assorting clergy, peaceniks, politicians and others were massing. And so was a smaller but loud counter-demonstration of maybe 2,000 coming from the opposite direction.
”This is a scene that you’d never thought you see in Omaha, Gary. Aerial estimates put the total crowd at more than 50,000. Demonstrations similar to this one are occurring in New York and San Francisco today, as well as a second day of demonstrations in both Britain and France, who’d thought Omaha would be a part of this?"
”An incredible scene in downtown Omaha, Carol. This protest is the largest in Omaha’s history by far. No question. We’re trying to get comment from the mayor.”
”Press coverage has been surprising. . There are foreign news teams here from Canada, Japan and the UK . Tom Brokaw will co-host NBC Nightly News from here with John Chancellor and Roger Mudd tonight. In addition to the protest,s a lot of important announcement coming from the White House today. There are reports that President Reagan is in communications with the acting political leader of the Soviet Union."
Above the crowd two F-4 Phantoms played traffic cop with the Channel 7 and Channel 3 news helicopters. “Husker 1 to Husker 2, over,” Todd said into his radio. “Husker 2, responding..”
”Report fuel status.”
”Fuel status, nominal. Can you believe all that down there?”
”It’s unreal…and I hope it makes a dent."
The Mayor’s office 11:45am
”The mayor looked at the scene from balcony near the city council chambers.
He was overwhelmed by what he saw, yet excited by it. “Omaha couldn’t buy this type of publicity,” he said to Walt.
Walt shook his head. “This isn’t about publicity, Mike. These are people desperate to live.”
”Their voices are being heard,” the Mayor said. “The news is reporting Reagan and the new Soviet leaders are talking.”
”They were ‘talking’ a few weeks ago, too,” Walt said. “I’ll believe it when they start pulling in troops.”
”If it falls through, we evacuate,” the Mayor said. “The Governor wants us at a bunker west of Lincoln.”
”Be sure to let me know your radio frequency, Mr. Mayor.”
”Why would I need to do that, Walt,” the Mayor asked. “As head of emergency operations, you are the de facto deputy Mayor. You’d be there with me.”
Walt looked at the Mayor. “Only if my wife and kids are with me.”
”Walt you know the rules, essential personnel only.”
”My family are my essential personnel. I’m not going anywhere without them. Like I said. Leave the radio frequency with me. If I’m really that vital then we’ll find each other. But I’m not evacuating without my wife, Jeff and Jill. I’ve done my bit for the city and the state. I need to do my bit for my team.”
”Walt,” the Mayor said. “When this is all over…”
”Save the threat, Mike. When this is all over I hope we are both alive and back in this building, working on fixing potholes and sewers…instead of being city officials of a city that no longer exists”
Walt headed toward the exit and showed his city credentials. He headed out into the protests. The crowd pleading for peace increased by one.
”Excuse me, lad…Excuse me, kids…”
Chip and Matt looked around. Their growing group of kids stopped.
The producer and the reporter flagged them down. What they saw was a mix of impressionable 12 and 13-year-old kids. The producer expected them to be a little behind the times. She was wrong. The New Wave thing even landed here.
The reporter looked at the two boys, “You guys look like the leaders,”
Dina pointed them out, “Yes sir, that would be them.
Chip, showing the future TV reporter he wanted to be, went right into character. “This guy is the man,” Chip pointing to Matt, “His auntie put all this together.”
Matt pointed back at chip, he was blushing a little bit. “Yes she did, but you guys need to talk this kid. Check out the sweatshirt, dude.”
”Well, like to talk to both of you,” the producer said as she extended her hand. “I’m a producer with ITN in England…my name is Emma.”
Chip noticed her pretty face and long legs and blurted out, “Wow…I’m meeting a real Emma Peel..”
The reporter was laughing, “I think you have a fan.” Emma was blushing, “Thank you!” she said softly. “I’m flattered.”
The reporter began, “We are going to have a camera on you and we want you to talk to us,”
Chip was game, “okay!”. He studied the reporter. “He’s doing world news, and he’s black! Someday, I’m going to be sharing an anchor desk with this guy,” Chip thought.
The reporter began, “Where are all you kids from and how old are you.”
A chorus of “Omaha”, “12” and “13” rang out from a group of about 20 kids.
”So how did you two get together,” the reporter asked Matt.
”It really started with my aunt, Carolina,” Matt said. “She leads a peace group, and I turn I organized one when I was in 5th grade at my grade school. That’s where I met Dina, Lynne, and Jake” He pointed to his friends behind him.”
”I’m in junior high now and we all went to the same school, and we started finding more people who wanted peace, too…and Dina told me about a kid in her class who know a lot about this stuff…and that how we met Chip.”
The reporter turned to Chip, “Tell me about the sweatshirt. You’ll have to tell me, exactly what is a Husker?”
”It’s the nickname of the best college football team in the world. The Nebraska Cornhuskers…national champs!”
Cheers rang out from the kids and a few adults.
The reporter got things back on track, “Okay, but I noticed ‘HUSKERS CND’, First do you know what the CND is.”
”Yes sir,” Chip beamed. “It’s the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. I have a friend in the Army. He was doing some training in England, and I asked him to bring me back a CND t-shirt, and he did. He also brought me back a couple of books on disarmament, issues, things like that. I was at a day camp during the summer and we were making out own iron-on transfers, right? So wanted to put things I liked on it. I like my Huskers. I like peace. I put ‘em together.”
It was at that moment that Ed, Gail and Rick found there son. “They are interviewing, Chip! Find my dad!” Gail exclaimed.
The NBC News cameraman go to them too. His audio man snuck into the scene and they were rolling tape.
”Are you kids scared at all,” the reporter said.
”I am,” Dina said. “I don’t want to die. I want to be a ballet dancer someday.”
”I want to be an engineer,” another kid said.
”I want to be teacher.” “I want to build big skyscrapers.” “I want to play pro baseball.”
Chip looked at the reporter, “I want to be a sports commentator,” he said proudly. “Maybe I’ll get to work with you someday.”
The reporter smiled, “Move to England, and that just might happen.”
A pouty smiley girl floated behind Chip, “You aren’t going there without me,” she pleaded.
Chip turned around. It was Jill. She was happy to see him..
The producer smiled. “Look like you have another little friend”
The camera was still rolling. “Yeah,” Jill said. “He’s my future husband.”
”Ooooh,” said the huddle of kids.
”Awwwww,” Dina said. “That is so cute.”
Chip soft brown skin was taking on a soft red tinge.
Jill wasn’t fazed by a microphone and a camera at all. “Why am I here? Because of my dad. He works for the city, and part of his job is….getting the shelters ready. It’s been really hard, and I can tell he’s scared, too.”
”Is there anything you’d want to say to both sides,”
”Yes,” Matt said. “We’re scared. There are kids in Russia who are just as scared as we are…, and in England and France…and Germany, I’d hate to be in Germany right now. We don’t want to die.”
”Both sides need to talk,” Chip added. “President Reagan and General Secretary Ogarkov have to sit down and talk this out, or better yet, both of them need to do what my grandfather says. Put some boxing gloves on, find a ring and work it out!”
His grandfather looked on. A tear fell from his eye.
The interview was over and the weary camera crew scrambled toward the main stage at the entrance of the city-county building. But they seemed to get an energy boost. The producer thought as she scurried to get a good spot in the press area, “I wasn’t expected that. I hope the government doesn’t D-Notice this report. This is something people bloody need to see.”
The kids headed to get as close to the stage as possible. Chip stood behind for a second. He was shaking with excitement. He was going to be on TV…maybe… Goosebumps completely raised..
Jill took him by hand, “Earth to Chip…come in Chip”
”Oh,” Chip said. “I must have been daydreaming for a second.”
”Heavenly father,” the priest began. “Show us the bounty of thy peace and extend thy peace to a weary world, Lord. Let us come together as people. Help us heal the wounds that divide us. Help us to be of one accord again…."
Each speaker brought on the same theme. A desperate cry for peace…And then Carolina’s son spoke…
”I am a young man,” he began. “I want to have a family and build a career. I want to be alive! Without a sustained commitment to peace, that won’t happen for me…or those who are here younger than me..”
”I must admit,” he continued. “My mother, Carolina Welch was right…and I was wrong. I didn’t think we’d get the turnout here in Omaha. I was wrong…And I’ll say so. We are sending a message, that even here…We want no part of the chest-beating of the superpowers. If the reports are true that both sides are talking…I say GET SERIOUS AND GET TO WORK!”
Cheers rang out…but after the cheers came a bronx cheer of boos.
”BOOOOO!” “THEY ATTACKED US!!!!!!” “WHAT ABOUT KAL 007?” “WHAT ABOUT MUNICH!!!”
He tried to maintain his cool and continued. “A good point, what about those incidents? They were deplorable and sad. And how did we respond. By increasing escalation. What do we do? We in turn vandalize their embassies. Shout anti-Soviet slogans. Send more troops to war to the point to where we are nearly locked into war, a war with no winner.”
”WE DON’T BRAINWASH LITTLE KIDS, SON!” YEAH!!!”
A loud man with a good bullhorn was near the front. “CAROLINA WELCH SHOULD BE SHOT FOR TREASON!!!”
The greater crowd, booed in response.
The counter demonstration was smaller but loud, and they flexed what muscle they had. What was a speech was turning into a debate. Microphones and cameras rushing to get both sides.
The Bullhorn man continued his attack. “THESE PEOPLE WANT NEBRASKA UNDER SOVIET CONTROL! WE CAN’T LET THAT HAPPEN!!”
His followers flanked behind him. “MY FRIENDS, CAROLINA WELCH BELIEVES 100% IN COMMUNISM. HER AND THAT ISABEL CRONIN, WHO IS AN AVOWED SOCIALIST! SHE RAN FOR OFFICE ON THE SOCIALIST PARTY TICKET. NEBRASKA HAVING A SOCIALIST PARTY IS OFFENSIVE TO ME AND ALL RIGHT THINKING AMERICANS!”
His crowd had taken control. “U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!"
Carolina stepped to the microphone. “It is the freedom of this country to be of all political persuasions. That is what made us a strong, free nation. You sir, speak of offense. I am offended that both sides dictate that entire world must die for their rivalry.”
A large cheer rang out from across the streets. “That’s my aunt,” Matt said proudly.
Ed heard the words and looked at some counter-demonstration near him. He was seething. “Now I really understand,” he thought.
Rick noticed Ed’s body language. “I’m right with you brother,” Rick thought. “I’m not liking vibe here, too."
The Bullhorn Man shouted. “LOOK AT ALL OF YOU CLERGYMEN. IN LEAGUE WITH AN ATHEIST LIKE THAT BASTARD CHAMBERS! SITTING WITH COMMUNISTS WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN GOD OR FREEDOM…I DIDN’T SERVE MY COUNTRY AND GET SHOT AT TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU SELL US OUT.”
A man standing near the Bullhorn man strolled up to him. His bullhorn was still live. A couple of police officer and national guard made their way through the crowd. This was a situation, possibly..
The wiry man in an army uniform came up to the man. “May I speak to you, sir,” he began politely.
Carolina looked at the scene. She knew the man. It was Jim.
The Bullhorn man saw the uniform. “Can you believe this, man? These people don’t understand.”
Jim spoke, “May I borrow your bullhorn? One American to another.”
“Absolutely,” the Bullhorn Man said. “Did you serve?”
“Yes sir,” Jim said. “Vietnam. Two tours in long range recon.”
“You’ve earned the right to speak, brother.”
“My good people,” Jim began. “I wear my uniform today. PROUDLY. I stand for my country. PROUDLY. I have two sons who are standing on the line against the Soviets, and I am proud of them."
The clapping and cheering from the Bullhorn man’s supporters grow.
Jim then brought the punchline. “BUT I ALSO STAND PROUDLY WITH CAROLINA WELCH!”
Jim looked at the bullhorn man. “I’ve seen war. I’ve been to war. I know what it means. I know what it means to be afraid that you will never seen your sons! Now I know what my wife went throug when I was overseas. Scared that the one you love won’t come home."
”BOOOOOO” “TRAITOR!!!”
”You call me a traitor?” Jim said. “I know who you are!”
Jim was in the Bullhorn man’s face. “You are a goddamned blowhard on the radio! This isn’t about the country. This is about YOU!
”I oughta rip that uniform off you..
The police and national guard pushed through the crowd. Racing to defuse this..
Jim and the Bullhorn Man were nose to nose.
Two younger man surrounding the bullhorn man menacing glared at Jim.
”I’d like to see you try to rip this uniform off me, bub,” Jim said.
”DAMN COMMIE”
One of the young men jumped at Jim. Jim’s hand-to-hand training went into automatic. He kicked the young man in the groin as the kid descended on him..Two other people grabbed him. Other raced in to help Jim out.. Police and National guardsmen where in the middle..and then..
”CRACK” “CRACK”
Gunshots rang out toward the podium. Everybody was ducking. Another set of shots rang out.
Matt, Chip and all the kids scattered…Chip heard a voice…”CHIIIIIP!!!!!”
Dina and Jill were caught in the middle of people rushing to get away.
”HELP!!!” There were swept away…
”From the courthouse steps, Walt was on his radio. “Police control over…if you can get officer to 14th and 15th street…We have to defuse this..
Walt raced back to the stage. “HELP ME!!!!!!” he heard a voice scream.
Walt and two police officers came on the scene amid the chaos, two EMTs were carrying injured people into the city-county building.
The most frantic voice was from Carolina’s son. “HELP ME!!!!!” He screamed…”THEY SHOT MY MOM!!!!!!!!!!!”
Carolina was battered, bruised…and had a gaping wound just underneath the rib cage.
The policeman led the EMTs. “I need a cruiser at the side entrance of city-county now. Get as many of you can. Get UNMC prepared. We have injured and wounded coming in TWO CRITICAL!!!…”
Matt and Chip were the next block over when they saw smoke…”Tear Gas!!!” Chip said. He could feel his eye burning. “What about my mom and dad?”
”We have to find Dina,” Matt yelled. “Where are we?”
”Chip looked around, “We are near Civic auditorium.”
Gail, Ed and grandfather John retreated two blocks away..Rick and Rhonda..where with him..
”Anybody see Denny?” Rick yelled.
”I didn’t.” Ed said.
”Did anybody see Chip!!! WHERE IS MY SON!?!?” Gail was lost in fear.
Dina and Jill, bruised and battered among a group of kids where unsure of where they were.
”Where do we go?” Dina asked.
”My dad is at the city-county building. If we could get back there.
”They are shooting people back there!!!” Dina cried.
Jill was near tears, “We need to find a phone…We need to hide.”
Matt was scared. So was Chip. “Where’s Dina….”
”We’ll find ‘em, Matt. Right now we have to get safe somehow.”
”If something happens to Dina..”
They ran away from the smoke. Chip’s heart beating. Thinking the worst. He remembered his nightmare…”CHIIIIIP HELP MEEEEEEEEEE!” percolated through his brain.
Chip stopped. “I know where we go,”
”Where?”
”Where’s my son??” Gail wailed. “CHIIIIIP!!!”
”What are we going to do?” Rhonda asked.
Ed stayed cool. “Let’s calm down. To find Chip we have to think like him."
”Oh my god, Walt…I heard there was shooting.,” His wife Jennifer said on the phone.
”It’s a mess down here honey,”
”Did Jill get in touch with you.
”Isn’t she home?”
”No, Jill went to the protest with her friend and her parents.”
Walt turned pale with fear.
”Dina right?” jill said as they walked down a side street. The commotion still going on.
”Yeah,” Dina said. “And your name is?”
”Jill”
”OOOOOH,” Dina said. “I know about you!”
”how so”
”Chip talks about you a lot.”
”He does?”
”Yeah,” Dina said. “He really likes you. I think that’s cool. He’s a normal kid when he talks about you.”
University of Nebraska Medical Center – 1:00pm
”We just got Mrs. Welch into surgery. She got hit with a ‘frag’ bullet,” the doctor said. “When the round impacted it splittered. Them damn things cause a lot of damage. I’ve seen them before. I was a medic in the Army.
Carolina’s son was pale and shaken.
”I have some good news though, Mr. Welch,” the policeman said. “We got the gunman in custody. The national guardsmen saw them and chased them. One of the bastards tried shooting at them. He didn’t last long”
The officer looked at Carolina’s son. “You know, I don’t agree with your mom at all, but she’s a good woman and she didn’t deserve this. I’m praying for her, son. And the guy who shot her? We’re putting him away. You can take that to the bank.”
W. Dale Clark Library – same time
”It’s open,” Chip said. “We can hang here until we are found or we can call somebody.”
One of the Librarians saw them, “Are you two looking for your parents?”
”Yes ma’am.” Matt and Chip said.
The Librarian smiled, “Well were are setting up a bank of phones. We figured there’d be some people separated when the commotion happened.
”Ma’am, Chip asked. “Is there a TV or a radio around.”
”There’s a TV on the second floor.
When Matt and Chip got to the second floor, there was already a small group of people watching the TV. One of the local news stations was continuing coverage. They were replaying the part when the shooting started..
During the argument and the fight…The shooting started as you can see here…Unofficially, the count was 7 people wounded, another 15 injured. Omaha police have the gunmen in custody at this hour. The police did say that the gunmen were using military ammunition.
We have received a report from UNMC that one of the wounded was confirmed to be Omaha peace activist Carolina Welch. She is in critical condition at this hour…
”OH NO!!!” Matt cried. Chip hugged his friend, the color draining from his own face.
Dina and Jill entered the library and immediately raced to a pay phone. “Hello dad?”
Walt was still there…”hello? JILL!!!!!!!! THANK HEAVEN!!!!! WHERE ARE YOU!!!”
”I’m at the Library dad…I heard shooting….Are you okay dad?”
”I’m at my office princess, I’m okay…but a few people aren’t. HONEY! You stay there, I will get you, okay? JUST STAY PUT OKAY!”
Denny was watching the TV when he noticed the two younger boys crying.
”Hey,” Denny said. “You okay….”
”No,” Matt whimpered.
”The lady who got shot is his auntie,” Chip said.”
”Oh,” Denny said. He took a second look. Its been maybe a year since he saw Chip last. He’s grown up a little.
”Chip?”
”Yeah…”
Chip looked up…It was Denny…he actually had hair on his chin now.
”DENNY!!!” What are you doing here? Is Rick here, too?”
”I came with Dad,” Denny said. “He says you guys are going to stay with us until things gets back to normal.
Chip sighed. “Things just seem to get worse.”
”I know,” Denny said. “I know. I’m sure all our parents are darn worried.”
Ed was standing next to his car when it hit him, “I know where that boy is,”
”Where?”
Ed smiled. “I know my son. I just have to think like him. Where’s one place you are sure to find him in Downtown Omaha.
Gail smiled for the first time through worried tears. Grandfather John laughed. “That boy is at the damn library!”
Ed laughed. “Correct. Give that man a prize.”
Governor’s Mansion – 2:15 p.m.
“Last damn thing we needed!” the Commander said.
“Tell me it ain’t so, buddy,” the Governor said.
“I wish I could, Bob,” the Commander said mournfully. “The shooters had military grade weapons. Omaha police confirmed the serial numbers. They were Nebraska Guard issued.”
“You mean to tell me this radio asshole used guard members as a security team?”
“Governor, they weren't current guard, they were former guard. They got access to weapons somehow. Some troops in Omaha confirmed it. A couple of the guardsmen knew them personally.”
“We can’t afford gaps like this,” the Governor said. “I’m having a hard enough time trying to get the mayors to stay on board.”
“We still having problems with Fremont and Columbus?”
“Those two are going to fuck this all up!" the Governor said. "and now we have Carolina Welch fighting for her damn life. WHY THE HELL WOULD ANYBODY WANT TO SHOOT CAROLINA WELCH!”
The Commander could see the Governor’s agitation. He was just as pissed off. Both knew that all the smart plans could quickly go to shit because of some idiot with a gun.
KETV Television uplink room 2:40pm..
It is still unknown at this hour how many injured. If nothing else this day was a bittersweet juxtaposition. A conservative American meat-and-potatoes town found voices for peace, and now are praying that those voices shall not be silenced. In Omaha, Nebraska…Trevor McDonald…ITN News at Ten.
”What do you think,” the producer said.
”I think this is definitely awards worthy and you should be pleased,” the executive producer said. “I just hope we don’t get D-noticed.”
”Open your gob and fight for this Gene!,” Emma said. Her upper-class tones growing with agitation. “This is something people need to see. Damned Thatcher needs to see this! Damned Ogarkov needs to see this!!”
”I don’t think you are quite aware of what going on, Emma,” the exec producer said. “By the way, there’s a BA plane leaving Chicago at 6:00 am central time tomorrow morning. You lot best be on it. Its already been arranged. Drive there now. We already checked you out of the hotel in Omaha is it? Get there.
”What is going on?” Emma demanded. “What has you so skittish?”
”What’s going on??? All overseas flights carrying a British flag have to be on UK soil in the next 36 hours. That’s what’s going on! Transition To War, Luv! Nobody’s getting in and nobody’s getting out. If you want to spend doomsday in a cornfield in Nebraska. Just miss the plane."
Emma was stone silent as she got the particulars. “What about the possible peace talks,”
”Ogarkov pissed off Reagan somewhere,” Gene said. “ The Soviet ambassador to Britain is flying home now. Dobrynin is leaving Washington tomorrow. Oh and guess what's going to follow News at Ten tonight??? BLOODY PROTECT AND SURVIVE!!! That’s what’s going on! Do you want to continue this row, or do you want to get back home?
”We’ll leave immediately, sir.”
”Good,” the exec producer said. “Emma, when you get back here. I’m going to salute you for some great work, and then I’m going to do something I’ve wanted to do for months.”
”What’s that sir?”
”I am going to plant a crocodile boot right in your privately-educated backside!"
”I missed you too, sir."
UNMC – 3:30pm
The doctor came back out. By now many more friends and family were in room. The nurses were doing what they could to keep the growing horde of press and officials out.
”Any news doc?” Carolina’s son asked.
”Sir, we need to talk in private..”
They went into a side room.
”Your mom got busted up pretty badly,” the Doctor said. “The good news we have her stabilized."
”That's good isn’t it,” Her son said.
”There is bad news,” the Doctor continued. “There’s a lot of internal bleeding. Right now..it is really touch-and-go. We have our best guy on it, though. He’s one of the tops in the country at this sort of procedure. We’re are going to go above and beyond on this one.”
to be continued.
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Falkenburg
Monthly Donor
Cool cameo for Trevor MacDonald. He might never get his Knighthood ITTL. 
On first read through the section after the gunshots seemed very confusing but second time around it seemed appropriate to the situation.
Things are looking grim for Mrs Welch. Even if she pulls through for the moment, anyone requiring serious medical intervention and/or support is going to find themselves in a precarious position Post Exchange.
It seems to me that if the informal structures that 'guided' British broadcasting and media, at the time, haven't bestirred themselves to dissuade ITV from screening Protect & Survivecool then there should be no reason to block Trevors' Report.
Hopefully.
Another great Update, Chipperback.
There are a few (teeny tiny) typographical issues (such as duplication of words) but such as they are, they in no way blunt the impact or pace of the Story.
Falkenburg
On first read through the section after the gunshots seemed very confusing but second time around it seemed appropriate to the situation.
Things are looking grim for Mrs Welch. Even if she pulls through for the moment, anyone requiring serious medical intervention and/or support is going to find themselves in a precarious position Post Exchange.
It seems to me that if the informal structures that 'guided' British broadcasting and media, at the time, haven't bestirred themselves to dissuade ITV from screening Protect & Survive
cool then there should be no reason to block Trevors' Report.Hopefully.
Another great Update, Chipperback.
There are a few (teeny tiny
) typographical issues (such as duplication of words) but such as they are, they in no way blunt the impact or pace of the Story.Falkenburg
A mixture of things, including providing land-based air cover in the Baltic and CAS support to Naval Infantry.
I wonder if an official announcement for the cancellation of the 26th Grammy Awards has been given by now?In OTL the Grammy Awards were held on february 28th 1984 in this timeline the war started on the 18th and went nuclear on the 21th.By now we're on the 14th meaning war is about to commence.Would a cancellation notice have been given or would they wait until hostilities started.Fun fact Michael Jackson would have been the main winner, in this timeline I wonder if he even survived.Although most movie and music stars would have probably fled the cities somehow.Unlike the common man they did have the means to flee,although exactly where is a question.Los Angeles doesn't really have a lot of places of refuge San Diego and San Francisco are out,Las Vegas out,Tucson no way,Phoenix no.
The Olympics are even more interesting they lasted between the 8th and the 19th which means right when the crisis was getting worse.What did these guys do?Once West Germany declared an emergency it seems only reasonable that they pulled their team from there,but the US team along with the Soviet one?Its actually a good question,Olympic games get a lot of coverage any pull out or cancellation would be in the news.
John Farson
Banned
Has vivid image of a group of professional winter athletes trying to survive in a nuked out, ethnic war-ridden hellhole that used to be known as Sarajevo
I forgot about the olympics - in communist Yugolsavia, non-the-less. The games, cancellation or not would be in the news, even in cornhusker country.
01/30/1984 915 CST AP-NEWSWATCH
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND (AP) -- THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE HAS DECIDED TO 'INDEFINITELY POSTPONE' THE WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES, SET TO START IN SARAJEVO, YUGOSLAVIA FEBRUARY 8TH. IOC PRESIDENT JUAN ANTONIO SAMARANCH CITED THE RECENT DETERIORATION OF RELATIONS BETWEEN NATO AND THE WARSAW PACT AS THE REASON BEHIND THE MOVE TO POSTPONE. "GIVEN SUNDAY'S EVENTS OVER GREECE, AND THE INCREASED PRESENCE OF SOVIET MILITARY FORCES IN YUGOSLAVIA AND NATO ALLIANCE FORCES ON THEIR BORDERS, THE SITUATION IS REGRETTABLY TOO VOLATILE AND UNSAFE FOR THE COMPETITORS AND OFFICIALS TO HAVE AN OLYMPIC GAMES AT THIS TIME." SAMARANCH WENT ON TO URGE BOTH THE UNITED STATES AND SOVIET UNION TO MAKE "A TRUE COMMITMENT TO PEACE WHICH IS IN LINE WITH THE HIGHEST IDEALS OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES AND THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT.
The IOC called for an indefinite postponement of the Games of the Winter Olympiad on January 30, 1984, citing the KLM 146 crisis and the forward deployment of Soviet Troops in Yugoslavia.
The entire U.S. Olympic delegation was headquartered at Innsbruck, Austria in early January 1984 by insistence of the U.S. State Department. When the games were officially postponed, the entire U.S. delegation returned to the United States, along with most participating western countries.
Most of the Eastern Bloc teams, many with members who were also in military service while competitors, were with their respective delegations but held in their home countries until it was confirmed that there would be an Olympics.
Falkenburg
Monthly Donor
I've been doing some background reading and found This very interesting.
Don't know if it will be of any use to you but it does say some interesting things about the Soviet mindset at the time (Public and Politburo).
Falkenburg
Don't know if it will be of any use to you but it does say some interesting things about the Soviet mindset at the time (Public and Politburo).
Falkenburg
Operation RYAN
RYAN is a big part of the Soviet psychology I'm portraying here. What if RYAN was taken all the way. IOTL, RYAN died with Andropov and when my side of the world realized that the Soviets where just as afraid of us as we were of them.
The links below is the first part of a documentary I used to research some of the geopolitical pieces of my timeline: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kTnXqfT1Mk
The other parts follow the same link.
Oh by the way....
"Eagle 2-5 bearing 168....Bogeys detected...Bogey detected...Multiple bogies detected..LOCK 'EM!!!! The Reds are here!
My fellow Americans...we are at war.
RYAN is a big part of the Soviet psychology I'm portraying here. What if RYAN was taken all the way. IOTL, RYAN died with Andropov and when my side of the world realized that the Soviets where just as afraid of us as we were of them.
The links below is the first part of a documentary I used to research some of the geopolitical pieces of my timeline: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kTnXqfT1Mk
The other parts follow the same link.
Oh by the way....
"Eagle 2-5 bearing 168....Bogeys detected...Bogey detected...Multiple bogies detected..LOCK 'EM!!!! The Reds are here!
My fellow Americans...we are at war.
I saw that documentary back 2007/2008 and think it's a very good representation of the mood in 1983.
In Reagan's personal diary, he wrote after watching The Day After that it upset him and made him feel depressed.
I wonder if he watched Threads? That would of really bummed him out.