Chain of Command: Chapter 27

1/27/2015

NOTES: Oh man! I am loving the back and forth in the Comments section. Here's my take on yesterday's conversation: I agree with both sides (if you can even call them sides). Here's why: if you'll remember, when we first started this story I was grappling with the "How could they take down the Marine Corps?" question. I totally agree that this isn't just about money, but that's where the thread started, and for some reason it's the argument that surfaces most often in the real world even though, like Vin said, it's just shifting dollars from one place to another. But in this story, once we started pulling we found a rat's nest of turds trying to insert their egos and ambitions. Money, ego, incompetence, greed, vengeance...

That's what this attack on the Marine Corps is all about. Could it happen in real life? Maybe. The point of this whole thing is that when people have self-centered motives, and have the ability to see their vision implemented, no one is safe, not even the Marine Corps.

Take a look at mighty empires (Roman?) that have crumbled even though they were at one point seemingly invincible. I think that's the point I want to make with the story. We should all, no matter what branch of service, no matter how secure our future seems, take a greater vision into account. We are paint strokes on an larger canvas. Through our actions, will we choose to make the final masterpiece a cohesive piece or will we selfishly sabotage the whole thing for our own needs?

I've always believed that being a good citizen starts with how we treat our neighbors. Take care of one another. Be nice. It's okay to be proud and loyal, but not to the point where it crushes the innocent. Crush the wicked all you want, but let's always question our own motives.

<soapbox kicked over>

Anyway, the short version is this: Chain of Command is a story about selfish men with selfish ambitions. It just so happens that the tool/skapegoat they use to get to their goal is the United States Marine Corps. I hope that makes sense. If not...oh crap...

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14 Comments

Alex Howard

1/27/2015 03:27:01 am

Oh boy! It's really getting interesting. But it's not fair to stop just there ...

Only a coupla nits to pick today.

-a.

Laura

1/27/2015 03:46:03 am

Carlos, thank you for your thoughts at the beginning. I like what you and Vin have said and you both have given me more to think over. Now for another great chapter. I'm with Alex and looking for more.

Len Powell

1/27/2015 03:55:10 am

Like the direction, and like the offer of additional help if things go south. Good stuff!!

sonya

1/27/2015 04:17:19 am

i want to rub my hands together and make that sound mwahahahahahahahah...its really moving along!
can't wait to read what happens tomorrow! this one or two chapters at a time is killing me!
as a civilian i've always thought 'things' happen that we never really know about....i'm thinking they do! enjoying this immensely!

Chuck O'Malley link

1/27/2015 04:30:05 am

Both your introductory comments and this chapter are outstanding! Looks like things may to start to break.

Mark

1/27/2015 04:38:48 am

My only complaint is that the chapters aren't long enough, I really like the possibility of Delta getting together with Cal and Co. and where this will go from here is leading to great possibilities for the ending.

Matt

1/27/2015 04:45:24 am

Let the bad guys fall! Way to go ;~)

Jerry Lovett

1/27/2015 05:00:41 am

Man, this is getting even more interesting! I read alot of books by authors like Patterson, Grisham,Clancy,Baldacci,Sanford, and Martin. I put your stories right along with all of them. You write very interesting novels. Keep up the good work!

Judy Stone

1/27/2015 05:15:18 am

Chapter is great, but it came to such a screeching halt I got whiplash. It looks like the resolution will involve cooperation from different organizations working toward a common goal (and setting aside ego and brinkmanship). Nice message.

Mary Sheerin link

1/27/2015 05:22:33 am

ONE OF THE REASONS I LOVE YOUR BOOK'S IS IT MAKES PEOPLE THINK,DEBATE ABOUT THE MEN WHO THINK THEY ARE GOD. AMERICA HAS TO WAKE UP TO THE FACT THAT THE EVIL IS NOW ON OUR DOORSTEP AND YOU SHOW THAT. KEEP REMINDING US,ALSO,ABOUT MEN LIKE CAL STOKES AND HIS CREW WORKING IN THE BACK.GROUND. THAT IS THE ONLY THING I THINK YOU SHOULD REALLY GIVE TRIBUTE TO AT THE END OF YOUR BOOK'S. ENJOYING THE RIDE.

Marsha

1/27/2015 07:46:55 am

That was a good one, Cooper! I agree with the others in that it was too short.

I liked your comments at the beginning, but the one thing I did notice is that Steiner seems to enjoy the power the most. I'd say that power is the one thing that drives most politicians to do the things they do. But, that's just my opinion.

I have been reading Reprisal In Black by Dan Fox and one of his characters in the book says some things I totally agree with..."We make it too easy for people to ignore the plain truth about what's happening today. It's not the ordinary peoples of the world who cause the problems, it is the extremists that push and force their will on the weakness of others and we need to stop them, dead, preferably." He is talking to the POTUS when he says "You need to stop pussyfooting around and help this great country of ours and all of our people understand and appreciate that our very way of life is under serious threat from these lunatics. It's time you told them that their cosy way of life is under immense threat. It's time you stopped lying to them about how secure we are. We need every American to be more vigilant, keep their eyes and ears open and for them to realize that their security is as much their responsibility as it is ours (military, sec ops, etc.). I absolutely guarantee you that there are serious plots in action at this very moment and it would take only one slip up by our vast network of security forces to let one of them succeed."

G.Younger

1/27/2015 09:04:32 am

I appreciate the powerful words from the soapbox, as well as, from our CJ bloggers. I am so often amazed at the patriotism, knowledge, and wisdom found here.
We have the premise of the novel and it makes sense. We have the White House, F.B.I., and Delta helping to unravel the wicked conspiracy. Now, l am more than ready to see Cal and Co. shoot, strangle, kill the rest of the bad guys.
A GREAT read!

Vin

1/27/2015 11:49:51 am

Oh goodie, goodie, we are going to get some actionable information.
Can't hurt to have Delta helping.

I know we are not supposed to pick nits now but I have to point this out because you should know better and others may not catch it. "Brig" is a Navy/Marine term, not something Delta would use. The Air Force would probably call it "time out."

CGC

1/27/2015 08:24:00 pm

Time out -- hehe

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Chain of Command: Chapter 27

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