For a moment the G2 was unsure how to respond. In the end he chose to ignore Gordon’s comment and press on. “Ah, well, yes,” he stammered as he sorted his briefing notes in his hands absentmindedly. When he was ready, he started again. “The next level is where we first see physical confrontation being a likely outcome.” On the slide were the words “Civil Disturbance,” followed by examples which included race riots and labor disputes. Casting a nervous glance back at Colonel Gordon, the G2 began to elaborate on this topic. “Throughout our nation’s history the federal government has made it a point to allow local and state law enforcement agencies to deal with civil disturbances. On occasion however, the magnitude of the disturbances has overwhelmed the capabilities of local governmental agencies to deal effectively with them. In those cases, federal forces were called in to augment local agencies. One of the largest and bloodiest examples of this sort of employment was the draft riots in New York City in July, 1863. Troops from the Army of the Potomac, with the mud and blood of Gettysburg still on their uniforms, were dispatched to that city to end days of violent rioting in which Irish laborers lynched Negroes and burned government recruiting offices.”

“Good move, Gary,” Colonel Wilder threw in. “The Irish are always in season if you’re looking for a minority to pick on.”

Having sensed the tension, Bob Felden saw a chance to lighten the mood. “Well, Pete,” he called out to Wilder, “that’s because you micks are always so bloody annoying.”

The officers at the table let out an uninhibited laugh. The minions lining the wall were more guarded in their response. Smiling, Scott nodded for the G2 to continue.