Doing his best to ignore Jan’s intense stare, Saunders read his prepared statement. Like the update that his comely spokesperson had delivered before him, the general’s comments contained little in the way of news. If anything, they mirrored the sentiment that had been expressed by the Governor and his Attorney General. “As has been pointed out,” he stated in a blustery manner that put her in mind of a used car salesman, “the men and women of this state’s National Guard are prepared to defend their homes, their families, and their rights. From Eastpoint on the Canadian border over by Montpelier next to Montana, they stand ready to fight if that becomes necessary. Of course,” he added as he affected a politician’s take on a sincere smile, “they would all prefer a more peaceful, less violent resolution to the impasse between this state and the Federal government. I can assure each and every one of you that the minute the Federal government agrees to the reforms set forth by Governor Thomas and supported by numerous other governors and national leaders, we will put aside our arms and gladly go home.”

Sensing that this was the perfect time to bring up the subject that she wanted to take on that day, Jan shouted out without waiting for any sort of acknowledgment. “Does that include the members of the unorganized militia groups that you have been arming?”

Having come to expect this sort of outburst from that bothersome woman, Saunders ignored Jan’s question. Instead, he looked down at his notes as if he were seeking his place while he struggled to contain the anger he felt welling up. He was about to begin where he had left off when a reporter from the Washington Post jumped up out of his seat and took up Jan’s question. “What about the militia, General? Will they go home without a murmur if the political differences between your governor and the Federal government can be worked out through negotiations?”

For several long seconds the Adjutant General glared at the newspaper correspondent in an effort to force him to recant and take his seat through sheer force of will. But the reporter would not back down. He withstood the general’s silent anger. Another voice, this one from a correspondent from the local public radio station, broke the deadlock. “What about the status of the militiamen, General? A growing number of our listeners are become concerned that their numbers in and around Boise are increasing as more Guard units pack up and move out to defend the state’s borders.”