“Are you willing to die for freedom?” Again, the answer was affirmative.

Then he whispered, “We must stop this madness. Come to my home at this address at eight tonight. Please wear civilian attire and be very discreet. If it appears you’re being followed, lose your tail before coming in. But, please, do come.”

At that point he turned the volume down slightly on the television and raised his voice. “The news today seems much better, don’t you agree? We’re living in momentous times, and you’re very fortunate to be where you are today. Gentlemen, it’s vital that the president have your loyalty. He’s given us the key role of bringing about world peace.

I respectfully request that each of you rethink your attitudes on this matter.” He stood and shook the hand of each man and said, “Thank you. You are free to go.”

AT EIGHT ON THE DOT, both officers arrived in separate staff cars displaying the UP license plates. Al ushered them into the study.

“Gentlemen,” he began, “our nation is in grave crisis. Over the past few years, the government has been seized by a subtle coup d’état. Now, if we go ahead with the plans being proposed by the president, we will also be surrendering the military might of this nation to the devious plans of a world dictator. The real tragedy is that all this is happening without a shot being fired!”

“What can we do, Mr. Secretary?” the admiral asked.

“It’s simple. Tell your colleagues that I persuaded you to follow civilian leadership despite your misgivings. Then, do everything in your power to slow this thing down.”

Over the next hour Al Augustus shared with them a plan to frustrate the use of American arms by the multinational force. It was simple, but the logic was impeccable, and so natural that not even the devious mind of Tauriq Haddad could have perceived the methodology. As the two officers rose to depart, Al Augustus said soberly, “Do you remember what happened to the military officers who tried to destroy Adolf Hitler?”

The men nodded. “Yes, indeed,” said the marine officer. “Dispatched before they knew what hit them.”

“Precisely,” said Al Augustus. “The president has informants in every part of the administration. But, even so, he hasn’t yet put his full spy network into place. When it’s fully activated, your lives will be in grave danger. So, please hear me: From this moment on, you are on your own . . . but you are not alone.”