The Zimmer Doctrine (Corps Justice Book 11) Read Free

fact, see if they’ll take them offstage.”
    “But, sir, the speech...”
    “Change of plans, Bob.”
    Zimmer finally looked up and almost laughed at the look of complete exasperation on Lundgren’s face but that would have been cruel. Instead, he patted his press secretary on the shoulder and said, “The good news is that you’ll be kept plenty busy after I’ve delivered my speech.”
     
     
    The United Nations staff was just removing the teleprompters when President Zimmer walked on stage. He held a single note card in his left hand, and he looked quite presidential in his blue suit, white dress shirt and red tie, and the American flag pinned upon his lapel. He had more gray hair than the day he’d taken office, but he wore it well, only adding to his look of stateliness.
    He knew that most of the world didn’t have a clue what to think about him. A Massachusetts Democrat, Zimmer had done anything but toe the party line. Some had taken to calling him “The Hawk” while others called him a traitor to the cause. It was time to dispel any doubts of how his presidency would be remembered. He would blend his two sides, and he had Travis and Cal to thank for the inspiration.
    At the moment, re-election was the farthest thing from his mind. When he reached the podium, greeted by a chorus of polite clapping, Zimmer patted his right pocket. Inside was the only memento he’d taken from his former Chief of Staff’s office, Travis’s SEAL Trident pin. Zimmer smiled to the crowd, realizing that many in the assemblage would soon look at him quite differently.
    “Be with me , Trav” , Zimmer thought.
    He glanced first at the note card lying on the podium and then out at the crowd gathered before him. They were expecting a speech on the global economy and America’s plan to be at the forefront of tariff relaxation in addition to more open lanes of trade. Not this time .
    “Ladies and gentlemen, delegates, world leaders, and friends, I want to sincerely thank you for allowing me the privilege of addressing this distinguished assembly. It seems like only yesterday that I stood at the top of those stairs in the far corner, as a young boy, and I watched in wonder as President Reagan addressed this very room.” Zimmer shook his head at the memory. “Reagan was a master orator and a skilled politician who understood the value of a well-placed word. In addition, he personified the values of honesty and friendship. Now, I will never pretend to have his skills in front of an audience, but I think I have learned the need for honesty and valued friendships. I’ve been lucky enough to have friends in my life who have taught me more about morality and ethics than I ever could have learned in a classroom. That is why I am here today. Most of you were expecting to hear a speech about global trade, and my administration is working tirelessly to further invigorate the global economy. However, I believe there is a more pressing issue I feel compelled to tackle first.”
    He could hear the clicking of cameras, saw whispers between delegates, and sensed the mounting tension in the room. He’d never felt so sure about anything in his life. He felt like he was floating above the room, in complete command of his thoughts.
    “We live in a world of a thousand colors, shapes and creeds. War mingles with impossible beauty. Lives are lost as new communities are built. As citizens of the world, we must come together to build a global community built on acceptance and openness. I stand before you today to renew my pledge to both our current and future allies. We will stand with you, protect you, and train you. However, we will not be manipulated – by anyone. Like a corporation investing in another business, we reserve the right to ensure that our money, our resources, and the precious lives of our men and women in uniform are optimally utilized. What does this mean? As soon as I leave this building, my administration will begin a top-down