Chapter Eighteen

Manning was in the best spirits he’d been in years (around two of them), and it was about time. His treatment at Fort Meade was spectacular compared to Quantico (marines) and Leavenworth (army). He assumed it was because the US media had actually been picking up his story lately (even FOX). His lawyer, David Coombs, was young (had to be), pro bono (thankfully) and learning as fast as he could how to defend him (a slow and painful process). Although they had made mistakes early on, Coombs was tenacious about promotion and making alliances with the older generation of conservatives and liberals who understood what was really going on. They had tricks as well…

Today was unusual. He had an unannounced visitor.

“Private Manning! You will face the wall until told otherwise!” The guards were still hardasses, but whatever. His patience was growing, and it had power.

“At ease soldier,” a familiar voice said softly, “how’s the weight of the world?”

“Mr. President!” Manning turned and stood stunned. “Sir, you’re not supposed to…”

“I know, I know, but the President has privilege.” He smiled and took him in. “You look much better than the last time I saw you. I’m grateful you’re ok.”

Manning didn’t know what to say. “Well, you’re a sight for sore eyes sir.”

“My eyes are sore too son. I had hoped this would take less time, but you are persevering. Thanks for not dropping the ball.”

Manning felt like he was in a dream again. All this began with a shitty decision to join the military, when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came in the form of US government cables, (millions of them at his fingertips) and he made the decision (albeit medicated) to out his employers. Assange had mentioned the President was pro-WikiLeaks, but with all the feints and counter feints thrown around during press conferences, it was hard to know what the truth was…and here he was.

“Sir?”

“Yes private.”

“You’re still going to denounce me and my actions to the public right?”

“For now, we have to.” The President held his stare, “we are waiting for public understanding to catch up, and the tipping point is almost here. Remember, legally, I must hold you to your ‘crime’, so the People will polarize with you (realizing you are no criminal), and the truth will come out faster. More celebrities and politicians are bristling at how you are being treated, and they will recognize your ‘new’ cause. David Coombs has been brilliant. He’s still playing the innocent, school boy well. After all this is said and done, I will have positions for both of you, if we can sew this up during my next term.” Tears welled in Manning’s eyes. “Otherwise, ‘There are worlds beyond this one’.”

“Maximillian Roivas, ‘Eternal Darkness’,” quoted Manning. “Didn’t know you played sir.”

“I don’t,” said the President. “That’s also Stephen King, ‘The Gunslinger’, I forget how old I am sometimes.”

“You have the youngest, sharpest, most strategic mind out any president I’ve ever witnessed, and I’m grateful you’re on my side,” Manning confessed.

“It’s because you are the truth private,” said the President, “and ‘the Truth shall set you free.’ It was good enough for Jesus, let’s pray it’s all we need.”