Collapse (New America-Book One) by Richard Stephenson

Author:Richard Stephenson [Stephenson, Richard]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Stephenson & Powers Publishing House
Published: 2012-07-05T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

President Malcolm Powers was getting impatient. He and his former guests were sitting in the underground bunker beneath the White House waiting to be moved back up topside. His Chief of Staff had not spoken a word to him and he knew the reason. He would have time to deal with her later. More important things required his attention, like the symbol of the office of the president being directly attacked and an Iranian sub in the water with a nuclear warhead aboard.

“Mike, tell me something good. I’m ready to get out of here.”

“Mr. President, we have the airports shut down and roadblocks are being set up on every major road leading out of the capitol. Once all air traffic is grounded and if nothing else happens, we can move you up top.”

“How long?”

“An hour, two at the most.”

President Powers looked at Admiral Mack. “Are the Enterprise and the George Washington underway?”

“Yes, Mr. President, they’re moving at full speed to join the blockade in the Arabian Sea.”

“Radiation levels?”

“Continuing to rise, Mr. President. The weather system continues to spread radioactivity into the area. Much of the region will be uninhabitable for decades.”

CIA Director Jimenez coughed and growled, “Animals are killing their own people just to come at us.”

Everyone in the room looked gravely at each other. The president continued to address Admiral Mack. “Bunker Five?”

“We still can’t get a clear read on it, Mr. President.”

“What if they launch directly from the bunker? Will we be able to stop it in time?”

“Yes, Mr. President. We would be able to shoot it down over the Arctic Circle or over the Atlantic Ocean. We are still confident that they do not have a working ICBM.”

“Well, their actions lead me to believe that they’re capable of anything. I’m not going to underestimate them; ensure that you do not as well, General Moody.”

“Yes, Mr. President.” The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff responded with a cold, stern face. He did not like being talked down to.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you will excuse me, I’m going to retire to my quarters for a short time to freshen up and spend some time reflecting on the horrible events of this day. Please make yourselves comfortable. Just as soon as we are given the all clear, we will all return to the White House.”

The president stood up, and every person in the room followed suit. The CIA director placed his hands on the arms of his wheelchair and sat up as straight as he could.

“Stacy, would you join me, please?”

“Yes, Mr. President.” The president’s Chief of Staff stood up and followed her boss down the short hallway to his private quarters. He opened the door for her, ushering her in. Once he closed the door, he braced himself for the ass-chewing he knew would follow.

“Malcolm, I want one good reason why I shouldn’t hand you my letter of resignation!”

Stacy Reid had been Admiral Powers’ campaign manager. Once he took office, she was the obvious choice to be his Chief of Staff.

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