Hero by Richard Mann

Author:Richard Mann [Mann, Richard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Goldbloom Publishing
Published: 2018-09-09T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 29

Panic in the Oval Office

WHITE HOUSE

General Bill Scott is walking down the corridor when he picks up a message from his nephew Chip. He raises his eyebrows as he walks into the Oval Office where his good friend President Frank Wilson is pouring coffee.

‘Hello Bill, sugar?’

‘No thanks, trying to cut down,’ replies the General his thoughts occupied by Chip’s message.

‘Bill, sit down, please. There is something I need to tell you.’ President Wilson pauses as he looks directly at Scott. The general hasn’t seen that look in his eyes before, this is something new.

‘I am only telling you this as you are a family friend, and we’ve known each other for many years, and I trust you. Now, apart from Vanessa and Michael, you will be the only person to know this. No doubt, the press will get hold of it sooner, or later. Anyway, I have been diagnosed with cancer—stomach cancer.’ Bill Scott sits down in shock next to his old friend.

‘Jesus Christ, Frank, I am so sorry. You should be resting and taking it easy.’ The General, not one normally for showing emotion, put his hand on the president’s shoulder. As the president looks out of the Oval Office window, he sees a huge crow looking at him, its black eyes piercing his soul. For a few seconds he is transfixed—then it waddles off, spreads its wings and flies away. The president looks at his friend.

‘What is it, Frank?’

‘Did you see that bird, Bill?’

‘No.’

‘Odd, I couldn’t take my eyes off it.’ The president shakes his head to regain his focus, but the image of the bird stays in his mind.

‘It’s in the early stages, so the prognosis is good. My doctor says I have an excellent chance of recovery.’

‘That’s good Frank, you have a chance,’ says the General, cheered up by his friend’s optimism, then he looks at his mobile again.

‘You look preoccupied. What is it?’ asks the President.

‘Sorry Frank, it’s just odd. I have a message from my nephew Chip down at Space Command. An object has been detected coming towards Earth.’

‘Shouldn’t we get notification direct from General Grimbald?’ asked the President, surprised.

‘Yes sir, that’s why it’s odd. It is just not standard procedure. I’ve asked Chip to schedule a conference call with Grimbald in ten minutes. Maybe it’s just my nephew getting over excited—he is pretty new.’

‘Do you trust him?’ The President looks the General in the eye.

‘Yes. Absolutely, 100%. He has made lieutenant already.’ General Scott dials Chip on his mobile.

‘Chip, don’t run that diagnostic. Await further orders. That’s a direct order.’

Scott is interrupted by the large red phone on the president’s desk, blinking away. A direct line to all the world’s leaders. Wilson and Scott look at each other as an aide rushes in excited.

‘Sir, sir! It’s the Chinese on the line!’

Wilson picks up the red phone.

‘Premier Xin, what can I do for you?’

‘President Wilson, we have picked up something on our long-range space radar, do you have any unofficial space missions that you have not told us about?’ President Wilson hesitates.

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