“My daughter’s been kidnapped by a lunatic! How is that good news?”
“Sir, the UAE knows her importance. That means she is safe for the time being. It also means she is alive and well.”
“Hal, you’re quite the optimist. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sir.”
“Tell me every last detail about this email.”
“It was sent from an encrypted terminal in Fort Polk, Louisiana. Given that Fort Polk is controlled by the UAE, the origin points to a spy.”
“What? UAE? What if this is a trap?”
“Sir, I don’t believe it is. The UAE goes to great lengths to stop all messages from making it across PSA borders. This is the first one that has ever been successfully sent. The details about the funeral are valid as we learned them from Stacy Reid. I think the message is real.”
“I think you’re right. What do you think will be the UAE’s next move?”
“Sir, my analysis leads me to believe that in the near future, the news of your daughter’s capture will be presented to you in exchange for your cooperation. The UAE will attempt to employ you as their operative.”
“That’s not going to happen. Where do you think they’re holding my daughter?”
“I’ve been reviewing satellite footage of Florida. The convoy in question did, in fact, head north as the message indicates. I tracked it to Fort McClellan where the convoy split up in different directions. Most of the vehicles entered a large building inside the base. None of the images I’ve reviewed indicate that a child left the building. It is difficult to ascertain her location at the current time.”
“Well, at least it’s a start.”
“How do you wish to proceed, sir?”
“I don’t know. I can’t very well postpone the invasion of California for personal reasons. It would be a waste of time to attempt a rescue until we’re certain of her location.”
“Would you like my advice, sir?”
“Always.”
“Sir, I believe you should wait for the UAE to contact you. They will no doubt keep her perfectly safe so they can use her as leverage. Once they contact you, we will have more information to go on.”
“You’re right as usual, Hal.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“When is the president expected to return?”
“Sir, President Beck is scheduled to return this afternoon. Would you like me to bring him up to speed on the matter?”
“Yes. Tell him I endorse your plan and I look forward to his counsel.”
“Very good, sir.”
“I guess that settles it then.”
“Settles what, sir?”
“I’m headed to Seattle to lead the invasion of California.”
“I see, sir.”
“I’m impressed that Howard liberated the last cruise ship so easily. I was certain it was going to get ugly and the military was going to have to drag those people off the ship.”
“Sir, I share your assessment. The president’s speech impressed me a great deal.”
“You impress me, Hal.”
“Thank you, sir. May I ask why?”
“You can calculate a trillion different outcomes to any situation, and Howard still managed to surprise you. If anyone knows Howard, it’s you.”
“Sir, I can say without bias that my creator is a truly remarkable man.”
“He is, my friend, he is. I’ll be leaving for Seattle within the hour. Prep the stealth jet for my departure.”
“Very good, sir.”
Richard headed for his son’s room, anxious to say goodbye before he headed out. His firstborn rolled over as Richard plunked himself down on the bed.
“What time is it?”
“It’s early, son. You don’t have to get up. I just wanted to talk to you before I leave. I know you’re upset about your sister. You’re mad at me and that’s okay. I’m mad at me, too.”
“I’m not mad at you, Dad.”
“It’s okay, son. I just want you to know that I love you and your sister very much.”
“I love you, too.”
“I can’t explain it to you, but Chrissy will be coming home soon.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
“Where is she?”
“You don’t worry about that, Timmy. Just trust your Dad, okay?”
“Okay. How long will you be gone?”
“I don’t know. Your grandparents are expecting you after school today.”
“Okay, Dad. I’m still sleepy.”
“Go back to sleep. I love you.”
Timothy Dupree didn’t reply, but simply smiled as Richard kissed his forehead.
Director Maxwell Harris and his wife, Elizabeth, were seated next to President Howard Beck at the guest of honor’s table, along with several of the military’s high-ranking brass. Senator Wilson had spared no expense in staging this black tie affair in the president’s honor. The guests turned toward the stage as Senator Wilson approached the podium.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention, please. Thank you all for coming this evening. I hope you’re enjoying the festivities so far. It is truly a singular honor to be hosting, for the first time, the president of the Pacific States of America.”
The banquet hall erupted in thunderous applause, and everyone was on their feet. Howard was enjoying his lemon pepper chicken and looked around in confusion and annoyance at the mealtime interruption. He grabbed Elizabeth’s hand and gently pulled her down within earshot. “What’s going on? Am I supposed to do something? When are they going to stop?”
“Howard, sweetie, just stand up. A quick smile and wave is all they need.”
Howard obeyed and was delighted when his brief acknowledgement did the trick. Once everyone was seated, he breathed a sigh of relief and focused once again on his chicken.
Senator Wilson continued. “In the darkest day of our former nation’s history, we had one shining beacon of hope, one man who stood up to preserve democracy, one man who kept liberty and freedom alive. I’m proud to call him my friend; I’m even prouder to call him my president. Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the Pacific States of America, Howard Beck.”
Once again, a thunderous standing ovation ensued. Senator Wilson took a step back from the podium and extended a welcoming arm.
Howard was busy eating his lemon pepper chicken.
“Howard, honey, you need to say a few words,” said Elizabeth.
“What? Now? I’m still eating!”
Max leaned over his wife. “Howard, no more speeches after this. Just say thank you and talk about how great the PSA is and how bad the UAE is for a minute. That’s it.”
“This is ridiculous. Have the waiter reheat my food; it’s going to get cold.”
Max smiled at his wife. “Yes, Mr. President.”
“Enough of that! You know I hate that.” Howard put his fork down and walked to the stage while Max and Elizabeth looked on with loving admiration. Howard smiled awkwardly at the crowd.
“Let’s make this quick; my food’s getting cold.”
The crowd laughed, completely unaware that Howard wasn’t joking.
“Thank you, Senator Wilson. Thank you everyone in attendance. A special thanks to the men and women in uniform here tonight. They will be on the front lines taking back our country soon enough.” Howard stopped and clapped, the audience didn’t hesitate to follow suit. “Yes, yes, the brave men and women of our armed forces deserve our respect. In the coming weeks, we will take the fight to the UAE. Most of our military forces are preparing for an invasion so grand in scale it approaches the Normandy invasion of World War II. Under the tyrannical rule of Simon Sterling - the man who murdered the great Malcolm Powers - the UAE has driven our once exalted nation further and further into the pits of hell. Men and women are starving, men and women are dying, men and women are being sold into slavery while the UAE is content to do nothing but consolidate their own wealth and power. I say no more! We must save our brothers and sisters on the other side of our borders!”