The War Cloud

11

President Rhinehart paced the floor in the bunker while his national security adviser gave him the latest.

“Marshall is on Looking Glass, Mr. President.”

Rhinehart nodded. Whatever political challenges the general had presented him, he was a genuine military asset. “And my doomsday plane?”

“Nightwatch just took off from Andrews,” Jack Natori said.

“Send Nightwatch to California to pick up Bald Eagle at Edwards,” said Rhinehart.

At that moment the tumblers in the vault door began to click-clack. Rhinehart and company looked at each other in surprise.

Rhinehart said, “I thought everybeen accounted for.”

“Everybody has been accounted for, Mr. President,” said chief of staff Stan Black.

“Then who’s that?” Rhinehart demanded.

All eyes turned toward the vault door as it slowly opened to reveal the bald, bullet-headed Secretary of Defense, Ryan O’Donnell.

“What have I missed?” O’Donnell asked in response to the incredulous stares.

Rhinehart gasped, “You’re supposed to be in California!”

“My kid’s in the hospital with the flu,” the Secretary of Defense explained. “I was going to catch a later flight. Central Locator said we’re covered.”

There was no response, only horrified expressions around the bunker.

O’Donnell stared back blankly. “What?!”