Chapter Forty-Six Middle of November

The president looks around the table, then nods. I am surrounded by some of the greatest talent in America. May they be equal to all that’s before them. Only then can he start.

“I know that all of you’re aware of Project Whispering.” He pauses a moment while this fact is uniformly acknowledged in the affirmative. “As of right now, with the exception of a couple of analysts in the NSA, you nine are the only members of the government who are aware of this project, and until necessary, it will remain that way.” Again, he looks around the table for confirmation.

“Project Whispering,” the president continues, “is beginning to yield some insight as to what might happen in the near future concerning the Middle East and the United States. This is why I’ve called for a meeting.” The president pauses, looks down as if consulting with an inner advisor, then proceeds onto territory he never expected to have to face in his administration.

“Our top military people have suggested that, in the event of an attack on our shores, we designate pre-assigned targets to minimize reaction time – for retaliation.” He pauses again, giving the group a moment to adjust to such a difficult reality. “It makes sense to me to do so, but I believe the responsibility for making those choices lies with all of us. Do I have any questions at this point?”

The vice president speaks. His tone is subdued, meek even. Formerly the governor of Vermont, Devonshire is a man passionate about ecology in general, and saving the earth in particular. The thought of retaliation – the thought of war – automatically goes against his grain, but his loyalty to his president is equally fierce. If William Egan says these choices are necessary, Pat Devonshire is prepared to trust him implicitly. “Sir, how much retaliation are we looking at? Will this be like Afghanistan after the World Trade Center, or are we looking at a major invasion like Iraq?”

“We cannot afford another Iraq,” Maria Sterling volunteers, acknowledging the vice president’s thoughts with a nod. “The people won’t stand for it.”

“Maybe I didn’t make myself clear enough,” the president interrupts. “We’re not talking about how much retaliation we’re looking at. What I want you to focus on today is strategic locations, tactical choices we would target.”