Chapter 39

"Tell me what you know, Mr. Chief Justice." I was operating on instinct as the shock of the news was still setting in. Just a short time after hearing of the deaths of the First Family, I was expected to know how to react to losing the finest leader America had had in a generation, if not several.

"The rescue teams uncovered the body of the President a few minutes ago. It appears he died of asphyxiation, along with his Secret Service Detail and a group that includes several of his assistants. The head of the President's detail was with him, and I am told it looks like they tried to surround him, to shield him with their bodies when the blasts began."

Turning to Judge Ballard he said, "Justice Ballard, you are ordered to deliver the Oath of Office to Acting President Gray at this time."

Ken Stanton was standing just behind me. He had flown to West Virginia to be with me once I was designated Acting President. He suggested we move to the conference suite, where the digital video systems could beam the swearing in back to the Pentagon and all Departments of State, as well as the Supreme Court building, and the small parts of the Executive Office building that were still useable. With whomever we could scrounge up as witnesses, Judge Candice Ballard delivered the Oath of Office, and I was officially President of the United States.

When she had completed the oath to Chief Justice Roberts' satisfaction, Judge Ballard excused herself, and I looked around the room. Of everyone there, I was most glad that Ken Stanton was present for moral support. He seemed to understand what I was going through, and doing whatever he could think of to make it easier. His kindness was greatly appreciated.

"Mr. Chief Justice," I said before he could get away. "I intend to nominate Secretary Ken Stanton as Vice President. Can you instruct me on the proper way to handle that, Sir?"

Stanton stiffened like I'd just smacked him, as the idea sank in. Now it was my turn to know exactly what he was feeling. "Ken, I know you are the best choice to replace me, as I try and fill Charles' shoes. Don't let the pressure overwhelm you. I've been right where you are, and I can assure you that it passes." Helping him accept the enormity of the responsibility that goes with the nomination helped me accept that I really was President.

What an odd experience.

John Roberts interrupted and said, "Mr. President, you notify the Speaker of the House and Majority Leader of the Senate, and they schedule a hearing to discuss and vote on your nomination. Due to the extreme seriousness of the current crisis and the absolute need for a speedy confirmation, I will call both men, and ask them for their courtesy in making this happen immediately. I will remain available to oversee, or do the swearing in, as soon as both houses vote to confirm."

"Thank you Mr. Chief Justice. I will do just as you recommend, right now.

"Please tell me, Mr. Chief Justice, how did you come to be notified, just now, ahead of the rest of us?"

Before he answered, Ken Stanton spoke. "Mr. President. My men notified me instantly, but I thought it best that the Chief Justice fulfill his obligation under the twenty-fifth amendment, to swear you in, before we get down to business.

"Mr. President, you deserved to at least be sworn in before the weight of the whole world drops on your shoulders."

Justice Roberts dropped off the video-conference now that his constitutional obligations were concluded, and I asked Ken, "We need to make an announcement about Charles. Who have you got that can act as press secretary for you and me until we're on the ground and better organized?"

Ken readily offered his press aide to get things moving. We called her in and he instructed her on how to proceed.

The afternoon sun dropped behind the FOXNEWS set as they switched back live from the studio. "This is Shepherd Smith, and you are live in front of the remains of the White House, where we just received the most disturbing, tragic, and truly terrible news. I can't believe that I am bringing this news to you, but, the Secret Service has just confirmed that President Charles Thornton is dead."

Every news channel and every broadcast network that had a live studio, interrupted all programming to cover the news that their President was murdered with his family in the White House. Previously hostile newscasters set aside partisanship and joined in the outrage flowing from American citizens at the barbaric attack against the first family.

Within hours, bumper stickers, signs, and gifs sprang up with photos of little Casey Thornton and messages of hope, outrage, and demands for revenge. In the forty-five minutes it took for Air Force One to land at Andrews Air Force Base, and Marine One to fly me to Camp David, hundreds of thousands of citizens contacted their elected officials demanding a swift and brutal response be taken against the Islamic perpetrators and their sponsors.

Previously silent members of Congress, never having commented on the subject of retaliation against state sponsored terror, came out with demands of their own, for military strikes against our enemies.

With roads surrounding the White House closed to traffic, thousands of people walked as close to the remains of America's House as possible and left wreaths commemorating the President and First Family. Secret Service Agents stood down and allowed these on-the-spot memorials to be left in place, so that people could process what was done to our country, and come to grips with the new normal that would undoubtedly follow.

When Marine One let me out on the lawn of the lodge at Camp David, my new security force enveloped me in layer upon layer of protection. I decided that it was out of a need to do something, instead of stand and grieve.

Rick and Ken Stanton accompanied me into the lodge, and we went straight to Charles' private office, where agents had secured his files, notes, and records against pilferage. Sweeping the folders off the desk and into a file drawer, I sat heavily and said, "Rick, see if you can get the Speaker and Senate Majority Leaders, as well as the Minority Leaders on a conference call, please."

He went to the secretary and asked her to set it up as fast as possible.

When Rick indicated they were all four on, I picked up and said, "Gentlemen. Thank you for agreeing to speak with me. This is the first moment I have had to speak with you since this thing started last night. It has kept me on the go, and my lack of communication was not in any way intended as slight against either of you."

Both men assured me that they held no hard feelings, "Mr. President, let me offer my support, prayers, and best wishes. You have a tough road ahead, and we want to partner with you to do what's right." That was the Speaker. The other three offered identical messages of support.

"We have another situation and Chief Justice Roberts reminds me that I must nominate a new Vice President. I hope you'll agree with my decision to submit Ken Stanton to you both for discussion and a confirmation vote. Gentlemen, what are your thoughts on this, please?"

The Senate Minority Leader spoke first. "Mr. President, America hasn't had to swear in a President in this manner since November of nineteen-sixty three. I apologize for not contacting you sooner with my condolences and affirmation of support. The minority will be there tonight, whenever he the Majority Leader calls us into special session, and we will support your nomination of Secretary Stanton. Now is NOT the time to quibble."