Washington DC
0800 hours

"Sir, you're late." He met him halfway as the suited man walked down the hallway.

"Well then he can bill me. Have they started?"

"Everyone is waiting on you."

Armed guards stood at attention as they peered at the officials before them. Their M-16s and body armor were enough to scare anyone, even those that were allowed entry. The suited man received the briefcase from his younger assistant as he walked towards the guards who tightened their grips on their weapons as he drew closer. He sighed as he proceeded through the processes of surrendering his identification card and scanning his eye. Finally, he spoke into the microphone: "John Doe, Secretary of Defense."

The buzzer cleared, his White House clearance ID was returned, and he entered through the door. He passed through three hallways until he arrived at the war room. He took a quick breath and opened the door.

With a new presidency always comes a new cabinet. John was no exception as he held office for no more than five months. His nerves tensed over his first real ordeal. He at the tail of the long table. Around it sat the joint chiefs of staff, the secretary of state, all essential cabinet members, the vice president, and at the head, the president of the United States.

John cleared his throat and announced, "Gentlemen, this issue is of top national security. Now, I'd like to begin with the fact that this is not only our first real threat of this administration, but this could be the most pressing threat to national security in the past ten years." This erupted a few shallow nods of understanding amongst the cabinet. The president, however, looked on blankly, almost sheepishly.

"Last night at 11:43 PM, the country of Iran, against UN rules and restrictions, successfully stabilized a uranium core." The projector flashed several images behind him, "These were taken by our CIA asset in the compound. So far, it does not look like there is undeniable proof of their intentions, but our asset believes this will be used for war." There was a moment of silence as John awaited a response from the president.

"Iran...where's that at?" the president asked.

"I-...Asia, Mr. President..."

He scoffed, "Goddamn gooks at it again."

"T-The Middle East."

"Right." The president leaned over to one of his advisers, "Now what exactly is voter opinion of 'Iran'? Are they in favor of it?"

"No," the man responded, "Based on recent polling, no one has that strong of an opinion on Iran."

"How strong is 'not that strong'?"

"Well, they have kidnapped Americans in the past, as well as fought against the US backed Iraqis in the 80s."

"I thought we hated Iraq? W-Would my popularity go down?!"

"Not at all, wars always generate universal support at their outset. And that was the 80s."

"Mister President," John cut in, "I think we need to go over our options for dealing with-"

"Iraq, Iran, this is getting confusing."

"Sir," another analyst said leaning closer, "Twenty-five percent of Americans cannot identify Afghanistan or Iraq on a map."

The president scoffed, deeply offended, "Well, this is just pressing! Why aren't we talking about this?! People have been talking about how our education has been going downhill and it shows and the voters want a president that will stand for them! Jerry, get me the Department of Education!" The president quickly got up to leave. Everyone applauded the president's bold actions.

"W-What?" John stammered, "Mister President, we have to still handle this issue with the Iranians."

There was another moment of silence at the buzzkill named John Doe. The Vice President, who was the most serious at the table, spoke "What are our options?"

"Thank you, (finally). Uhm, well, there are several that I have personally devised but a multitude could be decided by any generals present or the director of the CIA. Well, first of all, bring this to the U.N. floor and hope they intervene. However, once this is brought to public light, the Iranians will make sure that this matter is covered up."

"Or they could pass it as a developing power plant. The UN ha been rather lenient with the Iranians as of late."

"Yeah!" the president piped in.

John continued, "Uhm, secondly, we could have our asset in the region attempt sabotage. But this could result in failure easily and we don't even know how effective he could be. Third, we could set up a proxy conflict with the Iranians in that region. There are still remnants of the Mujahideen Rebels from the 80s in Afghanistan. So far they've set up their own private army. They'd be willing to intervene for the right price. This, could, well, trace back to us if we are not careful."

The President asked, "What about those Seal guys? Why can't they just jump in and blow shit up! That's what I like to see!"

"Uhm...That would start an international incident if we were to attack a country out of the blue."

"Well it's not like we haven't done it before," the Secretary of state muttered.

"The Russians are partnered with the Iranians; they're a foothold for them in the Middle East. Anything we do will have the Russians breathing down our necks as well."

"Shit," the president sighed. Then, an epiphany arose. "What if, we, all, just, nuked, the Iranians? But we do it, get this, without anyone knowing...?"

"That is absolutely insane!"

"What the hell?!"

The rest just stared deadpan at the president. The Secretary of State shot an over-exaggerated thumbs up and cynical smile.

The President was deeply troubled by this response, "Maybe not. Fine. Do that CIA plan. Work alongside the Conductor-"

"Director."

"-Director of the CIA. I'm raising taxes next year, so you have a blank check. Now, let's go have that Education meeting."

Everyone was leaving the room, applauding the president for his boldness and tenacity to win voters. John sat back shaking his head alongside the Director of the CIA. "How the hell did he get elected?"

"Free college."

"Hmm, that'll do it." John pulled a much needed cigarette out of his suit pocket and lit it.

"John, I thought you quit."

"Not anymore." He sighed as he puffed drag after drag. "Blank check, huh? What're you thinking?"

The director chuckled, "I'm thinking this is not going to end well."

"No...No it will not..."