Chapter 5
The Senior Staff came to the Presidential office to view the television feed. It was shocking to see the White House on fire. But they knew the President was safe and the Presidency would continue.
"As you can see, the White House is on fire. We don't know what exact location was hit, but the flames appear to be erupting through the ceiling of the West Wing. Again, President Bartlet is aboard Air Force One and is not at the White House." The newsman was trying to maintain order in an environment of total chaos and panic.
The networks were frantic with emergency reports and any bit of information, whether verified or not, was making it on the air.
"Reports are that the planes that were shot down were cargo planes, stolen this morning from an airport in Ohio. Each plane was the size of a 707 so these were no small planes. We are now getting reports of the second plane crashing into the Tidal Basin. We have a reporter on the way to the Tidal Basin."
The news continued. "We now understand that there were causalities at the White House. The Secret Service has refused comment on who might have been caught there in the crash. Wait, we are getting an unconfirmed report that the First Lady and the Bartlet's youngest daughter were in the Residence at the time of the crash. We are trying to verify that report and determine their current condition."
The Senior Staff heard a gasp from the President as it became a reality that the people he loved most in the world were caught in the middle of the horrific scene being shown around the world.
CJ turned to the President. She noted his pale face and trembling hands. "Sir, they have to be okay. They just have to be. I'm sure the Service got them to the bunker in time."
Jed's eyes met CJ's. Both of them knew that without proof, the opposite outcome could be entirely possible. The outcome that nobody wanted to even think about.
"I can only pray you're right," Jed whispered. Hope was all he had at the moment.
"It is quite obvious that the fire from the jet fuel and aircraft fuselage has done extensive damage. Early reports state that the main body landed in the West Wing, just about the Oval Office. But with the flames and destruction, it's hard to pinpoint the exact location."
Each member of the Senior Staff stood frozen, looking at the horror unfolding before their very eyes. Each reflected on all the people they knew and loved, and who worked their butts off everyday just for the thrill and privilege of working in the White House.
Debbie, Ginger, Bonnie, Nancy, Carol, Margaret, Donna, where were they? Were they alive? Because of the European trip, very few of the regular Press Corps were at the White House. But each reporter on this plane had a back-up in the Press Area. Did they have enough time to make it to safety? The potential casualty list was very long. But nobody knew anything right now.
Immediately after the first reports, Ron had gone upstairs to the main communication room on the plane to reach his counterparts in Washington to see what the situation was. Jed was sure if Ron found out anything he would be told. He just hoped there was something to find out.
Air Force One landed at Bangor an hour after the attack, and was immediately surrounded by armed guards and machine guns. No one knew if this was only one part of a bigger attack against the government. And no one wanted to take any chances.
"Sir, come with me. Now!" Ron took the President by the arm and assisted him into the black Suburban, which was surrounded by armed soldiers. "We need to get you secured right away."
Jed gave him no resistance. It was critical that the operations of the country be maintained, especially in this time of crisis.
The President and his Senior Staff was immediately placed in the Emergency Operations bunker, where secure communications equipment was available. All the other passengers were taken to the base auditorium and made as comfortable as possible. Nobody knew how long they would be staying.