Chapter 8
"CJ! CJ!"
CJ made her way to the makeshift podium in the hospital auditorium. Her whole demeanor spoke of exhaustion combined with helplessness. She had just talked with Leo and learned what was going on outside the President's room. Now she had to announce this to the press. Somedays she just hated her job.
"CJ! CJ!"
The reporters, sensing a major story, were trying to get her attention. She stood there a minute, trying to decide if by some freaking chance they had actually heard about the hostage situation before the announcement. She finally decided that they had not, but had sensed something big when a press conference had been called with ten minutes notice.
"CJ! CJ!"
CJ squared her shoulders, adjusted her glasses, and began.
"I have statement to read first and then I'll take a few questions. I'll have copies of the statement after the press conference is over."
She began. "Approximately two hours ago, at about one-thirty pm Moscow time, President and Mrs. Bartlet were taken hostage in their hospital room by a group of Chechen rebels. We…"
"CJ! CJ!"
"I SAID I have a statement to read. May I continue?" She glared over her glasses at the assembled group, which eventually quieted down. "Now, as I was saying… Approximately two hours ago, at about one-thirty pm Moscow time, President and Mrs. Bartlet were taken hostage in their hospital room by a group of Chechen rebels. We think the group consists of nine people, all employees of this hospital who had been previously cleared to work with the President and First Lady. The spokesman for the group has threatened their lives, but first and I quote 'They must suffer so they can increase their understanding of our plight'. As far as we know both President and Mrs. Bartlet are alive but sedated in some manner. How sedated and by what is unclear. The Chief of Staff and the Bartlet's youngest daughter are in a secured location with additional security."
"CJ! CJ!"
"Please let me finish. Ron Butterfield, the Head of Presidential Security, is managing the situation. He has spoken to one of the hostage takers but their demands are unclear at the moment. Leo McGarry has been in touch with the White House and they are also aware of the situation. They are being kept informed through Secret Service headquarters. Arrangements are being made to swear the Vice-President in through the provisions of the Twenty-Fifth amendment. As of this moment, all critical areas are being monitored by the National Security Council and immediate actions will be implemented should anybody decide to take advantage of this situation. Now I'll take your questions?"
"CJ!"
"Yes, Stan."
"How do you know the President is still alive?"
"All of the information that we have has come though the rebel spokesman."
"How hurt are they?"
"Stan, again, all we have is the word of the spokesman."
"CJ!"
"Katie."
"When will Russell be sworn in as President and why was the decision made?"
"You'll have to contact the White House for the exact time. He'll be sworn in as soon as arrangements can be made. As to why, can't you figure it out for yourself? Next question."
"CJ?"
"Yes, Tom."
"What are the plans to rescue the President?"
CJ looked at him in amazement. "Yes, Tom. I'll tell you and the whole world about any rescue plans. Think, will you? I don't know of any plans but if I did I certainly wouldn't tell you about them."
Slamming her notebook, CJ turned and left the room, shaking her head and muttering. "Some people are just idiots."
Leo, watching the press conference on a closed circuit set, smiled. "That's the way, CJ."