Chapter 31
Day of Infamy
0800 hours, 11 September 2001, NYPD 1st Precinct House, Manhattan, New York City, New York.
"Ok listen up" yelled Sergeant Stephenson as he finished the morning roll call. "I'm shaking things up a bit with the rookie assignments" he said. "Officers Barrett and Ryan will have the Trade Center" he said. "Move Out" he ordered. Erica Jane stood up from her seat and made her way out the door.
"EJ, wait up" her partner, Officer Kevin Ryan, yelled.
"What's up?" EJ asked. As they made their way outside. They had the foot patrol at The Trade Center.
"Nothing, you've just been quietly lately, is all" Kevin said as they walked down the street.
"Kev, I've only been on the job a few months" EJ said. "I'm just nervous, and a little home sick" she said.
It took the 2 of them another 30 minutes to walk down to the WTC. "I make it to be 0840" EJ said as she checked her watch.
"Why do you use Military time?" Kevin asked.
"I'm an Army brat" EJ said. They began the 1st leg of their beat at 0845. EJ looked up when she heard an airplane overhead.
"Kinda low isn't it?" Kevin observed.
"Yeah. Too low" EJ said ominously.
Then, it happened. The plane, a Boeing-747, slammed into the upper floors of the North Tower. "Oh my god" EJ said as she stared up at the explosion. "Move" she yelled as she and Kevin took off running towards the Trade Center. Minutes Later, at 0903, a second Boeing-747 slammed into the upper floors of the South Tower.
0910 hours, 11 September 2001, DiNozzo Residence, Base Housing, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Tony awoke with a start when he heard the sounds of the alarms. It was the 1st time they had been used in years. Tony flew out of bed and was dressed within seconds. "Let's go, let's move" Tony yelled. As he threw on his shoulder holster. Tony grabbed his go bag and rushed out the door. Three and Liat quickly followed. They each jumped into their respective cars and sped off.
Across the street, Chester tossed his go bag into the bed of his pickup, and he was soon following behind.
0915 hours, 11 September 2001, Tactical Operations Center, Unit Compound, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
"Sit Rep!" Tony yelled as he stormed into the T.O.C.
"2 Boeing-747s have crashed into the World Trade Center" Colonel Colleton said ominously. "America is under attack"
"What are your orders Sir?" Tony asked.
"Gather a team and head up to New York. That's where you'll be needed" Tom ordered.
"Yes Sir" Tony replied. "Sky Train, Freedom, Princess and Red Cap. Grab your gear, we're wheels up in 15" Tony yelled.
"Yes Sir" they all replied in unison.
0930 hours, 11 September 2001, Main Runway, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
"Pre-flight is finished Top" Tali yelled from the cockpit.
"Ok, fire 'em up, I take the 1st seat" Tony yelled in reply. "Let's move" he yelled to everyone else.
A few minutes later they were in the air when Tony's phone went off. "Go for DiNozzo" Tony said answering, as he momentarily turned over control to Tali.
"It's Tom, we've got more bad news" said Colonel Colleton. "A 3rd Boeing-747 has just crashed into the Pentagon"
"Jesus Christ" Tony said. "You want me to divert?" Tony asked.
"No, I'm dispatching Bravo, they can handle it" Tom replied.
"Copy that" Tony said as he hung up. "Everybody listen up, a 3rd liner has just crashed into the pentagon, Marshlands is sending Bravo Team out" Tony informed everyone. "We have a job to do, let's get it done" Tony said as he reluctantly dialed Kate's cell number.
"Special Agent Todd" Kate answered, using her maiden name, something that really stung.
"It's Tony, I assume you've been watching the news?" he asked.
"Tony I'm fine, don't worry" she said.
"This is official business Agent Todd" Tony told her. If she was going to be snippy, then so was he. "I need to make sure POTUS is secure" Tony said.
"Eagle 1 is secure, he had a Party Leadership Conference with the V.P, Speaker, and Secretaries of State and Defense this morning at his dude ranch in Texas" Kate replied.
"Copy that. Inform either myself or Colonel Colleton of any deviation in POTUS' schedule, understood Agent Todd?" Tony asked.
"Understood Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo" Kate said.
"Katie" Tony said softly. "I don't know what's gonna happen after today, but I want you to know, in spite of everything, I love you" Tony said softly. Kate didn't respond for a few seconds as she took in what Tony had just said.
"I love you too" she finally said. "Be safe and be careful" she cautioned.
"You too" Tony said as he hung up and returned to the cockpit.
"How's Kate?" Tali asked as she turned control back over to Tony.
"She's with the President in Texas, she's fine" Tony replied.
"You wanna talk about it?" Tali asked.
"No thank you Dr. Phil" Tony replied as he put the plane on course for McGuire AFB in Jersey. They flew on that heading for 20 more minutes before Tali's cellphone rang.
"Colleton" Tali said as she answered. "Hey Dad, what's up?" she asked, obviously speaking to her father. "Jesus, Mary and Joseph" Tali said as she crossed herself. "Please tell me it pancaked?" Tali asked. "Oh Jesus" Tali said as leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. "Ok, I'll pass it on to Tony" she said as she hung up.
"What's wrong?" Tony asked. In his peripheral vision, Tony noticed it was 1000 hours.
"The South Tower just collapsed, like a pancake" Tali said gravely.
"Fuck" Tony said. A few minutes later, Tali's phone rang again.
"Colleton" she said. "Copy that" she said as she turned to Tony. "United Airlines flight-93 just crashed in Pennsylvania. Early reports suggest that the passengers fought back and forced it down" Tali said.
"Do they know what it's intended target was?" he asked.
"The Capitol" Tali said. "Also, The IDS Center in Minneapolis was just bombed. It looks like at least 500 dead in Minnesota alone" she said gravely. It was 1005 hours.
After that, the news just kept getting worse. At 1028 hours, the North Tower collapsed, and only 9 minutes later, The Mall of America in Minnesota was also bombed, killing over 1,000.
"FUCK!" Tony yelled as he slammed his fists again the steel frame of the C-130. "Everybody listen up, we've been moved to DEFCON-3" Tony said, ordering a state of readiness not seen since 1973, when Tony was only 5.
By the time they had landed, Tony had landed in Jersey and made the drive to Manhattan, it was reported that LAX and San Francisco International Airports had also been bombed simultaneously.
1300 hours, 11 September 2001, World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan, Manhattan, New York City, New York.
By the time Tony's team arrived at ground zero, the fires had spread to the rest of the buildings. "Ok listen up" Toy yelled as they exited the GMC Suburban, all of them dressed in fatigues. "Freedom, take Sky Train and Princess, and start checking the South Tower. Red Cap and myself will take the north" Tony ordered. "Red Cap, with me" Tony said as he made his way over to the command center. He picked up a radio and tuned it to an open frequency, "Can I have you attention please, this is Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Dominick DiNozzo Jr of the US Army Special Forces. Under the authority of the President of The United States, I am assuming command. Our 1st 2 priorities are combating the fires and rescuing the living. If there are people trapped in the rubble, I want to know about it" Tony ordered.
After leaving Bridget in command at the Command Center, Tony made his way over to the North Tower. "US Army, call out!" Tony yelled. "I say again, US Army, call out!" he repeated.
"DAD!" came a frantic voice, it was faint, but it was one that Tony recognized.
"Erica Jane!" Tony called out as he scramble up a pile of rubble. "EJ, call out!" Tony yelled frantically.
"Down here" she called out.
"Erica Jane!" Tony said with a smile as he appeared over Erica Jane, who was pinned down by some rubble. "EJ, hang on sweetie, I'll get ya out" Tony said.
1400 hours, 11 September 2001, Camp Lafayette, Republic of Quebec.
"Captain Hazard! Captain Hazard!" an orderly came running up to Billy. He and Izzy had been in Quebec for just over 2 months, and Billy was still getting used to the idea of being called Captain. He was also getting used to being in charge.
"Yes, what is it Holliman?" Billy asked.
"Flash Message from Washington" Corporal Holliman replied. He handed Billy the piece of paper.
"What does it say?" Izzy asked.
"Urgent, US under Attack. Multiple Terrorist attacks in New York, DC, Minnesota and California. President has order all US Military Forces to DEFCON-2. Repeat, all US Forces are to be prepared to deploy and engage multiple targets within 36 hours" Billy read. "Staff Sergeant Gibbs" Billy said.
"Yes Sir" Izzy replied.
"Sound the General Alarm. Move Alert status to DEFCON-2. Also, get word to Brigadier General Galtier in Quebec City, inform him of the situation" he ordered. "And Corporal Holliman, get me a direct line to General Morrell in Washington"
"Yes Sir" they both said. Billy was in trouble and he knew it. If this was the beginning of a Canadian attack on the US, his small garrison wouldn't even be a speed bump. It was just him, Izzy, Corporal Holliman, and half a dozen US Army Airborne Rangers. And then there was 2 dozen or so AROQ Special Forces candidates. And while each one of them was a veteran of Operation Frozen Fury, 33 men couldn't hold back an Army.
"Captain Hazard, I have General Morrell for you, but he's not in Washington, he's on a plane to Texas" Holliman said as he handed Billy the sat phone.
"Kingfish, this is Hitman" Billy said.
"Hitman, this is Kingfish, I read you" Morrell replied. "Are you and your men prepared to receive visitors?" Morrell asked.
"Sir, we'll do our best, but with only 33 men, there's a limit to what we can do" Billy cautioned.
"Understood Hitman, do what you can, there are other elements in play" Morrell advised.
"What do you mean Sir?" Billy asked.
"We have strong reason to believe that the Canadians and CNP are not responsible for the attack" Morrell reiterated. "Just be ready, for anything" Morrell said.
"Understood Sir" Billy replied.
30 minutes later, 1440 hours.
Camp Lafayette was located just outside a small village, deep in the heavy forested Northern Quebec. With Izzy's help, Billy calculated that the Camp's best defense would be to build earthen works, and dig in. "Hey Billy" Izzy called out as she flung dirt over her shoulder.
"Yeah" Billy replied as did the same.
"Look" Izzy said as she pointed down the road leading to the camp. Billy stabbed his shovel into the ground and took a look see.
"I'll be damned" he said. Marching up the road, in perfect military formation, where the townspeople of the local village. Billy stepped out of his hole and walked over to greet them. Izzy followed close behind. As they got closer, they saw something else. Behind the men, were women some carrying jugs of water, others carrying trays of food. Billy had never seen anything like it. Both he and Izzy made sure that their black berets were straight on their heads before approaching. "What can I do for you gentlemen?" Billy asked.
"Marcel Rochambeau" the lead man said. "Mayor of St. Ignace" he said. St. Ignace, French for Saint Ignatius, was the name of the local town. "We have all recently heard the news of the terrible events of today, and we have come to volunteer" he said in his very heavily accent English.
"I'm sorry?" Billy asked confused.
"Everyman here" he said as he pointed the men behind him, each standing at perfect attention "is a veteran. Most of us, more than a few of us, fought at Dunkirk and Juno Beach" the man explained. "The women, have brought food and water for you and your men" The man explained.
"I'm sorry sir" Billy began to explain, but then Izzy grabbed his arm. "What?" Billy asked as Izzy tugged him away.
"You're not going to refuse these people are you?" she asked him.
"We're at DEFCON-2 Iz" Billy said.
"And we need all the help we can get" Izzy told him as she put her hands on her hips.
"Alright, fine" Billy said.
Over the next few hours, the gracious townspeople helped the soldiers of Camp Lafayette construct Earthen works. While they did many of the veterans shared their stories.
1600 hours, 11 September 2001, Prairie Chapel Ranch, Crawford, Texas.
"Jesus Christ" Colonel Colleton said as he surveyed the destruction. It was just the 4 of them. Chester, Deeks, General Morrell and himself. In order to avoid even more public panic, what had happened here was kept completely under wraps. A total media blackout. "Ironman, Dragnet, check the main building for survivors" Colleton ordered as he lit a cigarette.
"I thought you quit" Morrell said as they walked along.
"I did" Colleton replied.
Up ahead, Deeks and Chester approached what used to be the main house. "Holy Shit" Deeks said. "Its Rice, The National Security Advisor" Deeks said as he looked at the charred remains.
"I got the Speaker, Sec Def Rumsfeld and the VP over here" Chester said. They slowly made their way deeper into the house.
"What do you think did this?" Deeks asked.
"I have no idea" Chester said. "Jesus Mary and Joseph" Chester said as he crossed himself when they entered the main office.
"Is that who I think it is?" Deeks asked as he watched Chester bend down to observe the body.
"Yale, class of 68'" Chester read of the ring on the body's right hand. "It's him" Chester said as he grabbed his radio.
"Marshlands, this is Ironman" Chester said into it as he took a deep breath. "Marshlands, this is Ironman" Chester repeated. "I have a body count of 5, repeat 5. NSA Rice, Sec Def Rumsfeld, The Speaker, VP and Eagle One all confirmed Kilo-Indio-Alpha" Chester said.
"Copy that" Colleton said as he and Morrell approached the house. "What do we do now?" Colleton asked.
"In accordance with the Constitution, the next in line is The President Pro-Tempore of the Senate" Morrell said.
"Senator McCain?" Colleton asked.
"That's correct" Morrell said. "Now we just need someone to go get him"
"I'll handle that" said Colleton.
"We got something!" Chester called out as he and Deeks began pulling off debris. "Oh good god, it's General Powell" Chester said. "He's dead" Chester said.
"Damn" Deeks said quietly.
"Shh" Chester said as he held up his hand. "Do you hear that?" Chester whispered. Chester waved his hand forward and he and Deeks slowly made their way forward. Chester and Deeks quickly pulled off some of the downed timbers, until they found her. Chester's eyes welled up with tears, as he took several steps backwards until he came to a rest against the wall. "Oh my god" Chester said as he collapsed against the wall.
"Hang on" Deeks said as he squatted down next to the body. He placed 2 fingers on her neck. "She's got a pulse" Deeks yelled, "She's got a pulse" he repeated.
"Ok, thanks Sonny, Air Force One will meet you at MCAS Yuma" Colleton said as he hung up. "Sonny will take care of it" Colleton said to Morrell.
"Are you sure we can trust him?" Morrell asked.
"Absolutely" Tom said. "14 March 1973" Tom began. "Operation Pegasus"
"Corinthos was a Green Beret?" Morrell asked.
"Yes, before being recruited into MAC-V" Colleton explained. "Sonny led the extraction tam as part of Operation Pegasus. You wanna guess who led the support team?" he asked.
"Who?" Morrell asked.
"Then Lieutenant Albert Jeathro Chegwidden, Navy SEAL Team 2" Colleton said.
"How do you know all this?" Morrell asked.
"1st Lieutenant Thomas Jacob Colleton" Tom said.
"Your Father?"
"He fought alongside Sonny from 1967-1980. He was killed during Operation Eagle Claw" Tom said.
"Colonel Colleton" said a frantic Deeks over the radio.
"What do ya got Dragnet?" Colleton asked.
"It's Special Agent DiNozzo, she's alive" Deeks said.
1630 hours, 11 September 2001, home of Senator John Sidney McCain III, Sonoma, Arizona.
"Senator" said Sonny as he walked back into the room. "Mrs. McCain" he also added.
"For the last time Sonny, it's John and Cindy" said the Senator.
"How about Mr. President?" Sonny asked.
"What?" asked Senator McCain
"There has been another attack, in Texas. President Bush, Vice President Cheney, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, The Speaker of The House, Secretary of State Powell, and National Security Advisor Rice, along with more than a dozen Secret Service Agents have been killed" Sonny said.
"What happened?" Mrs. McCain asked.
"It's unclear at this time. But Colonel Colleton has instructed me to inform you that I accordance with Title 3, Section 19 of the US Code, as President Pro-Tempore of The Senate, you are the next in line in the Presidential Line of Succession. As we speak, Air Force One is on its way to MCAS Yuma, at which time, you will be sworn in as the 44th President of The United States of America" Sonny explained.
"Why wait" McCain said. "If I remember correctly, The President can be sworn in by anyone" McCain said as he stood up. "Agent Pierce, can you bring me my bible please" McCain said.
"Yes Sir" Special Agent Aaron Pierce said.
"Sonny, you ever administer an oath?" McCain asked as Agent Pierce handed President McCain the bible.
"You're kidding me?" Sonny said.
"Nope" McCain replied. "Cindy can hold the bible, I'll place my hand on it, and Agents Pierce and Donovan can be the witnesses" he explained as he handed the bible to Cindy.
"The media will love this" Sonny said sarcastically. "I can see the headlines now, 'President Sworn in my Notorious Mobster'" Sonny joked.
"Just do it" McCain said.
"Fine" Sonny said. "But 1st, you need to resign, you can work for 2 branches of Government" Sonny said.
"Oh shit, that's right" McCain said as he rushed to grab a black sheet of paper. "To whom it may concern, I John Sidney McCain III, hereby resign from the United States Senate" he said as he signed his name.
With that, Mrs. McCain grabbed the bible and held it up. "Mr. McCain, please raise your right hand and place your left hand on the bible" Sonny instructed as he raised his own right hand. "And repeat after me"
"I, John Sidney McCain III, I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of The President of The United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of The United States, so help me God" he finished by kissing the bible.
"Congratulations, Mr. President" Sonny said.
2000 hours, 11 September 2001, Ground Zero- World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan, Manhattan, New York City, New York.
"I'm fine Tony, really" Kate said as she gave her husband a kiss on the cheek.
"I thought I lost you" Tony said as he kissed the bandaged stiches on her forehead.
"And I you" she said as she gave him a kiss.
"Kate" Tony began. "Today has really put thing in perspective. I don't wanna spend another moment apart from you" he said. "We've both said horrible things to each other, things we can never take back. But I just want to put that all behind us, please" Tony said. Kate responded by pulling him into a passionate kiss.
"Yes" she said sweetly.
"I love you" Tony said as he interlaced their fingers.
"I love you too" Kate said as she noticed Tony's left hand. "You put your ring back on" Kate observed.
"I never took it off" Tony said.
"I didn't either" Kate said as she gave him another kiss. With that, they walked into the command post, where they found Karine DuBois and Erica Jane, whose arm was in a sling, and bandage across her forehead.
"What's the news?" Tony asked.
"President McCain will be here in the morning" Karine said.
"Where are Three. Liat and Tali?" Tony asked.
"Still searching the rubble, along with Chester and Deeks" Karine said. "The Colonel is with the President on Air Force One" she added.
"Ok. Erica Jane, can I speak with you a minute" Tony said as he waved her outside the tent.
"What's up?" Erica Jane asked.
"Well, 1st off, how's the arm?" Tony asked.
"It's fine" EJ said as Tony had a worried look on his face. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Earlier, you called me DAD" he said.
"I know" she said. "Ya know, it is the most common phrase for a daughter to call her father" EJ said.
"EJ, Edward was your father, not me" Tony said. "I killed him" Tony said.
"I know, I was there" she began. "He used me as a Human Shield" EJ said. "And since then, you and Kate have shown me nothing but kindness. As far as I'm concerned, that makes you and Kate, Mom and Dad" EJ said. Hearing could only make Tony smile.
"So, I now have a 21 year old daughter, who is also a member of the NYPD" Tony said.
"I guess so" EJ said with a smile.
"And 21 means that you can drink" Tony said nervously.
"And this troubles you?" EJ asked.
"Just a little" Tony said honestly.
0200 hours, 12 September 2001, Air Force One, Somewhere over Kansas.
After boarding Air Force One, President McCain was notified that the Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Percy FitzWallace, had been killed at the Pentagon. At 0100 Hours, President McCain was notified that Osama Bin-Laden, Leader of Al-Qaeda, as well as the Taliban Government of Afghanistan had claimed responsibility for the attacks. At 0115 Hours, McCain named General Thomas Franks as in term Sec Def, and ordered him to come up with a response scenario. After Franks came up with only a proportional response, he was immediately fired by President McCain. "Agent Peirce" McCain yelled.
"Yes Mr. President?" Agent Pierce asked. Since Pierce was head of the Senator's Secret Service detail, he was now in charge of the now President's Secret Service detail.
"Who else do we have on board?" McCain asked.
"Colonel Colleton" Pierce said.
"Is the ACS on board?" McCain asked.
"Yes Sir, The Army Chief of Staff, General Clark is onboard" Pierce said.
"Have him, Colleton, Morrell and Captain Corinthos join me please" McCain asked.
"Yes Sir" Pierce said. A few minutes later, Tom, General Wesley Clark, and Sonny, who was begrudgingly dressed in a Class-A Uniform, entered the President's office.
"I hate this uniform" Sonny complained.
"Get over it Corinthos, the Secret Service went to a lot of trouble to get it for you" McCain said. Anyone who looked at the fruit salad on Sonny's chest would be able to see that he had served in Vietnam. Sonny also donned the distinct Green Beret, which was currently folded under his shoulder board. Around his neck, hung the Medal of Honor. "As of now, I am instituting the following changes. General Clark, you've been promoted to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. I'll expect your recommendation for your replacement as ACS by the end of the week" McCain ordered.
"Yes Sir, thank you sir" Clark responded.
"Sonny, until I can find someone else, you'll be my acting Chief of Staff, and don't worry, I'll have someone by next week" McCain promised. "As for you Tom, you'll be acting Secretary of Defense. At the same time, you will remain in command of The Unit.
"Yes Sir" Tom said.
"Wonderful" said Sonny.
"As for you Brigadier General Morrell. If I am correct, you were my predecessor's Military Aide correct?" McCain asked.
"Yes Sir" Morrell replied.
"Effective immediately, you are promoted to Major General and I am naming you Commanding General of JSOC"
"Yes Sir, thank you Sir" Morrell replied.
"Now, I don't want a plan for a proportional response. I want a plan, for a full on invasion of Afghanistan" McCain said.
"Sir, already have plans in place for every possible contingency" General Clark informed him.
"And how long would it take to prep for such an invasion, how many troops would you need?" McCain asked.
"300,000 men, it would take upwards of 6 weeks to fully deploy" Clark said.
"Casualties?"
"It would depend if whether or not chemical weapons are used against our troops, and frankly, Mr. President, I believe they will" Clark said.
"Just give me a number"
"A ground campaign which lasts six months could result in upwards of 30,000 American Casualties"
"And if Iran, Russia and China enter the conflict against us?" McCain asked. "During which case, one can only assume the CDS members will honor their treaty commitments. What then?"
"There is no upper limit for that scenario Mr. President" Clark said.
"How long before we can get the ball rolling?" The President asked.
"How long do we have?" Clark asked.
"In the morning, I'll be visiting Ground Zero. After that, I'm flying to Washington, where I've called for an emergency joint session of congress, where I'll be asking for a formal declaration of war. You have until 1pm today" McCain instructed.
"I think I can be done Sir" Tom commented.
"Explain" McCain instructed.
"Sir, in the past 2 hours, we've received official statements of Support from Quebec, Ireland, The UK, Germany, Poland, Romania and Jordan. We can use our bases in Jordan and Romania to begin our Air Campaign.
"How fast can the Unit be on the ground?" McCain asked.
"Sir, at the moment, my teams are spread thin across the country. It'll take at least 2 days to have them recalled to Fort Bragg" Tom said.
"Do it, I want them in the air within 72 hours" The President Instructed.
"Yes Sir"
0900 hours, 12 September 2001, Ground Zero- World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan, Manhattan, New York City, New York.
By 0900, 20 people had been pulled out of the rubble alive. From the reports they had already received, it looked like they were looking at over 5,000 dead nationally. His face and fatigues covered in dust, dirt and soot, Tony, followed by Tali, Three, Liat, Chester and Deeks, reluctantly climbed out of the rubble. President McCain had ordered the rescue efforts ceased. After 24 hours, the chances of finding anyone alive were minimal. Tony and his team made their way to the perimeter, where he was greeted by an unexpected, by no less welcome sight. "Mom?" Tony said.
"Hey honey" Olivia Falconeri, Tony's adoptive mother replied. "Hot dog?" she asked. She wasn't the only one cooking food either, there were tons of other volunteers.
"What are you doing here?" Tony asked.
"What I can" she said. "Come on honey, you need to eat something" she urged.
"Yeah, come Dad, eat something" Erica Jane agreed, as she helped her grandmother and Dante prepare the food.
"Fine, everybody eat something" Tony instructed. Three and Liat jumped at the chance, as they both gave their grandmother a kiss on the cheek as they each took a hot dog.
"I see you haven't lost you touch 'Liv" said a man as he approached.
"Dad?" Tony said. "You're in uniform?" Tony asked.
"Yeah, The President had me recalled to active duty, I'm his temporary Chief of Staff" Sonny informed him.
"You gonna run out on him too?" Olivia commented. Sonny chose not to answer.
"Hey Dante, wanna me your father" Tony yelled. Both Sonny and Olivia gave him a look. "I hate seeing Mommy and Daddy fight" he said as he crossed his arms. Before either of his parents could say anything else, The President walked over.
"Problems DiNozzo?" he asked.
"Not at all Mr. President" Tony replied.
"Sonny, come on" The President said as he waved him on. Before Olivia could say anything to either of her sons, Kate pulled Tony away.
"What's up?" Tony asked.
"I've been reviewing the casualty lists and I found something, on flight 93" Kate said as she handed him the list. "3rd from the top" she said.
"Kyra Castle" Tony read. "Three's Godmother" Tony said. "Damn" Tony said. "Look, after the President's speech, I have to head back to Bragg. Can you break the news to Rick and Alexis?" Tony asked.
"Me and Erica Jane will handle it" she said.
"Thank you" he said as he gave her a kiss.
The President climbed up to a quickly constructed podium, where the eyes of the world were upon him. "My fellow Americans" he began. "Yesterday was a day of great tragedy and loss for our great nation. Yesterday, we were attacked by a foreign power, who wishes to destroy our way of life, to make us live in fear, and to take away the freedom we enjoy each and every day. And let me say this, you may have knocked us down, but you will never, knock us out" he paused. Tony reached over and grabbed Kate's hand as they interlaced fingers. Three did the same with Karine.
"Tony, 3 o'clock" Kate whispered to him. Tony looked over and saw Olivia standing in the background, next to Sonny, his arm around her waist. Tony could only smile.
"But the night, is always darkest before the dawn" McCain continued. "We shall avenge the deaths of people of New York, Washington, Minnesota, California, and in Texas. We will not, go quietly into the night, we will not vanish, without a fight. We're going to live on, we're going to survive" he paused once again. "America is like a Phoenix. And like a phoenix, we will rise from the ashes, and into our fire, our enemies shall fall" he concluded. A thunderous, unparalleled applause erupted through lower Manhattan. Chants of "USA!" could be heard for miles around.
Please Review.
This Chapter is dedicated to all the innocent people whose lives were lost on that tragic day on September 11th, 2001.
R.I.P Uncle Frank!
Coming up on "28 Seconds: Strength & Honor"
IN 2014, "28 Seconds" Heats Up!
New Missions
New Characters
A New President
A New War.
For Some, it will be a time of triumph, and for others, a time of ultimate heartbreak. And while 2 Operators find true love, another finds himself. For one operator, he'll take on the most daring mission ever attempted, while another, is in for the fight of his life.
Don't miss the next explosive installment of "28 Seconds: Strength & Honor"