12:41
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As president Bartlett went to the rendevous point with Aron Pierce Gaines and his team of mercenaries got set up. If all went according to plan they would abduct Bartlett, let Zoey go, and escape. But Ira Gaines had learned, both in the navy seals and as a mercenary, that military operations never went according to plan. Meanwhile acting president Hellar met with general Bowen to discuss military options.
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Hellar: If I ordered initial airstrikes now, how long before the bombing of Qumar began?
Bowen: Seven hours at most. By 8am D.C. time it will have begun.
Hellar: If we waited, they'd have time to build up their defenses. How many of our soldiers would die as a result?
Bowen: Our best estimates are between 10 and 20 thousand.
Hellar: A choice between American soldiers or Qumari civilians is no choice to me. Begin the invasion immediately.
Bowen: Sir, I do agree that we should do this. Both to save American lives and as a show of strength to deter our enemies. I just worry that, if president Bartlett returns to office, we cannot seem to have two presidents, giving contradictory orders.
Hellar: If Bartlett returns safely, he can resume his duties and call off the airstrikes. Or he may realize they are neccessary and continue with them. If he doesn't, then for better or worse the decision falls to the new president.
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Renee Walker and other Secret Service agents set up camp near the rendevous point. She can see others with her binoculars, all wearing masks. As much as Renee wants Zoey back safely, she knows she cannot let the terrorists have Bartlett. If it comes down to it, she will kill her president.
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12:48