They rushed her down the hallway, the chatters of the skeleton staff who'd remained at the White House so loud and overwhelming. People already had their phones out, probably eager to start spamming news outlets with photos of the vulnerable and slightly dishevelled new president of the United States. After all, this was a chilling repeat of Tom Kirkman's swearing-in. The press would have a fucking field day, comparing her to him, making note of the fact that if it wasn't for the Capitol being bombed all those years ago, she never would have even had a shot at being White House Chief of Staff. They'd dig up the news of her mother's death, and not just that, the controversial nature of it too. Hell, she was going to be the first female president of the United States; that alone was enough pressure.

Before she knew it, her trembling hand was splayed across the front of a Bible, the other rising slowly. The woman in front of her was the same woman who had sworn Tom in. She smiled, clearly enunciating the words of the oath for Emily to repeat.

"I, Emily Rhodes, do solemnly swear,"

She was surprised that her voice remained even as she started to speak.

"that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States,"

There was no going back now.

"and will to the best of my Ability,"

No running away.

"preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

No pinching herself to wake up from what she sorely wished but now knew for sure was not some farfetched dream.

"So help me God."

Emily gulped, the rapid thump of her heart still louder than the voices around her. It took a few seconds for her to respond to one of the Secret Service agents calling her Madam President. She'd told any senators running after her to leave her until she felt ready. At least that was one perk of being in charge of the country. By the time she made it to the Oval Office, things felt somewhat calmer, what with most of the staff lingering in the hallway and being directed to go back to work, the soundproof nature of the walls providing some semblance of peace. That was until she felt the insistent vibration of her phone in her coat pocket. As the lock screen flashed, she saw several missed calls from various people. So many, in fact, she had to scroll down to read the entire list of callers.

One of the Secret Service agents stuck his head through the door before she could decide who to call back.

"Yes?"

"Madam President, I have some… somewhat fortunate news."

Her eyebrows lifted a little. Somehow, she didn't believe 'fortunate' meant they'd found somebody else to do this. Still, good news was good news. "Fortunate?"

"Penny's alive. So is Sasha, but she's in critical condition. They're not as sure she'll make it, but they're doing everything they can."

She nodded before thinking about the last time she'd seen them, both smiling proudly on stage beside Tom. Emily had grown fond of Penny and Leo, having watched them both grow up. Leo, as far as she knew, was doing well at college. Penny, too, was slowly entering adolescence but was still so young. Too young to deal with any of this. She shuddered to think they were both orphans now. They didn't deserve that. They shouldn't have been dragged into this mess. Alex shouldn't have been either.

"How? Weren't they only a few feet away from Tom?"

He grimaced. "It appears Sasha had shielded Penny. Judging by how they fell, Tom went for Penny just after Sasha did, so he took most of the damage."

Another detail came to mind.

"Who will take custody of her?"

"We'll have to take a look at Kirkman's will. I'm assuming either his brother or Sasha."

Emily hummed in assent.

Her phone buzzed again. The caller ID displayed Kendra's name. Since they'd both left the White House, they'd grown much closer. Kendra had called only recently, asking if she could be one of the bridesmaids for her and Trey's wedding. Emily braced herself for having to break the news. Although given the time and knowing Kendra, Emily had a feeling she already knew.

"Hey."

"Emily, are you okay? I was watching the ceremony, but then everything cut out. I've been trying your number, Tom's, Seth's, Aaron's-"

She cleared her throat, tears welling in her eyes again. Bringing herself to actually say it brought a whole new wave of grief to the surface. "The arena exploded. A minute or so after I left to go home."

"Wait… oh God, don't tell me the reason I haven't been able to get through to anyone is-"

"Tom's dead. So is Aaron." She said, not even recognising the flatness in her voice. "I'm assuming Seth and most of the others are too."

Through the speaker, she heard Kendra let out a breath. "Oh my God… how am I going to tell Trey?"

"But Penny's alive. Possibly Tom's sister-in-law as well."

"W-Wait. Who's acting as president then?"

Emily found it in herself to let out a small laugh of disbelief. "Me."

"What?"

"I… I just got sworn in. I have to make an address soon, but… yeah… I'm the… president now." It sounded like a deluded fantasy. She didn't believe the words coming out of her mouth. She didn't think she ever would.

There was a muffled sound of sheets ruffling. "We're… we're coming down there."

"Kendra, you don't have to-"

"N-No. I need to look through Tom's will for Penny's sake. I doubt that's taking utmost priority right now. And besides, I want to make sure you don't get into any legal trouble. Being in the position you're in right now could be dangerous."

She laughed derisively. "Yeah. You got that right."

"Trey and I will be on our way."

"Thank you," Emily said gratefully before hanging up the phone

Now, the silence around her in the Oval Office meant something different.

She needed to build up a cabinet. And fast.

Because, right now, the person, or people, who'd wiped out Tom Kirkman's party almost in its entirety were still out there.

Which meant she had to surround herself with those she could trust.