“It was horrible,” she said softly, her eyes gazing forward, as if recalling the tragic memory in mid-air. “I’ll never forget it as long as I live.”
Brian wanted to say something encouraging to comfort his girlfriend but found no words. How could anyone offer encouragement to anyone under the circumstances?
Brian and Renate remained silent and held each other for dear life, not knowing what the future held.
Did they even have a future?
All they could do was hope and pray the answer was yes...
13
“THIS IS ANDREA SORENSTRAM from ABC News reporting from Washington. The President was set to address the nation at eight p.m., but we’re having difficulty securing a prolonged satellite hookup. As soon as we have one, the President will give his address.”
Sorenstrom looked down at her notes and continued, “One can only imagine what the leader of the free world will say to us at a moment like this. It’s been confirmed that the First Family were at Camp David when the Phenomenon took place. It is feared that they, too, have lost family members and close friends in this unthinkable tragedy.
At this time, we do not know who was lost and who is still with us. But if initial reports are factual and every child has allegedly vanished, this would mean...” Sorenstrom paused, “...it’s best not to speculate at this time. But suffice it to say, whatever happened today, evidently no one was immune to it.”
Clearly, Andrea Sorenstrom, the 44-year-old, usually confident reporter was feeling the effects of the day. Dark bags had already formed beneath her eyes.
After receiving instructions in her ear-piece from her producer, she said, “I’m being told we will now go live to the White House.”
In an instant, Sorenstrom’s face was replaced with the President’s.
President Jefferson Danforth sat behind his desk in the Oval Office, wearing blue slacks and a dark blue sweater, with the seal of the President of the United States of America emblazoned on it.
His salt-and-pepper-colored hair was styled to perfection. Save for the sweater, he looked like he always did. But his facial features told another story altogether. It was evident that the day’s events had taken a severe toll on him. The eyes never lied.
Be strong, Jefferson, he thought. As the camera slowly zoomed in and trained itself on him, he looked like someone whose world had just been knocked completely off its axis.
Looking straight into the camera with bloodshot eyes, he cleared his throat and began in earnest, “My fellow Americans, at precisely one minute past twelve this afternoon, Eastern Standard Time, Planet Earth was struck with what can only be described as the cruelest of blows. Whatever caused it to happen, it caught each of us completely off guard. From the little intelligence we’ve been able to gather so far, it appears the entire planet has been severely affected by it.
“Today will surely go down in the annals of history as being one of the darkest and most frightening of days. Obviously, there is no way anyone could have ever predicted or prepared for what happened at twelve-o-one this afternoon. The world has never seen such a day. Never in recorded history have there been more fires and explosions, accidents, plane crashes and fatalities in one day.”
The President paused. He was about to confirm what no person should ever have to, President or not! He looked into the camera lens with eyes that were troubled, eyes that were sad, eyes that were scared, and continued somberly, “And if these horrible tragedies aren’t enough, we’ve also had some firsts. For the first time in recorded history, people have actually vanished without a trace. Apparently, this includes all small children, and even unborn babies still inside the womb. They’re all gone.”
President Danforth lowered his head for what seemed an eternity. Pulling a handkerchief from his back pocket, he dabbed at his moist eyes, totally unconcerned about public opinion at this point. President or not, if a man couldn’t grieve his own losses, what was the world coming to? What was it coming to?
“As of right now, no one seems to know how or why something like this could happen. Theories are already surfacing. However, until we have concrete evidence pointing one way or the other, it’s best not to speculate at this time. But rest assured, your government will not cease until we can accurately pinpoint the source of today’s tragedy and, more importantly, the whereabouts of our departed loved ones.”
“I’ve ordered U.S. military command posts to be set up in America’s largest cities for the protection of our citizens and to safeguard our nation’s most strategic landmarks and institutions. This is also being done in cities abroad where our military has a formidable presence.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I have complete confidence in our armed forces, even in these perilous times. Working in unison with law enforcement officials, they will restore and preserve peace in our streets in the soonest possible fashion.”
The President leaned forward in his seat and gazed straight into the camera. His grayish-green eyes turned steely-gray. He was visibly irritated. What he was about to say was unscripted, “And let me make it clear: we will not tolerate looting! A tragedy like this should never be a springboard for petty thieves and crooks to take advantage of the masses.”
“Hasn’t there already been enough devastation for one day? Who in their right mind would inflict more pain on others after what has already transpired? Therefore, I repeat, we will not tolerate looting. Anyone caught in the act will be dealt with swiftly and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law!”
President Danforth took a moment to collect himself, then looked back at the teleprompter and, “Mass communications have been greatly affected by the Phenomenon, including the Internet, Outernet and WiFi signals. Many are working tirelessly to restore communications. Obviously, this will take time. Until they have been restored, I have no choice but to ground all major modes of mass transit for the foreseeable future. This includes all air, train and bus service. The only exceptions will be for law enforcement, military, medical and news vehicles and aircraft.
“Also, all banking institutions will be closed for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, this includes the use of ATM machines and credit cards. Hopefully banks will reopen soon so deposits and withdrawals can once again be made. This will be one of our chief tasks in the coming days.”
The President shifted his weight in his chair and went on, “All levels of the American education system, from middle school to the collegiate levels, are hereby suspended until further notice. Daycare centers, pre-schools, kindergarten and elementary schools will remain closed indefinitely for obvious reasons. And finally, I have canceled all sporting events and social activities on all levels.”
Each network fortunate to obtain a signal aired President Danforth’s speech. His face was framed-in on one side. The rest of the screen was used to show viewers live shots and reruns of the mass devastation that ensued in the aftermath of the tragedy.
As the hours passed the devastation grew more pronounced and more unspeakable.
“My fellow citizens, this isn’t the first time that we, as a nation, have had a major catastrophe violently thrust upon us. America has faced many seemingly insurmountable odds in our relatively short history. Back in eighteen-hundred and sixty-one, Abraham Lincoln was faced with an extremely trying situation. At that time, our great nation was split in half. Not only were the decisions he was forced to make difficult, he knew up front they would lead to a great loss of life.
“In the end, the choices President Lincoln made drastically changed America for the better. His policies are inextricably woven into the fabric of our free society. In more recent times, President George W. Bush was faced with a daunting situation back in two-thousand and one, when Islamic terrorists momentarily brought America to its knees. Their defia
nt acts of terrorism caused great loss of life. President Bush did a commendable job in getting the country back to its feet at that time.
“Indeed, Abraham Lincoln, George W. Bush, and so many of our forefathers were great statesmen and ardent patriots. Their works are still visible in the yellowing pages of our country’s history. Their collective spirits are still alive in the very room in which I sit. Their voices still speak to us today.”
The President leaned forward in his chair, “If we are to overcome this tragedy and rebuild our communities, we must exude the same level of pride, dignity and character honor our forefathers would have shown had this happened on their watch. Even amid so much uncertainty, we must continue to be the proud keepers of their ongoing legacies, by remaining steadfast to the principals outlined in our nation’s founding documents. I think it’s time to ask ourselves if the freedoms granted us by our founding fathers are still worth fighting for?
“I believe they are. I also believe we can and will overcome this tragedy. But each of us must lend a hand. To do your part, if your neighbor is hurt, help him. One person doing a lot is nowhere near as effective as many people doing a little bit each. Only by working together can we rebuild our local communities and the communities of the world.”
President Danforth’s words were inspiring, yet they lacked conviction. “Being the world’s one true superpower, the eyes of the world will once again look to us for strength, guidance and leadership in these unprecedented times. Yes, America must lead the way and formulate a successful blueprint for all other nations to follow.
“Though it’s too soon to comprehend, let alone accept, what happened to us at one minute past noon today, for whatever reason, fate has chosen this generation to endure this dark valley in which we now find ourselves. In a split second, a great chasm has separated us from our precious loved ones.”
President Danforth paused. This wasn’t easy. “Melissa and I aren’t immune to this grim reality. We lost seven family members, eight including our unborn grandchild. Our daughter, Erica, and our son-in-law, Ronald disappeared along with all our grandchildren. And my mother suffered a fatal heart attack.”
The President sighed. “So, when I tell you Melissa and I feel your pain, they are not empty words.” He cleared his throat to avoid getting choked up. “Members of my administration are also feared gone. For now, their names will be kept confidential in the interest of national security. Suffice it to say, this will not be an easy night for any of us. Much time will have to pass before any of us can think clearly again, let alone get back to our daily routines.
“Indeed, we have a huge mountain to climb. But climb it we must! I’ll rejoin you again tomorrow night at eight p.m. Hopefully I will have more to go on. Until then, do your best to remain calm in the wake of this unspeakable tragedy. I look forward to updating you tomorrow night. May God bless us all.”
The camera slowly pulled back before fading out. President Danforth’s face was replaced with footage of an American flag blowing in the wind atop the Capitol building.
The playing of the National Anthem accompanied it.
Anything to boost the morale of a demoralized nation...
14
AS THE “ON THE AIR” light faded to black on Jefferson Danforth’s camera, the little confidence he’d shown for the American people faded just as quickly. It was now time for the real work to begin.
The President understood the death and dying part. On average, more than 100 deaths occurred every minute of every day in the world. But millions simultaneously vanishing in a split-second was a first for mankind. There was no blueprint from which to work.
It was as if some Sci-Fi movie had materialized out of nowhere, violently and forcefully taking Planet Earth by storm. But it wasn’t a movie; it was very real.
President Danforth had closed-door national security briefings scheduled for the remainder of the evening. U.S. congressmen, congresswomen and senators who were successfully located at their homes and brought back to Washington, were gathered at the Capitol Building holding various meetings of their own, and doing their best to console one another.
Seven of America’s 50 governors were in D.C. when the tragedy occurred. They were now being housed at FBI Headquarters. Rumors were already circulating that a handful of the remaining 43 governors were feared among the missing. But it was still too soon to know for sure.
Shortly after the disappearances, Speaker of the House Clarence Bannister was picked up at his home in Georgetown and brought straight to FBI Headquarters, where he would remain indefinitely.
The Phenomenon, as it had been dubbed, wasn’t merely the top priority of the U.S. Government, it was the only priority for now.
All other functions of government were put on the far back burner, including the entire judicial system. All court dates on all levels were postponed for the foreseeable future.
Now back inside the Situation Room, a bewildered President Danforth wondered for the millionth time how something like this could happen on his watch and, more importantly, what had caused it to occur in the first place.
As President of the United States of America, he was supposed to have answers for all situations—good or bad. If he didn’t, he had access to those who did. Finding solutions to problems had always been the lifeblood of every successful politician. Those who didn’t have answers never lasted long, especially as Commander in Chief.
Normally, everyone in this room had strong opinions on all topics discussed. But not now. They still had faraway, blank expressions on their faces.
This concerned President Danforth deeply.
ANDREA SORENSTROM DID HER best to recapitulate President Danforth’s speech to her many viewers. Though the leader of the free world didn’t provide much to go on, no one dared criticize him at a moment like this.
Humanity’s jigsaw puzzle had just been turned upside down and was in need of being put back together again. Only there was no framework to use as a reference guide. Where would they possibly begin?
Most networks were frenzied trying to get various experts on their airwaves in a hopeful attempt to shed some professional light on the situation. Some were well known. Others weren’t.
At any rate, the one thing they all had in common, aside from the frightened expressions chiseled on their faces, was that none had a clue as to what had just happened to the planet they occupied.
Hopefully, with 24 hours with which to work, everyone would be better prepared come next speech, including President Danforth.
For now, they would do their best to avoid broadcasting misinformation to their viewers at home. All regularly scheduled television programs were canceled. Most stations were transformed into “all news” stations and would remain that way indefinitely.
With communications slowly coming back to life in some areas, phones were jammed with frantic callers. Millions surfed online searching for answers to their many questions but weren’t finding any.
Yes, indeed, it would be a long night for all of Earth’s inhabitants.
15
CHARLES CALLOWAY WATCHED THE President’s speech from inside his plush suite at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The picture was fuzzy, but he already knew what President Danforth looked like. As long as his voice was audible, which it was, Charles didn’t need to see the man’s face. All that mattered was the content of his speech.
Back in his hotel room for nearly two hours, Calloway finally caused the bleeding on his head to subside. But it cost the Waldorf one of its plush white towels to do it. With so much blood on it, it would never come clean. So, sue me, he thought.
A bloodied towel was the least of his worries. But the loss of blood and lack of food was taking a toll on him. He felt dizzy to the point of passing out. He didn’t feel like eat
ing, but knew he had to. If possible, he would order room service. If not, he’d resort to invading the vending machines on the ninth floor.
According to President Danforth, all internet connections, cell phone towers and phone lines were severely disrupted and might not be restored for quite some time. Even the 2,000 satellites up in space monitoring things—spying on everyone—were ineffective at this point. Once things were restored back on Earth, the images they captured would prove invaluable.
But for now, they were all but worthless.
Nevertheless, like a robot obeying a command, Calloway hit the redial button on his cell phone every five minutes or so. He got a busy signal each time he tried.
Surveying the room, it was easy to see why this place was considered one of the finest establishments in New York City, and the world, for that matter.
Truly, it was the perfect room for any top executive.
This was supposed to be his big weekend. Calloway anticipated taking this trip for a long time. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he felt anything but important, anything but special, anything but successful. In an instant, the goals he’d striven so hard to achieve were suddenly insignificant. He’d given Cell-U-Loss International everything he had the past three years.
And for what, this? he asked himself.
But that’s not what bothered him the most. While the President didn’t seem to know the Source of the disappearances, Calloway felt certain that he knew. Being alone for the first time since his whole world unraveled gave him time to think things through a bit.
Even before the President’s speech it was already becoming clear to him. Could it be? The answer was yes. Full of utter remorse, Calloway knew without even speaking to his wife and family back home that they, too, were part of the Great Disappearing Act. There was no doubt in his mind.
The Aftermath Page 5