“The videos are spreading quickly. It appears that most of the footage came from a major outbreak of violence that occurred several years ago between protesters and Hong Kong police. Someone has pasted pieces of the footage together and released the videos to make it appear like it’s happening today. Whoever did it is a real pro. On the surface, the videos look one hundred percent authentic. However, the reputable Truthbusters website ran deep forensic analysis on the videos and determined them to be fake.”
“Somehow, I missed that.”
“If you haven’t been following the situation in real time, you wouldn’t have heard about it yet,” Jack said. “Truthbusters made the announcement about twenty minutes ago.”
“Are you saying the Mong Kok Massacre isn’t actually happening?” Morgan asked, her mind racing to make connections between the tweets and the deep fakes.
“Something is definitely happening in Hong Kong, but not what’s being advertised,” Jack said. “The faked videos have helped to distort the situation and inflate casualty tallies by reporters. Social media posts coming out of Hong Kong are all over the place. Many posts claiming extreme violence have been found to be bots.”
“Bots?” Morgan asked, scratching her nose. “That would mean someone wants to make it look like the Chinese government is killing protesters in the streets. Just like the aggressive tweets this morning, this could be part of a digital disinformation campaign to mess with our perception of reality. But what would be the motivation?”
“The disinformation campaign appears to be targeted at the United States,” Jack said. “Perhaps they’re attempting to get us to intervene in Chinese domestic affairs and start a military conflict.”
“But what would be the end game?” Morgan asked. “Who would benefit from war between the U.S. and China?”
“If I had to put money on it, I’d say Russia has the most to gain,” Jack said. “A wedge between the U.S. and China pushes the Chinese closer to Russia. Plus, a falling out might lead to the collapse of the clean energy deal, freeing up China to purchase Russia’s oil and natural gas again.”
“Do you think the disinformation operation could be about more than oil and natural gas? Maybe it’s bigger than we think.”
“What do you mean by bigger?” Jack asked.
“What if someone got to Harrison? What if he was assassinated? What if his death is related to Nightfall?” Her stomach sizzled as she uttered the dreaded questions for the first time. They had been on her chest since the news about the autopsy report.
Jack was silent for a few moments before answering. “I’d be careful throwing such insinuations around. We don’t know enough about what caused Harrison’s death.” He took a deep breath. “However, if the Russians were working with Vega to carry out the Nightfall Incident, then the disinformation campaign could be a follow-on to further destabilize our country. If that’s the case, then I’d be on the lookout for more to come. But those are some big ifs, Morgan. Complete speculation.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“Maybe you should check in with the Cyberthreat Intelligence Integration Center for any unusual cyber activity,” Jack said. “Before you take any of this to the president, you’ll need to know the full range of cyberattacks going on at the moment. Grayson should be able to get you access. Perhaps his people have identified other threats related to the tweets and deep fakes.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea,” Morgan said, glancing at her watch. “I’ll head over there right now. I don’t think we can afford to ignore the ‘what ifs’ until we know for sure.”
“Morgan, one more thing,” Jack said.
“Yes?”
“Watch out for Grayson, okay?”
“What do you mean by that?” Morgan asked, her brow furrowed.
There was silence on the other end of the call. She glanced at her screen and saw that Jack had hung up.
31
The Press Briefing
SUSAN
1120
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
The White House
Susan took a deep breath, leaned against the podium for some extra support, and looked out into the eager audience of reporters raising their hands. Thus far, the White House Press Corps had not gone easy on her. They’d fired one hard question after another about the suspicious circumstances surrounding the president’s death. But before the press briefing, she’d strategized with Elise about how to answer all of them. So far, so good. As long as she stuck to the script, she’d be fine.
Susan pointed at Bernie Hale, a reporter from Atlas Cable News (ACN). Hale had often been critical of the Monroe administration, and she expected a pointed interrogation from him.
“Madam President, does your delay in responding to the Mong Kok Massacre have something to do with China’s submarines traveling through the Northern Sea Route?”
Susan shook her head, taking a large breath of air. “The presence of China’s submarines did not influence our decision-making.”
She didn’t like giving half-truths to the press, but Elise had advised that it was necessary to signal to China that the United States would not back down even under pressure of a nuclear conflict.
“We responded immediately to the unrest in the streets of Hong Kong earlier this morning,” Susan continued, following the script. “The State Department issued a statement condemning violence against protesters, and we explored the possibility of imposing economic sanctions on China. However, we have since discovered that reports of the massacre were significantly overblown as a result of deep fake videos spreading around the internet. While the U.S. intelligence community gathers more information to get a clear picture of the situation in Hong Kong, I’m planning to meet with the Chinese ambassador this afternoon to discuss the matter.”
“Ma’am, but how does your administration plan to deal with the incursion of China’s submarines into our coastal waters?” Bernie pressed.
“China’s flotilla of submarines in the Northern Sea Route poses no immediate threat to the United States, as it is intended to strengthen nuclear deterrence,” Susan said. “The submarines will play a defensive role in China’s Prowling Tiger war game scheduled to take place in a few hours.”
“But didn’t China just threaten to use nuclear weapons in its flurry of aggressive posts this morning?” Bernie asked. “Has China abandoned its no-first-use nuclear policy?”
“Not yet. We don’t believe the Chinese government meant to threaten the United States with nuclear weapons on social media. We are currently looking into the true origin of the posts from the Xinhua News handle,” Susan said, going off script. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Elise’s stiffening posture as she threw Susan a brief, stern glare.
During their strategy session, they’d disagreed on whether she should disclose the uncertain origins of the social media posts. Susan had argued for transparency, hoping it would open the door for the Chinese government to admit the cyberattack. But Elise had warned her that the press briefing might not go well if she went there. Now they would see who got it right.
One of her favorite correspondents, Joan King from HNN, raised her hand, and Susan eagerly pointed at her, hoping to shift the discussion in a more favorable direction.
“Madam President, are you suggesting that the tweets did not come from the Chinese government?” Joan asked, tilting her head.
Susan nodded, feeling some unexpected heat behind her ears. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m suggesting.”
“If the Chinese government was not behind the posts, then who was it?” Joan asked.
“We can’t offer a definitive answer yet,” Susan said, glancing at Elise, whose lips were pressed into a thin, tight line, her facial muscles tense. Susan recognized her old friend’s attempt at glossing over her disapproval for the sake of public unity. “The director of national intelligence has undertaken comprehensive analysis to identify the source of the posts, especially in light of the deep fake vide
os. Once we have that, we’ll let you know right away.”
“Why do you think the Chinese government has remained silent about the source of the tweets and deep fake videos?” Joan asked, wrinkling her forehead.
“That’s not clear,” Susan said, her mouth suddenly dry. “I’m hoping to clarify China’s official position on today’s events during my lunch with the Chinese ambassador.”
Paul Wright from the Global Broadcasting Service raised his hand, and Susan called on him next.
“Madam President, you said earlier that China’s submarines pose no immediate threat to the United States. Are you suggesting that these submarines are unable to launch their nuclear weapons at our cities?”
Susan shot a sideways glance at Elise, who returned a curt nod.
“That’s not at all what I’m saying,” Susan said. “Nuclear-armed submarines are a defensive capability and used for retaliatory attacks. It wouldn’t be in China’s interest to start a nuclear war since the U.S. retaliation would be massive and swift.”
“Then how does China’s ballistic missile test fit into all of this?” Paul asked. “A source of mine said the missile was an anti-satellite weapon. Do you see this test as further evidence of China’s aggressive stance on the world stage?”
Susan shook her head. “We consider China’s missile test to be part of its planned war game and thus not part of a major policy shift on the part of the Chinese government. This is not the first time it has tested an anti-satellite weapon.”
Bernie’s hand popped up again, and Susan reluctantly pointed at him.
“Ma’am, a student from Georgetown University on The Counter View this morning claimed that if you sign the autonomous weapons legislation, you’ll be responsible for unleashing the Terminator,” he said. “How would you respond to this allegation?”
Susan’s eyes widened, the question catching her off guard. Truthfully, that very thought had haunted her ever since Harrison died and Congress began moving swiftly to pass the legislation. She swallowed hard at the notion of fully autonomous robots taking to the battlefield as foreseen by The Terminator. A tingle swept up the back of her neck and across her face.
With the twists and turns in the China crisis that morning, neither she nor Elise had the chance to peruse the news headlines for inflammatory statements. Susan also didn’t have enough time to consider her final decision on the legislation, and she still remained on the fence about it. Coming into the press briefing, she’d planned to take Elise’s advice and announce her intention to sign the legislation. It made the most sense and would allow her to hit the ground running with her presidency. But all of a sudden she wasn’t sure anymore.
“U.S. autonomous weapons systems already exist in different countries around the world,” Susan said, her hand trembling. “This bill merely authorizes the Department of Defense to activate them for use on the battlefield.” She didn’t believe her own words. It was an awkward attempt to dodge the student’s statement while suppressing the doubts rising in her chest.
“Are you planning to sign the bill, then?” Bernie asked. “Since it’s apparently meaningless?”
“We are currently focused on the situation with China at the moment,” Susan said, sensing her rapid pulse. “Once that is resolved, I’ll review the legislation and make my decision.”
Paul’s hand shot in the air, and she called on him.
“Ma’am, I’m a bit confused,” he said, holding his notepad ready. “What’s so dire about the situation with China that you’ve been unable to reach a decision on President Monroe’s hard-won legislation? Didn’t you just say that the posts did not originate from the Chinese government, that the Mong Kok massacre didn’t occur as advertised, that the submarines don’t pose an immediate threat, and that the missile test was part of China’s war game?”
Shit.
Susan cleared her throat. “As I said earlier, we’ve been responding to each new development with China as it occurred, and we’re still working to confirm a final resolution to all of them. I expect to have better answers after my lunch meeting with the Chinese ambassador.”
“Are you concerned about how the ARC system might misinterpret these developments and cause unwanted nuclear escalation?” Paul asked, his eyebrow raised. “I have a source at the Pentagon who expressed uncertainty about today’s test. Something about a false positive?”
Where did that question come from?
She stole a glimpse at Elise before answering. Her chief of staff’s jaw was tense, and her body language betrayed growing unease.
“The ARC system already passed its four monthly test and evaluations with high scores,” Susan said. “I expect today’s test to be another success.”
“With all due respect, ma’am, you said you’re undecided about the autonomous weapons legislation, but tout the wonders of the ARC system,” Bernie interjected. “How can you have zero problems with ARC while denying President Monroe his legacy?”
I never touted its wonders.
“ARC is a semi-autonomous defensive system,” Susan said, stumbling slightly. “And the final decision to launch nuclear weapons remains in the hands of the president. That’s why it doesn’t fall under the current legislation.”
“Actually ma’am, that’s incorrect,” Bernie said. “The ARC system gives the launch order. While you do have the authority to rescind the order, the ARC system initiates the kill decision.”
Elise strode out onto the stage and put her hand on the mic. “That’s all for now, folks. The president has a busy schedule and has to get back to work.” She put her hand on Susan’s back and guided her out of the briefing room.
Susan’s cheeks burned when she saw Blake waiting for her in the wings, a pained expression on his face. She turned toward Elise, who followed closely behind her. “Was I that bad?”
“It wasn’t your finest hour,” Elise said. “I thought we’d decided to sign the legislation. What happened?”
Susan looked at Elise and then at Blake, shook her head, and lifted her shoulders. “I don’t know. I guess I had a crisis of conscience.”
“I wish you’d had it about thirty minutes ago,” Elise said grimly. “The headlines are not likely to be kind to you. And it’s not the best time for a public relations crisis.”
“How do we fix this?” Susan asked, staring at her feet.
Elise shrugged her shoulders.
“That kid is a student of mine at Georgetown,” Blake said tentatively. “I can talk to him if you want.”
Susan narrowed her eyes at him and then shook her head. “No, that will only make things worse. I can just see that headlines now: ‘President Bullies a Graduate Student into Submission.’”
“How about this…” Elise said, rubbing her temple. “Let’s invite him to the Oval Office for a little chat this evening.”
Blake cocked his head and gave her a skeptical look. “Sounds like a publicity stunt to me,” he said, not hiding his sarcasm.
“Well, that’s what it is,” Elise said. “But it’s a brilliant one. This kid has become the face of the opposition. By talking to him directly, we’ll neutralize the opposition and have a shot at reversing the negative headlines from today’s press briefing.”
Susan nodded quickly, now understanding precisely where her chief of staff was going with the scheme. “I’ll say I took the time to consider opposing views, discussed them with this kid, and then signed the bill anyway.” She felt a bit of her energy return.
“Because that’s what President Monroe would have wanted,” Blake said, finally catching on to their plan.
“Exactly,” Susan said.
“You should have Tori Scott moderate the discussion between you and Drew,” Blake said.
“Oh, you’re just looking for an excuse to meet your news crush,” Susan said, nudging him playfully.
“Whatever works,” Blake said, grinning back at her.
32
The Live Interview
DREW
; 1140
Homeland Network News
Washington D.C.
How did I get here?
Drew wanted to pinch himself, to make sure he was actually standing in the studio of The Counter View. He fidgeted with his hands as he waited to go on air with Tori Scott and Emilio Valdes.
When he left his Georgetown class earlier that morning, he’d received an unexpected call from the show’s executive producer. Since the internet was still abuzz with his video clip, The Counter View hosts wanted him to reprise his role as an emerging antagonist to the president on the issue of autonomous weapons. He’d said yes without hesitation.
This is my chance to do something. To make a difference.
But now, standing in the studio near all the bright lights and cameras, he was having second thoughts. He was about to make his debut on national television, and he didn’t want to waste the opportunity. If he pulled it off, the interview might change his life.
What if I mess this up?
Drew blinked rapidly, trying to control his bodily functions, all of which were running haywire. To avoid making a fool of himself, he’d have to overcome his growing anxiety and zero in on what he needed to say, all whilst sitting under bright lights and facing the camera. It was a tall order for an amateur.
I’m not sure I can do it.
Rubbing the back of his sweaty neck, he stood behind the cameraman, watching as Tori and Emilio bantered back and forth about what they’d just seen on live television. Both of them were as stunned by the development as he was.
President Tolley’s press briefing was thrown into disarray when reporters began challenging her intentions regarding the autonomous weapons legislation. Tolley wouldn’t say yet if she was going to sign or veto the bill. The reporters actually quoted Drew, mentioned his video clip, and asked Tolley if it was her plan to unleash the Terminator on humanity.
When things got out of hand, the president’s chief of staff cut things short.
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