Jack ended the call and punched another number in.
“Patty, it’s Jack Amato.”
“Hi Jack. How are you?”
“Good, things are moving fast, as you know. By the way, nice segment on the six o’clock news. I see you’ve moved up in the world.”
“Look who’s talking. Hey, thanks for that scoop. It really means a lot to me.”
“As long as we can help each other out and keep it between us.”
“Don’t worry. What’s up?”
“The Feds are stepping in. They’re going to move the meteorite to Washington.”
“Really? How solid is the info?”
“Very, but you can’t use it till tonight, okay?”
“Sure, okay. Can I run it at eleven?”
“That’d be perfect. Now look, I need some help from the Fox team in Washington. Can you plug me in?”
“Absolutely, anything for you, Jack. You know Jimmy Smith. I’ll give him a call. He’ll open doors for you.”
“Thanks, and hey, I wouldn’t mind if you quoted me as the source when you do your story tonight.”
Chapter Eight
Garland arrived at his West Wing office an hour before the president would awaken. He read the Asian update in between making calls to a ring of insiders. As the clock hit six thirty, he headed to the White House’s private gym, where the president would be on his Keiser spin cycle.
Baxter’s shoulders slumped when he saw Garland in the mirror.
“Really sorry to interrupt you, sir.”
The president slowed his pedaling.
“Keep your workout going, sir. I just wanted to update you on the meteorite.”
Baxter grunted and nodded. Garland inched closer to his boss.
“Governor White’s address backfired. The national networks ran clips of it, and I’ve gotten several reports that the flow of people has increased. Cars are crossing over at just about every road except the highways. People are finding a way to get into Illinois, and the tension at Northwestern is growing. I’m really afraid it will get out of hand.”
“How we going to defuse this?”
“We bring the meteorite to Washington.”
Baxter jerked his head from the bike’s screen. “Here? Why in the world would I want what’s going on in Chicago at my doorstep?”
“People think this rock has magical power. That’s what they believe, so we have to operate in their world. We need to control this. It’s a powerful phenomenon. You’ve got to be seen as being in control, taking decisive action. There’s just no other way. You’ve got to send the air force to pick up the meteorite ASAP, then address the nation. I’ve already requested network time at eleven this morning.”
Baxter took his feet out of their stirrups.
“I don’t like this, Peter.”
As the bike started to wind down, Garland continued, “It’s the only course of action. The networks are all over this story. The calls are already coming in. You’ve got to calm things down. Tell the nation you are moving the meteorite to NASA for testing.”
The president ripped a towel off the handlebars and mopped his brow, silently leaving the gym as Garland kept talking. “I’ve got Reed and Burlew working on the text of an address.”
***
Five cameras set up in a semi-circle had their lenses trained on the president, who was seated cross-legged in a blue armchair. Garland told an assistant to stoke the fire to the president’s left before green-lighting the address.
No matter how many times Garland watched the president put his public persona on, it never ceased to impress the chief of staff. Garland mused that Baxter looked so relaxed he could be mistaken for liquid. Wearing an open collared shirt, suggested by Garland, and a broad smile, the president came across like he was talking across a dinner table as he addressed the nation.
“My fellow Americans, by now many of you have heard about the crowds gathering at a university outside of Chicago.” Baxter’s thin smile faded into a frown. “Sadly, the university has had to suspend its educational mission to ensure the safety of its students and faculty.” Baxter moved his eyes to a second teleprompter. “There have been numerous reports linking the meteorite with a decrease in the death rate. It is important to keep in mind that there has not been any medical or scientific proof this meteorite has a biological influence on human life. There just isn’t any evidence beyond anecdotal, at this time.” The president unclasped his hands. “Be assured, I am not discounting any beliefs that may be held or the freedom of all Americans to move freely about, pursuing their passions. That said, I take my responsibility to ensure the safety of all Americans seriously.” Baxter stiffened slightly. “It is this basic obligation that has prompted my office to make the following arrangements.”
Baxter paused before continuing.
“A US Air Force plane has been dispatched to Chicago and will transport the meteorite to Washington. Upon its arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, it will be scientifically examined and studied. I have assembled a task force, headed by the surgeon general, to coordinate the investigative work being done by NASA, the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Science Foundation, and others.”
Baxter looked into the camera.
“Allowing the science and health experts the ability to conduct their research will not only clarify the situation, but allow Northwestern University and other communities to return to their customary activities.”
Baxter leaned forward. “Once the examinations are complete, and I have made it clear I consider this a priority, their findings will be released to the public.” Baxter smiled and concluded his address. “Thank you for allowing me into your home again, and may God bless the United States of America.”
Garland flashed a thumbs-up as the president finished. As the camera lights shut down, Baxter moved from the chair by the fireplace to his desk.
Garland couldn’t resist smirking.
“Well done, sir.”
“‘Clarify the situation.’ Who was responsible for that line?”
“Uh, uh, I’ll have to check, but I think the intent was—”
Baxter waved him off. “Never mind. Just don’t tell me we’ve got anything new, okay?”
“I have a handle on things at the moment, but just thought you’d like to know, Tokyo called. Seems Okada has been following this meteorite story and is asking for information. Hell, with Japan’s declining population, I guess he’s hoping for a Hail Mary pass.”
***
Billy Willis, the affable host of A Closer Look, smiled into the camera as he put his hands on the back of a chair. A wall of monitors displaying headlines from the nation’s newspapers provided the backdrop for America’s most-watched magazine news show.
“Good evening, and welcome to A Closer Look. Tonight we’re fortunate to have a panel of experts take a closer look at the controversy surrounding the meteorite.” Willis hiked his thumbs over his shoulders. “As evidenced by the headlines, there hasn’t been such a captivating space-related story since the lunar landing.
“As most viewers know, the meteorite landed in a small town outside of Davenport, Iowa. Jack Amato, a young reporter, who’s here today, was the first to notice the strange coincidence between the meteorite and the cessation of death.” Willis let his Tennessee drawl sneak out. “Did I really just say that?” The host smiled. “Today we’re going to have what I’m sure is a fascinating and enlightening discussion. So, let’s get started and give our guests a warm Southern welcome.”
Jack pecked Laura’s face and with three other guests walked out of the darkness toward Willis. They shook hands with their host and sat around the outside of a crescent-shaped table of gray onyx.
Willis assumed his signature pose, left forearm on the table, right hand poised on the edge of the table, and spoke, “Let’s start at the beginning. Jack Amato, who is now a lead correspondent for the Associated Press, thanks in no small part to the meteorite, was the first to introduce
the meteorite into the American psyche. Jack, can you walk us through?”
Jack shifted in his chair. “The meteorite struck in Keokuk, Iowa, and I actually witnessed it streak through the sky that night. I remember speculating on what it was at the time and even mentioned it to my grandmother. Part of my duties at the Iowan, where I used to work, was being responsible for the obituary section. After the meteorite hit, no one seemed to be dying, so I had some extra time on my hands.”
“Keokuk’s a pretty small town. Sounds like happenstance.”
“Yes, I really didn’t make any connection at that time, but the meteorite was collected by St. Ambrose University and brought to Davenport. I went up to Davenport to do a color story on the meteorite when I discovered that the same phenomenon was happening there.”
“Is that when you penned the now famous article, making the assertion that there was a connection between people not dying and the meteorite?”
“Assertion?” Jack shook his head. “I researched the hospitals, funeral homes, and coroners in Davenport, and they all had reported no deaths since the meteorite was brought there. That’s no assertion. I call those facts.”
“Fair enough, though let’s keep in mind they’re only two towns, and small ones at that.”
Jack’s retort was choked down as Willis continued, “Let’s bring in Dr. Fowler, who’s the chair of philosophy at Georgetown University. Doctor, what are we to make of the reactions? Is it misplaced hope, sheer lunacy, or is there some higher, shall we say, power inserting itself here?”
Fowler said, “Since the beginning of time, mankind has yearned to understand our relationship with the universe. It was quite natural for people to see the overwhelming vastness when casting their eyes toward the night sky and assume man was under the control of some higher being. Nowadays, we’re able to explore and explain the universe and discount the many myths surrounding it.” The philosopher nodded his head slightly. “I understand the comfort some take in their beliefs. It allows them to answer many seemingly unanswered questions about their lives, but it simply is inaccurate. It is our nature to believe we have some purpose, some reason for existing. Otherwise, people have a tendency to equate their lives with those, for example, of a tree.”
“The doctor brings forth an interesting and thought-provoking perspective. I’m sure we’ll get a ton of email on it.” Willis swiveled toward his next guest. “Bishop Williams leads the Evangelical Lutheran Church here in Washington. Bishop, you have a very different position on the meteorite and its origins. Please share it with our audience.”
“With all due respect to Dr. Fowler, he is a learned philosopher, but there are things which are beyond explanation, and the meteorite is one of them.”
“So how do you explain it?”
Bishop Williams’ eyes lit up.
“I believe it is a gift from God. Remember, it was St. Paul who said, ‘Death is the final enemy only to be conquered by God.’ The meteorite is a manifestation of God reaching out to his children, showing his love by conquering death.”
“But why now?”
“God works in mysterious ways. Humans are simply unable to comprehend God’s plan for us. We think in human terms, which, frankly, is limiting. With God, anything is possible.”
Doctor Fowler shook his head.
“That’s a convenient explanation, which is completely without substantiation. Of course we think in human terms, using rationalization, science, and investigative methods to come to our assumptions of the world we live in. To explain things away by saying we simply can never understand something because we do not possess the ability is indefensible.”
“I beg to differ with my doctor friend,” the bishop said. “While science has helped us understand our universe, every theory about the origin of the universe comes to a point that is unexplainable and can only be attributed to a higher power.”
“We’re learning new things every day, and it’s only a matter of more research that will enable us to unlock the secrets the universe holds,” Doctor Fowler said.
“Well, let’s end this episode of A Closer Look by agreeing to respectively disagree,” Willis concluded.
Chapter Nine
Garland met the president in the Oval Office five minutes before he would preside over a meeting in the Roosevelt Room. Garland waited as President Baxter signed a series of pages in a folio. When he finished, the president said, “What the hell’s going on at the Post?” Baxter pointed to the paper, which featured a grainy image of the president stepping out of an SUV at Andrews Air Force Base in the dead of night. Below the unflattering photo a headline shouted: ‘Baxter Acts to Protect or Benefit?’
Garland was all too familiar with the negative press his boss was receiving over the meteorite, but the chief of staff did a double take, wondering if the president had gotten some Botox injections. His deep facial creases had seemed to retreat into mere wrinkles that morning.
Garland said, “They’re feeling the heat from the public, like we are. The switchboard and internet are jammed, and its eighty-five percent against us!”
The president shot out of his chair. “Damn it, we’re really trying to figure this damn thing out.”
“I know, sir, but it’s the optics again. People believe in this thing and think we’re limiting access.”
“Tell me about it. This morning, while Charles was laying out my clothes, he asked me if he could see the meteorite with his mother.”
“Well, it’s not only the house staff, sir, Brawler and Connors asked me the same this morning. And take a look at this.” Garland handed Baxter a three-page document on United States Senate letterhead.
The president’s eyes narrowed as he read.
“What? Who’s behind this?”
“It may have been Jeremy, but it’s tough to say, with all hundred senators signing it. I can dig into it, though.”
“Never mind.”
“By the way, I’ve asked Secretary Nelson to attend the meeting. I hope that’s okay by you.”
The president shrugged.
Garland said, “If you’re ready, sir, it’s time to go.”
They walked across the hall and into the windowless Roosevelt Room. The three people seated around the large conference table leapt to their feet and greeted the president. Baxter settled into his chair opposite the attendees as Garland, seated to his right, said, “Let’s get current. Secretary Foster, what’s the latest?”
The Health and Human Services chief was also a doctor but was shortchanged in the bedside manner department. “Mr. President, it’s simply too early to make any determinations.”
Garland prodded, “We’re not asking for a finding, Madame Secretary. Perhaps you can update the status of any tests being conducted. The astronomers who previously examined the meteorite reported there were elements that had not been identified. Is that still the case?”
“Yes, there seem to be four elements or substances that are unknown on Earth.”
“Do they appear dangerous or harmful in any way?”
“Not that I’m aware.”
Garland asked, “I’ve heard there was an emission detected from the meteorite. Can you enlighten the president on this?”
“Sir, again, it’s early, but an aura has been detected. It possesses some characteristics of a magnetic field but differs in material ways.”
Bill Rogers, the secretary of defense, squirmed in his chair as the president asked, “Carol, how long do you think it will take to identify whatever the meteorite is throwing off and whether it poses a danger to the security of the United States?”
She said, “I won’t engage in speculation, sir. We need the time to let the research play out.”
“Carol, don’t you watch the news? I’m asking a simple question. The American people are beseeching my office as we meet! We don’t have the luxury of time.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to upset you, but the simple answer is we don’t know. Medically speaking, there doesn’t
seem to be any health risk from short-term exposure, and initial indications, and I’m certainly not endorsing them, is that it somehow stops death from natural causes.”
Garland wondered if natural death included dying from heart disease, like his father had died from. However, before he could frame a question, Rogers raised his hand off the table, catching Garland’s eye, putting him back on point. The chief of staff shook his head subtly and said, “Thank you, Madame Secretary. No matter the political storms, both the president’s counsel and the AG believe we have a solid legal foundation for any action or position the president takes relative to the meteorite. The president has wide discretion where the health and welfare of the American people are at stake, however, they caution that should the meteorite be found to pose no health risks to the public, then any limit to the public’s access could certainly be challenged. Now, Secretary Rosario, given the chaos that unfolded in Chicago, how do you envision handling the threat to safety should the meteorite be released for exhibit again?”
The former police commissioner of Miami, Paul Rosario, had risen to the head of the Department of Homeland Security on his successful campaigns battling the drug and terror trades that transited Cuba. He said, “We’d have to work hand in hand with the Department of Transportation to identify and secure a site large enough, for what would likely be unprecedented crowds.”
“Do you have any venues in mind?”
“There are a number of candidates, namely large stadiums, or our biggest convention centers, like McCormick in Chicago, Orange in Orlando, or the ones in Vegas.”
Baxter shook his head. “I don’t like the stadium idea. Number one, the biggest are all on college campuses. I don’t want another shutdown of a high-profile university, and secondly, they’re all outdoors.”
Garland spoke, “The president is spot-on. We cannot allow the disruption of forty or fifty thousand students, nor can we have people of all ages exposed to the elements as they wait in long lines.”
The Final Enemy Page 5