When the World Stopped Turning- Crosspost

Chapter 5- A Plan

Chapter 5- A Plan

(The Pentagon, 9:42 AM Eastern Time)

"What's our status?" High General Kvashnin asks. When the American Airlines flight hit the west wing of the Pentagon, the International Command Center was immediately put on full lockdown to ensure the safety of the Joint Command.

"Reports are still coming in from the surface. We have damage reported at least 300 feet into the building, possibly further. All floors in the impact zone have suffered some degree of damage. No word yet on numbers of casualties, but so far have reports of at least 50 dead here in the building, in addition to all those on the airliner," Fleet Admiral Boyce says.

"Any word on fighter response?" Kvashnin asks.

"Yes, General. We have confirmation that at least half of the 352nd is now in US airspace, and we have confirmation that there are fighters over Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, and San Francisco. We have confirmation from ATC at Reagan that one of the squadron commanders, Lieutenant Colonel Rodriguez, as well as his wingman are currently over DC, and Rodriguez was able to get within 150 yards of laser cannon range of the airliner before it crashed," General Ryan says.

"Any word on how the FAA is responding?" Kvashnin asks.

"Yes. We just received word that Ben Sliney, FAA National Operations Manager, has not only ordered a National Ground Stop, but has also just ordered that no international flights are to be allowed into US airspace, and that all currently airborne flights in US airspace are to land at the nearest airport regardless of destination," General Ryan says.

"Well, that should at least clear the airspace, and give us a better idea of the possibility of more hijacked flights," Kvashnin says. He pauses for a moment, then says, "I want to establish direct communication with President Bush right now. Even now, I want to confirm with him that our pilots, as well as US Air Force fighter pilots, have the authority to engage any hijacked flights."

"Understood," General Ryan says.

"Alright. I want a list of the cities most likely to be targeted by any airliners. Any cities that have major attractions or locations that would be likely targets, based on what we've already seen happen. I want to know where we need to send our fighters," Kvashnin orders. He then looks at Boyce and says, "Contact the Repulse. I want the rest of her fighters armed and launched as soon as possible. We need to get more fighters down here if we want to be able to defend the US."

(San Francisco, 6:44 AM Pacific Time)

Adams stares in horror at the images being displayed on his holo display from CNN, showing images of smoke rising over the Pentagon. Now he's certain of it. The United States is under attack.

As he watches the screen, he suddenly remembers Rommel, remembering that he's on a flight from the East Coast that would have taken off around the same time these flights would have. Feeling a slight unease, and feeling that he should at least pass a warning on to Rommel so he could warn the pilots of his flight.

"Daniel, contact the Jedi Council. Make sure they're aware of what's going on. I'm going to contact Dennis, make sure he warns the pilots of his flight," Adams says.

Mofaz nods and activates his commlink, trying to contact the Jedi Temple while Adams tries to contact Rommel.

(Terran Jedi Temple, West Virginia, 9:45 AM Eastern Time)

In the Council Chamber at the Terran Jedi Temple, all the members of the Council, except for Ahsoka, watch as a hologram of Mofaz is generated in the middle of the chamber.

"Masters, I don't know if you are aware, but the United States is under attack. Terrorists have been hijacking aircraft and flying them into buildings. So far, they have hit both towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon," Mofaz says.