Bridge to Nowhere

Harpoon

Thursday–Washington, DC

President Baker sits at a desk on a studio set built to look like the Oval Office while on a video call with the governors of every state.

"Governors, thank you for attending this briefing. You must all urgently act to prepare for the asteroid storm. I am instructing each of you to use every resource available in your states to save as many people as possible. Find protection underground: old air-raid shelters, basements, parking structures, or sewers if they're the only choice. Initiate martial law. Call up military reserves, police, and fire departments to help move people and supplies to any available shelter."

Governor Scott Hayes of Georgia speaks. "Mr. President, I've placed calls to the base commander at Fort Benning, but I'm not getting any response."

The president's face displays frustration, but his voice remains confident and commanding. "We've had communication issues with some branches of the military. I will resolve this. You have little time to get sheltered. We expect the bombardment to intensify in the next twenty-four hours. Make use of church volunteers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the damned Moose Lodge if you must, but get moving. We need to save as many people as possible."

Governor Dora Crawford of California calls out. "Twenty-four hours' notice before the destruction of our society? Is that the best our government can offer? We've already had impacts and deaths. Didn't NASA or JPL know about this? Will you support funds for disaster relief?" she asks.

"I don't want to denigrate President Anderson, but there are indications he and some of his cabinet knew this was coming; however, they chose not to share that knowledge." Grumbling and hisses come from the governors. President Baker shakes his head and waves his hand to show he will not engage in debate. "You have my promise, good news, or bad, I will share it with you. Focus on getting people to safety. Get instructions to your citizens over streaming services. Use any alternative methods you have, even broadcast TV if you still have broadcast stations in your area. There is no time for discussion or special requests. You all must act. Encourage a calm, swift movement of your citizens. We don't want more panic and looting."

The governors erupt with a series of questions. With fifty governors and their staff talking all at once, the president hears only noise. "Quiet down. Quiet now!" the president shouts to get everyone's attention. "It is likely we will lose communications as the storm intensifies. Some areas will lose power. No matter what happens, or how bad it gets, you are the governors of your states. You have a responsibility to lead your people. We are the United States of America. Nothing, not even an asteroid storm, will put us asunder. Be strong. Use every local resource and asset to get your people to safety. That is all."

The governor of Wyoming shouts over the clamoring voices. "Every state and man for his-self!" His image drops from the screen. One by one, video screens turn black as the governors touch out of the call.

President Baker steps away from the set and his press secretary escorts him to the Command Center. "That was great, sir—short and to the point."

President Baker hurries into the Command Center. "What do we have next?"

"We have an update from Dr. Simmons, at JPL. They have several ground and space-based telescopes working now," Sheryl reports, reading from a screen projected from her band.

"I pray we have some good news for a change."

Cabinet members and military leaders crowd the room. Staff members move to make way for the president, allowing him to sit at the large conference table. Cliff nods to Tug Grimes, Mitch Campbell, and others around the table. Air Force Major Anthony Cortez stands at the front of the room. A huge video screen covers the wall behind him. Once the president sits, Tug signals the Major to begin.