President-elect Wendell Stevens filed into the Capitol Building’s rotunda with the other members of the newly formed Anti-Terrorism Coalition. Together they represented the major offices of the government. Trailing behind him down the hall were Celine Mattucci from the State Department, General Michael Kobayashi of the U.S. Army, Daniel Foster, director of the FBI and Deshaun Haley, head of the CIA.
A raised platform was set up on one side of the rotunda, along with a large table with five chairs. The audience was filled with reporters and rows of cameramen from the many different news stations. The members of the Anti-Terrorism Coalition made their way to their seats. President-elect Stevens took the center chair. He could see the Secret Service agents stationed all around the room.
“We’re ready when you are,” said a man in front of the platform, wearing a headset and carrying a clipboard.
Senator Stevens looked into the camera and began to speak into the microphone.
“My fellow Americans, thank you for joining us this evening. We, as a country, have suffered deeply from the constant attacks of the Righteous Front, or RF. As you may recall, I had received some information, which would be able to aid our nation in ending the terrorist threat that exists in every town across this great nation. As I promised, we created the Anti-Terrorism Coalition to administer the great task that stands before us. Together with the different governmental agencies, the Armed Forces, the FBI, the CIA, and the State Department, we have been able to prepare a program that will ensure the safety of all Americans. The information I received was a long list of possible traitors with whom we would like to meet and interview. As it has been reported, we have already identified some criminals that we have in custody who have ties to the RF. To explain the process, here is Ms. Celine Mattucci of the State Department.”
“Thank you, Senator.” She nodded in his direction. “In tomorrow’s newspapers, in every city and town across the United States, there will be a list of people in the local area that we would like to interview. We expect anyone whose name appears on this list to report to the location listed in the newspaper by five tomorrow evening. You will be assisted by local members of the Anti-Terrorism Coalition. If you in any way attempt to deviate from this process, you will be considered a traitor to this country and you will be promptly arrested and all of your rights will be forfeited. This also pertains to any newspapers refusing to print the lists as they have been ordered. Any found not in compliance will be shut down and all employees will need to register with the ATC as well. ATC agents will also be present in communities across the country to assist local law enforcement with this massive undertaking. This process is meant to be quick and efficient. We are hoping that all citizens posted on this list will understand that this process is for the good of all Americans. We all want to live in a safe country with no fear of terrorist attacks. With your cooperation, we hope to make that possible. Thank you and good night.”
The end of the address caused the reporters to explode in a barrage of questions.
“Is this process legal?”
“This doesn’t sound supported by the Constitution. What do you have to say in defense of that, President-elect Stevens?”
He stood up and took the microphone.
“Ladies and gentleman, I understand your concerns,” he had a large grin on his face, “but I assure you that this certainly is legal under the Constitution of these United States. This group is absolutely committed to following a proper legal process. Our intentions are completely pure here. We are just looking to protect our citizens — to save mothers and fathers, sons and daughters from the evils of terrorism and nothing more. We thank you for your time. We will not be taking any more questions this evening.”
The questions swirled around them as they stepped down from the platform, flanked by men in dark suits, and were led down a corridor away from the crowd of reporters.
They entered a conference room and took seats around the table, sitting stiffly in the large, cumbersome chairs.
“I think that went well.” President-elect Stevens poured himself a glass of bourbon from a decanter in the middle of the table. “It appears that Phase One is ready to roll. I don’t anticipate many problems. Kobayashi, where are we on Phase Two?”
“Phase Two is currently at fifty percent completion. It is scheduled to be ready by your inauguration.”
“Foster, Haley, you have your procedures in place for Phase Two?”
“Yes, sir,” answered Deshaun Haley. “We have task forces from our groups running simulations. Efficiency is key here.”
“Couldn’t have said it better myself!” President-elect Stevens swirled the bourbon in his glass.
“Everything needs to run quickly and quietly as well. The parcels need to be moved to the facility within a week of inauguration. Earlier, if possible. They have to be processed and out of the general population before they know what hit them. Then the ATC can commence with Phase Three,” added Haley.
“I’m so impressed. You have thought of everything. I like what I hear. And I promise you, if we can make it from Phase One to Phase Three without a hitch, you will all be rewarded. You are the ones who truly understand the importance of this operation. The safety of this nation depends on it. If we can put an end to these terrorists, this will go down as the most influential administration since Abraham Lincoln.” He leaned back in the large chair and folded his hands contentedly over his expansive belly.