The controllers confirmed an emergency squawk from the Challenger but didnt know the nature of the problem. A controller heard a radio call about smoke in the cockpit, but there was no call sign to match against an airplane. The ATC tapes would have to be analyzed.
A quick check with the national Air Route Traffic Control Centers offered the confirmation that no airline hijacking attempts had been made. From New York Center to Los Angeles Center and Seattle Center to Miami Center, everything seemed in order. The incident at the nuclear power plant appeared to be an isolated event caused by a dire emergency on board the Challenger.
From reports issued by the Albany Control Tower, the Albany departure controller, and the en-route controller, a general consensus soon formed within the FAA community. A pressurization problem or fire and smoke probably overcame the Challenger flight crew, but only an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) could illuminate the real cause of the accident.
Once the crisis mode began to ebb and pulse rates receded, a collective sigh of relief filtered through the command center. The men and women began to relax and enjoy their morning coffee. The flow of air traffic was running smoothly and life was stable once more.
Twenty-one minutes later, another corporate jet deviated from its filed instrument flight plan. The transponder ceased operating and the pilot stopped communicating with the suspicious air traffic controller. Shortly after the break in communications, the fully fueled three-engine Dassault Falcon 50 smashed into the Waterford 3 Nuclear Power Plant in Taft, Louisiana, twenty-three miles west of the French Quarter.
Four minutes later, a Westwind II corporate jet full of fuel and explosives plowed through the Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant seventy miles north of St. Petersburg, Florida. The force of the horrendous impact and explosion instantly knocked out all power to the resort city adjacent to Tampa Bay.
Total chaos erupted in the Air Traffic Control Command Center. The same twisted combination of fear and anger that permeated the ARTCC system during the September 11 airline hijackings returned with a suddenness that thoroughly stunned everyone.
The FAA controllers quickly alerted the FBI and NORAD. The senior officers at NORAD became the focal point for increased military air protection over the United States and Canada. The NORAD Battle Management Center told each air defense sector to generate sorties as fast as they could. They would direct the fighter pilots sitting alert duty and those flying combat air patrol over major cities in both countries. Some of the first fighters to assume battle stations and get airborne came from Langley AFB, Virginia; Tyndall AFB, Florida; Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts; and Ellington AFB, Texas.
The Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center (CMOC), the core of NORAD operations, was humming with activity. Canadian Forces Brigadier Ian Thackerey, the vice commander of CMOC, rapidly responded to the suicide attacks and was directing the evolving operation.
Acting on a direct order from the four-star commander, NORAD, Thackerey ordered all aircraft, including airliners, corporate jets, general aviation airplanes, and military aircraft not being scrambled for combat air patrols, to land at the nearest suitable airport. The objective was to sanitize the airspace over the United States and Canada as quickly as possible.
President Macklin ordered the military to implement a Force Protection Condition Delta wartime posture. Barricades were quickly erected at gates to many military bases, and machine guns were at the ready. On the orders of the commanding general, the massive steel doors at NORAD were closed for only the second time in its history.
Off the coast of South Carolina, the USS Enterprise battle group was at general quarters. The carrier was launching F-14 Tomcats, F/A-18 Hornets, and an E-2C Hawkeye for combat air patrols over any assigned cities or high-risk structures. More aircraft on the flight deck were being armed with heat-seeking Sidewinder missiles and slammers--AMRAAMS--Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles. The slammers have an active radar-guidance system and, at Mach 4.0, they are the fastest of the air-to-air weapons. Other ordnance personnel were loading 20mm rounds into the Hornets' and Tomcats' M61 Vulcan cannons.
Dozens of other fighter planes from Canada, the U. S. Air Force, the U. S. Navy, and the U. S. Marine Corps were airborne in a matter of minutes and assumed their combat air-patrol patterns over strategic positions and major metropolitan areas. Dozens of aerial tankers, including KC-135S, KC-130S, and KC-10s, were soon airborne to provide the thirsty fighters with fuel.
Two U. S. Air Force Boeing E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft from the 552d Air Control Wing at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City, were providing long-range radar surveillance for the fighter planes. The AWACS mission specialists and the mission crew commanders were primed and ready to direct fighter intercepts against potential bogeys. After a reasonable amount of time to allow possible threats to land at a suitable airport, the fighter pilots received new orders from NORAD.
They were to intercept anything flying in their assigned areas and escort it to the nearest suitable airfield. If they encountered any aircraft that did not respond to radio communications or hand signals, the pilots had blanket permission to shoot it down, preferably over empty fields or sparsely populated areas.
NORAD would continue to direct air operations over Canada and the United States from three subordinate headquarters located at Tyndall AFB, Florida; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; and Canadian Forces Base, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
NEW YORK CITY
Panic ensued in New York when tens of thousands of motorists most of whom were unprepared for an evacuation, clogged the freeways and principal highways heading south and west. Fearing more attacks on high-profile targets, most of the drivers left with only what they were wearing. Many of them soon ran out of gas, causing massive traffic jams and short tempers. Lines at service stations stretched for half a mile to a mile before the stations began running out of fuel.
With the airlines grounded at Newark, La Guardia, and Kennedy, idle passenger trains were soon mobbed. Others crowded into New York Citys subways to escape the dreaded radiation fallout.
Manhattan was in a state of gridlock, with the bridges and tunnels closed for security reasons. The National Guard was mobilized, and off-duty law enforcement officers were called to work. The mayor of New York City and the governor of New York were soon on television offering reassurance and calming words.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
After the suicide attack at the Waterford 3 Nuclear Power Plant west of the Big Easy, the Vieux Carre was almost deserted in a matter of twenty-five minutes. Interstate 10 was bumper-to-bumper from the heart of New Orleans to Slidell. North of Slidell, motorists who still had fuel branched out on Interstate 59 north or Interstate 10 east-bound. Once they reached that point, fuel was readily available.
Unlike New York City, there was not the same degree of panic in the Crescent City, but thousands of people were rapidly moving away from the radiation fallout and likely targets, including the Superdome and high-rise buildings. Most individuals fleeing east and northeast simply wanted to get out to "flyover country" and find a motel or hotel until they were sure the situation was reasonably under control. The only person who could assure them was President Macklin.
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
With the Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant well north of the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan complex, and the prevailing west-to-east wind, most people wanted to stay and protect their businesses and personal property. Several wealthy families left their domestic help to watch their mansions while they traveled south in their yachts.
A much larger percentage of the Tampa-St. Petersburg citizens packed their vehicles and drove south to Fort Myers; some went as far as the Fort Lauderdale-Miami area, and a few thousand descended on the Florida Keys and Key West. Hotel rooms quickly sold out, and many enterprising guests began subleasing their rooms for double the rate.
The folks who were in the most peril were the people of Crystal River, loc
ated on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. To a person, they were fearful for their lives. Some headed north or south on Highway 19 to escape being contaminated with radiation. A few families gathered together in church, while others stayed home and prayed for the best.
Chapter 11.
THE WHITE HOUSE
When Hartwell Prost walked into the Situation Room, there was an underlying feeling of tension in the air. Not panic, but a growing sense of uneasiness at this early hour of the morning. To a person, they were asking themselves the same question: What next?
Flanking the stone-faced president were Pete Adair, secretary of defense; Les Chalmers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Jim Ebersole, FBI director; George Anderson, cabinet-level director of homeland security; Army General Jeremiah Jamison, commander, Homeland Security; the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and a representative of the National Domestic Preparedness Office.
"Have a seat," the president said quietly. "Gentlemen, before we begin, I should tell you that these civilian planes--business jets--that targeted our nuclear power plants were either stolen or purchased by the terrorists, we dont know which. Either way, this brings another dimension, another unknown into the equation, and more uncertainty for all Americans."
Macklin paused as his emotions began to seep to the surface. "We 11 address this new threat in detail later. At the moment, George is going to bring us up to date on the damage." He loosened his tie and looked Anderson in the eye. "George, how many casualties so far?"
"At least twenty-one so far at the Indian Point plant, and it will be much higher before the day is over." Anderson was not his usual confident, effusive self. "It s going to take some time to sift through the rubble."
"What about the other plants?"
"We dont have any firm numbers from the other sites yet, but it's my understanding from our sources in the Tampa-St. Pete area that we can expect heavy casualties at the Crystal River location." Nervous and uneasy Anderson took a sip of water. "The airplane that crashed into the Indian Point plant hit the turbine building and some adjacent structures. Its a real mess." He hesitated and then removed his glasses. "The explosion destroyed the equipment that is necessary to bring the plant to a safe and stable shutdown."
The room was quiet until Prost spoke. "Are you saying we have a Chernobyl-type situation, a meltdown in progress?"
Avoiding Prost's prying eyes, Anderson stared at his briefing notes for a long moment. "Yes, I'm afraid so."
"Oh, Jesus," Pete Adair said, under his breath. He cast a look at the director of homeland security "How much radiation is leaking?"
Anderson glanced at the latest numbers from the scientists who studied the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukraine. "The best estimate is roughly seven to ten percent into the atmosphere. That's just an educated guess from the resident experts at the International Atomic Energy Agency."
"Translate," Macklin demanded.
"Well, sir, there will be significant contamination at the site and in the area east of the plant. Beyond that, the radiation should be carried over the Atlantic by the prevailing winds."
The president's shoulders sagged in relief. I hope he's right. "What's the situation in New York City?"
"Not good, sir. The shelters were filled to capacity within thirty minutes of the attack; others are using the subway stations as shelters."
Macklin removed his glasses and looked at his FEMA director. "What are we doing to help those people?"
"Sir, the National Guard and the Red Cross are gearing up. They're going to set up medical facilities and food stations throughout the city. But their resources are going to need replenishing in the next twenty-four to thirty-six hours."
"Maybe we don't have to put so many people through this." The president turned his attention to George Anderson. "If the radiation is confined to the east side of Indian Point, let's get the word out to the people, encourage them to return to their homes."
"That's what we're getting ready to do: television, radio, and the emergency broadcast system." Anderson hesitated a moment. "Sir, there's so much conflicting information out there. It would help a lot if you would address the American people."
"I fully intend to do that as soon as we get organized." Macklin's neck muscles were beginning to telegraph his intensity "What kind of visual aids do you have: mandatory evacuation areas and areas to be avoided, things like that?"
"They're being prepared--we should have them soon."
The president made eye contact with Anderson. "Okay, George, stay on top of this, and let me know if you need anything--anything."
"Understood, sir."
Macklin rose from his chair, thanked Anderson and the others for arriving on such short notice, and walked them to the exit. The president asked Prost, Adair, and Chalmers to keep their seats.
Macklin returned and slumped into his chair. "Gentlemen," he said in a weary voice, "I want your input on Saeed Shayhidi; keep it short and to the point. Hartwell?"
"Mr. President, before I address the Shayhidi issue, I have to insist that you board the airborne operations center immediately. Even with the air defenses available here, there is no guarantee we could stop a suicide bomber from hitting the White House."
"Hartwell," the president interrupted. "I understa--"
"Sir, please allow me to finish. I'm amazed they didn't hit this place first. Now they've acquired other jets to attack us at will, you could be targeted at any--"
Macklin held his hands up in submission. "I've already had the lecture from Pete and Les. My bags are being packed and the first lady is en route to a secure shelter."
"Good. I'm relieved. The vice president and his staff are on their way from Chicago to Cheyenne Mountain and should be landing in Colorado Springs within the hour."
Prost rubbed his chin. "About Shayhidi: it's time to play hardball with these people, and I mean to put Shayhidi and his cronies out of business--permanently."
The president looked up. "Les and Pete have the same opinion, no argument from me, but what I need is a specific target. Any ideas?"
"Hartwell," Pete Adair said as he slid Prost a piece of paper. "Les and I have outlined some suggestions for striking Shayhidi. We think they'll have a devastating impact on his operation. We'd like you to review them, give us your opinion, or add anything you think will help."
Prost accepted the paper.
"The president has already seen the list," Adair continued. "We have to act now, can't afford to keep reacting to attacks."
"I couldn't agree more," Prost said, as he studied the recommendations. "The sooner we strike Shayhidi, the better."
The president frowned when he thought about missing the funerals of Brett Shannon and his colleagues. "Gentlemen, I want to expedite your plans for Shayhidi." Macklin paused to consider his priorities. "In regard to homeland security, I want air cover--helicopter gunships or fighter aircraft--for our nuclear power plants until this crisis is over. All of them, including the damaged ones."
Prost politely interrupted. "Sir, we need the same type of protection, if not more, for the Pantex plant in Amarillo. The materials from our dismantled nuclear warheads are stored on-site."
"Done."
Hartwell held up a hand. "One other consideration: the facilities at Arco, Idaho, where we reprocess nuclear fuel taken from ships and submarines that are being deactivated and disposed of."
"Make those priorities," Macklin said firmly. "Be sure we have troops with shoulder-fired SAMS at all the locations, twenty-four seven, until further notice."
"That's a lot of plants to protect," Prost reminded him. "It's going to take a while to implement this."
Macklin scribbled a note. "Whatever it takes is what we're going to do. Have the FAA issue a new emergency notice to airmen making every U. S. nuclear power plant a Prohibited Area until further notice. Fifteen-statute-mile radius up to infinity."
"Yes, sir."
Macklin balled his fist
and gendy tapped the palm of his other hand. "I want to get the airlines and general aviation back into the air as quickly as possible, but we're going to have to implement some restrictions."
Prost didn't look up. "Two of my people are working with the FAA. I'll get back to you later today with their recommendations."
"Excellent," the president said, and closed his eyes for a few seconds. "And, while Im thinking about it, work out a plan, whatever you want to do, to cover our other power-generating facilities."
"Yes, sir." Prost paused a moment. "I strongly recommend that the FAA NOTAM include the fact that armed helicopter gunships and surface-to-air missiles are protecting those restricted areas."
"Sounds good. Send the message." Macklin felt an inner calm come over him, a sense of morality and duty. "We have the weapons and we have the manpower. We 11 use active-duty military personnel and the reserves."
"Fve already been working on it," Prost said, looking at the list he compiled during the helicopter flight from his estate.
"Ahead of the game, as always," the president said robustly. "I intend selectively to make life an absolute living hell for Shayhidi and his lieutenants, if we can find them."
"We need to take Shayhidi out," Adair said in an even voice. "Send a message throughout the Middle East and the entire world."
An aide quietly interrupted the discussion. It was time for President Macklin to fly to Andrews AFB and board the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center known as Night Watch.
At the behest of his national security adviser, the president had recently updated the Enduring Constitutional Government measures that dealt with the succession of political authority in the event of his death or incapacitation.
Successors to the president are tracked at all times to ensure each is always in a different place. During the State of the Union address, for example, at least one cabinet member is kept in a secret location in the event of a disaster on Capitol Hill.
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