❗Hold up… this is Chapter 4.
Unless you’re the kind of thrill-seeker who reads the last page of a mystery first (you monster), you might want to backtrack.
👉 [Click here to start at Chapter 1] — where the real madness begins.
Otherwise, carry on… but don’t say I didn’t warn you when things stop making sense and someone you’ve never met suddenly dies.
Written by Thomas Mai
© Copyright held by Thomas Mai
Chapter 4 – Betrayal in The Situation Room
William “Bill” Grant, the Vice President of The United States, spoke into his mobile phone “Air Force One did not crash into the ocean as intended. It appears the plane has crash-landed in Somalia. We are unsure if there are any survivors.”
Despite the yelling and explicit cursing of the caller, the Vice President remained composed. The voice on the other end demanded immediate action and exclaimed, “FIX THIS!”
But Grant had a plan. He calmly responded, “I will use his absence and ensuing chaos to demand that I be sworn in as acting President, per the 25th amendment.”
Bill Grant stood at an average height, with a lean build. His expressive hazel eyes were framed by a pair of arched eyebrows. His hair, once dark and curly, now displayed hints of silver at the temples, adding a distinguished allure to his appearance.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Bill Grant grew up in a family of oil magnates. His father, Randolph Grant, had used questionable tactics to acquire countless oil fields over the years.
As part of his first deal, Randolph purchased an oil field from a struggling neighbor. Unfortunately, the neighbor had recently experienced a terrible tragedy when his home was ransacked and his wife was killed. The house was left burned to the ground.
As a gesture of sympathy and assistance, Randolph offered to buy the neighbor a new home in a retirement community in Florida. Little did anyone know, Randolph was behind the planned robbery at his neighbor’s house.
Using similar unethical methods, the Grant family’s oil production grew to become one of the largest in Texas and the entire United States.
Randolph had instilled in his son the belief that as a man, you must take what you want because nothing would be given to you. He taught him to always put himself first and prioritize quarterly profits over any moral code.
In high school, when Bill raped a cheerleader, his father brushed it off as harmless fun. After greasing palms with a generous donation to the school and contributing to the Sheriff’s campaign fund, there were no consequences for Bill. Except for the tragic fact that the cheerleader took her own life later that year.
Randolph envisioned his son climbing to the top of the political ladder, a position that would eliminate bothersome environmental laws and restrictions on running companies and their ability to generate profits.
When Bill Grant entered The Situation Room of the White House, it was a hive of contained chaos. The air was thick with tension as the Joint Chiefs of Staff, NSA, CIA, and National Security Council huddled over a cluttered table, maps splayed across it like battle scars. The flickering screens cast an eerie glow, the satellite images dancing across their faces as they discussed deployment strategies.
Vice President Grant’s piercing gaze swept across the room, taking in the organized military preparation that would strike fear into any foreign enemies.
“Enough!” Grant’s voice sliced through the turmoil. The Situation Room fell silent, all eyes turned to him. “We can’t wait any longer. Pursuant to the 25th Amendment, I request to be sworn in as acting President.”
Murmurs erupted. Some heads nodded in agreement, believing in the need for immediate action, while others saw it as a power grab, distasteful given the gravity of their situation.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Victor Thornfield, a seasoned Army veteran with more than 40 years of service, was a large, robust man with a round, friendly face. He had a broad forehead, expressive eyebrows, and warm, inviting eyes. His nose was straight and well-proportioned, sitting above a full, friendly smile. Thornfield’s hair was short and neatly styled, with a touch of gray.
Thornfield addressed the Vice President respectfully. “We are exhausting all efforts to locate the President and confirm his status,” he stated firmly as he stood in his powerful role as Chairman.
“So, despite not knowing the whereabouts of the President or his condition, you have no plans to fill the role of commander-in-chief?” The Vice President’s response was quick and stern. “We cannot afford a power vacuum. We need someone to lead and keep our defenses up while we continue our search.”
The Chairman let out a deep sigh, his face showing obvious reluctance. It was his unwavering dedication to following orders that had propelled Victor Thornfield to the position of Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff. He may not have been the most brilliant candidate, but he was always willing to obey orders.
“Very well,” Thornfield said resignedly. “Let’s make arrangements for your swearing-in as President.”
Grant’s lips curved into a semblance of a smile, his eyes never leaving the military brass who controlled the chess pieces of global might. “Time is a luxury we don’t have,” Grant said loudly.
General Richard Thompson’s hand was firmly clamped on the back of his chair, knuckles blanched white as he stood rigid amidst the clamor of the Situation Room.
General Richard Thompson was a tall and lean figure, with a distinct facial structure. His forehead was prominent, and his eyebrows were expressive, with deep-set eyes. Thompson maintained a clean-shaven appearance, with neatly styled short hair.
General Richard Thompson, was an accomplished military leader with a decorated career, marked by dedication and duty. Serving in the United States Marine Corps, Thompson gained a reputation for his exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and strong commitment to serving his country. Throughout his time in the military, General Thompson had faced numerous battles but was consistently recognized for his unwavering devotion to his country and upholding the constitution.
Thompson’s impressive record caught the attention of political leaders, leading to his role as a trusted advisor to the President of the United States. In times of uncertainty, his guidance was sought after, and his loyalty to the President made him an invaluable asset in navigating the complexities of national security and military affairs.
“Are you out of your mind, Bill?” General Thompson stepped forward, his demeanor unflinching. “We don’t even know if the President is—”
“Dead or alive, we need leadership,” Grant snapped back, each word laced with ambition. “And I am here, ready to lead.”
“Your concern for the chain of command is touching,” Thompson sneered, unconvinced by Grant’s sudden patriotism.
“Touching or not, it’s necessary.” Grant stood firm, his eyes darting between the men, gauging their loyalty, their hesitation.
Thompson’s voice boomed through the room as he declared, “We are part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, not politicians. As per the 25th Amendment, you must have the cabinet’s consent before assuming control. You’re barking up the wrong tree.”
A collective gasp echoed off the walls. General Thompson’s eyes narrowed; he knew Grant’s game. But the urgency of the crisis overshadowed protocol, leaving a vacuum that Grant was all too happy to fill.
Vice President Grant’s face was a storm of anger, his brows drawn together as he addressed the room with authority, pointing at each person in turn. “I want to make this crystal clear,” he stated sternly. “You have all rejected my leadership, and now I hold each and every one of you responsible for the safe recovery of the President and all passengers on Air Force One. If even the slightest mistake occurs, be prepared to answer to me in a senate hearing. I will not hesitate to launch a smear campaign that will strip you of your titles, benefits, and financial stability.” With that final warning, Grant stormed out of the room.
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The following changes have been done:
9 May 2024 Edit: Version 2.0 – Major update to grammar, tense, and spelling mistakes contributed by Monica Liebenow.
14 May 2024 Edit: Version 2.1 – Minor update to grammar, indent and spaces contributed by Monica & Erin Liebenow.
Thank you, Monica & Erin!
21 June 2024 Edit: Version 3.0 changed all to the past tense and changed the dialogue to italics. If you spot any mistakes please let me know in the comments below.
18 August 2024 Edit: Version 4.0 This chapter was split into 2 chapters