"Worst-case scenario," he said with a contagious half-smile. "That's my helo coming. You're staying here. I'm evacuating with the President and others to the West Coast site."
"Evacuating?" she echoed, fear sliding through her.
"They're leaving a fool named Arnie in charge here. His second-in-command is General Greene, a war hero worth his pay. You're officially now detailed to the VP's staff; however, you'll remain a permanent member of my staff. I've already warned him that you're still mine, and I have no intention of doing anything more than lending you to him. You're the future of this ill-run-"
"Sir," she interrupted. "What's happening?"
"We've been attacked," he replied. "Most of the eastern seaboard is in shambles. Nukes in New York and Miami and most of the other major cities. Reminiscent of the Civil War fifty years ago, only the PMF is being blamed. We've issued warning orders for the populace to avoid the cities, and we're stopping and quarantining everyone at the Mississippi. We've gotta treat as many people as we can who are suffering from radiation poisoning."
She was silent, shocked.
"Shame," he whispered, an odd note in his voice. "There will be no peace talks between the PMF and the government now."
"My god!" she managed at last. "Why would there be after this?"
"They aren't responsible!" he snapped sharply enough to make her jump. "You're too smart to assume anything. This isn't their MO. You know they believe in national unity and rights for the poor. If anything, the strikes look like something that would've occurred during the East-West Civil War."
Startled by his response, she mumbled an apology.
"Tim, helo!" a dark figure shouted from the awaiting shuttle.
"Got it, James. Hold the shuttle!" he called before addressing her again. "Listen, Lana. The country is in chaos right now. The government is crippled. We've pulled in some of our deployed forces from the wars to assist, but they will take some time to arrive. We must maintain East Coast operations from here. Assess what damage you can and rebuild the critical infrastructure systems. I know you, and you're one of the few here I can trust. I wouldn't have spent years grooming you for this type of event if I didn't believe in you. Understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"Don't trust anyone here. I'll send help for you when I can. I've asked the Guardian to remain in contact with you. I fought side by side with his older brother years ago at the end of the war; I know the type of honor that runs in his family. He specializes in discreet, highly contained domestic counter insurgency and counterterrorism operations. He'll advise you and help you in ways I can't. You can trust him. I do."