September 6, 2017

2.40 am, the White House Situation Room

“Good news, Ma’am.” Director Don Bridges of the FBI says as he puts away his phone, “Our birds are now en route.”

“How soon can they get there? Who are you sending?” President Gertrude Pond asks.

“ETA is 10 mins.” Don adds, “There’s a full HRT inbound on two Black Hawks.”

“HRT?” President Pond asks.

“Hostage Rescue Team, Ma’am.” Director Bridges says, “They are even more elite than SWAT.”

“I hope they are enough to save my granddaughters.” President Pond responds.

“They are the best of the best, Ma’am.” Director Bridges retorts.

“I thought that was Jonathan’s team?” President Pond asks as she eyes Director Bridges.

Bridges silently puts his head down. He hates to admit it but she is right. Team Six is the best.

“At least now I don’t have to invade Mexico.” President Pond says with a sigh, “Continue.”

“Yes, Ma’am. The HRT will be about 10 minutes ahead of the Federales.” Don says, finding his words, “That’s the Mexican Feds. They will get to the site by armored convoy.”

Director Bridges stands and walks to the large screen on the wall that has a map of the area of the barn. He then points and says, “The Mexican Feds will secure the wider area while our agents will swoop in to neutralize any hostiles then recover your granddaughters and Team Six.”

President Pond nods just as a knock is heard on the door.

“Enter.” President Pond says as she notices the time, 2.43 am.

In walks Director Nick Jones of the CIA saying, “It was all a trap.”

“Explain.” President Gertrude says.

Director Nick Jones makes his way to the big screen, displacing Director Bridges. He right swipes back to the live drone image of the barn. It now looks far different than earlier with a lot of heat signatures signifying people. Further, the image shows many floors under the barn.

“Where did all these people come from?” President Gertrude asks.

“From underground, Ma’am.” Director Jones says, “There is an entire underground complex that our scans hadn’t picked up until a moment ago.”

“My God!” President Pond says as she stands, “It’s an entire operation.”

“I don’t think that this was a spur of the moment kidnapping.” Director Jones says. “It was too well-orchestrated for a split-off fringe cartel group. Something with deeper pockets is involved.”

“But who and why?” Director Bridges asks.

“That’s what you’ve to find out.” Director Jones responds, “Mr. Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

Suddenly his phone rings and he checks on it.

“Excuse me.” Director Jones says.

“Go.” President Pond says as she turns to Director Bridges, “4 minutes until your agents are on-site, correct?”

“Yes Ma’am.” Director Don responds, checking his watch. 2.46 am.

“WHAT!?” Director Jones shouts, “Reboot the systems and get that drone under control NOW!”

President Gertrude and Director Don both turn to look at Director Jones. He, in turn, points at the screen that now shows flashing text “Weapons Online. Arming. Four Hellfires Armed. Targeting.”

“What’s happening?” President Pond asks.

“The drone has been hacked and the weapons system is armed.” Director Jones says as he walks to the screen.

“Shut it down!” President Pond says.

“They’re trying but they’ve been locked out, Ma’am.” Director Jones responds.

The screen then shows “Target Acquired. Firing Solution Calculated. Launching Four Hellfires.”

President Pond, Director Bridges, and Director Jones can do nothing but watch helplessly as 4 missiles propel to their designated target, the barn, at full speed.

BOOM.