Sea of Shadows eBook - Navy Thriller.com

CHAPTER 8
MARINE BARRACKS AT EIGHTH AND I
WASHINGTON, DC
MONDAY; 07 MAY
7:03 PM EDT
“First off, Mr. President, it looks like the British Embassy was the only
target.” The secretary of homeland security’s voice warbled slightly over
the secure phone. “The Pentagon, the Capitol Building, and the White
House are still under security lockdown, but there don’t seem to be any
follow-on attacks. We’ve issued warnings to all of the other embassies,
and they’re taking whatever precautions they deem appropriate. We’ll be
releasing the lockdowns shortly, but I’ve directed all federal and military
facilities to remain at an increased threat condition for the next seventytwo
hours, just to be safe.”
“Good call,” the president said. “Continue.”
“Sir, we’ve got four biohazard teams working the embassy: one
forensic survey team and three rescue teams. We’re concentrating on
survivors first. We can start thinking about moving bodies after we’re sure
nobody else is left alive in there. We don’t have a formal casualty report
yet, but we’ve got a head count from the initial rapid sweep. Forty-two
dead, so far, and about sixty survivors, nearly all unconscious or
comatose.”
“I see,” the president said.
The secretary’s voice changed. “I’m afraid that Sir Anthony is among
the dead, sir.”
“I see,” the president said again. He stared across the conference room
that had become his temporary Situation Room. The wall on the far side
of the long oak table was dominated by a floor-to-ceiling bas relief of the
Marine Corps emblem—the globe, eagle, and anchor, topped by a banner
proclaiming Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)—the words by which the
U.S. Marines lived and died. Proud words, symbolizing the honor,
courage, and sacrifice of men and women who were both warriors and
keepers of the peace.
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