the residents had less exposure. Our best guess is that, in time, the farmers will once again rise up and take control of their country.”
“And their nuclear arsenals? Are they secure?”
“To be honest, we don’t know. We have very little insight into either country at this point. What I can say is that we haven’t seen any military action that could be considered threatening. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that a launch, accidental or otherwise, could not occur. With that said, experts have assessed the threat as being unlikely.”
“Unlikely that we’ll all die in a nuclear fireball?” she said. “That’s not very reassuring.”
“No, it isn’t, but you indicated that you wanted an open and honest discussion. It’s what we know at this point.”
She nodded. “Yes, I’m sorry. Please go on, General.”
“Not much remains of the so-called Axis of Evil. Iran’s population and infrastructures were decimated, including its military. A few ruling clerics remain, but their previous anti-American rhetoric has been toned down as they look for allies to help them recover.”
“They’re looking to the US to provide relief?” she said with a tone of incredulity.
“Everyone is looking for help, ma’am. Iran is just one of many.”
“And North Korea?”
“North Korea collapsed from within. Its leaders were summarily executed, and the country is now in the hands of what remains of their military. Again, the rural nature of the country spared many of the farmers, but most will likely starve before the year is out. Experts are suggesting that South Korea will be invited in to help stabilize and unify the peninsula.”
“That sounds positive. And China won’t oppose this?”
“With an estimated one billion people dead in China alone, they simply don’t have the means to take an offensive position against anyone.”
“A billion people? Could that be right?”
He shrugged. “It’s an educated guess but probably not far off the mark.”
“My God,” she whispered.
“Military threats are not our only concern,” said Tom Pinker, the Secretary of Homeland Security. Pinker was a serious man who seemed more suited to running a spy agency than serving in a cabinet position. He was small in stature, barely five feet tall, but he had a commanding voice and knack for sifting fact from bullshit.
“Go on,” she said.
“Our border with Mexico is now essentially unguarded, and there are thousands of illegals crossing over every day.”
“Why? Surely, the promise of a better life has lost some of its luster, given the condition of our country.”
“As bad as it is here, it’s far worse in Mexico. Drug cartels now run the country, and survivors are being brutalized in every possible way. The biggest problem for us is not the influx of illegals but the actions of the cartels. They have already taken control of several US border towns, and before long, they will look to extend their reach.”
“And can we stop them?”
He shrugged. “That depends.”
“On what?”
“On whether we continue to take a defensive posture or adopt one that is more aggressive.”
She was unsure of exactly what he was implying.
“Spell it out for me, Tom.”
Pinker cleared his throat.
“Vice President Pike and I were discussing the matter yesterday. He believes, and I agree, that we should consider striking the major cartels as a deterrent to future aggressions.”
“In other words, you want to hit them first?”
“Yes, ma’am. Even with our diminished military, we could conduct operations that would greatly hamper their ability to disrupt the United States. It would all be very low risk to our remaining forces. Tomahawk missiles and air strikes could do what was needed.”
“Attacking citizens of another country could be construed as an act of war.”
“I think we’re past that, Madam President. Mexico is essentially without a government at the moment.”
She turned to General Carr.
“General,
“And their nuclear arsenals? Are they secure?”
“To be honest, we don’t know. We have very little insight into either country at this point. What I can say is that we haven’t seen any military action that could be considered threatening. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that a launch, accidental or otherwise, could not occur. With that said, experts have assessed the threat as being unlikely.”
“Unlikely that we’ll all die in a nuclear fireball?” she said. “That’s not very reassuring.”
“No, it isn’t, but you indicated that you wanted an open and honest discussion. It’s what we know at this point.”
She nodded. “Yes, I’m sorry. Please go on, General.”
“Not much remains of the so-called Axis of Evil. Iran’s population and infrastructures were decimated, including its military. A few ruling clerics remain, but their previous anti-American rhetoric has been toned down as they look for allies to help them recover.”
“They’re looking to the US to provide relief?” she said with a tone of incredulity.
“Everyone is looking for help, ma’am. Iran is just one of many.”
“And North Korea?”
“North Korea collapsed from within. Its leaders were summarily executed, and the country is now in the hands of what remains of their military. Again, the rural nature of the country spared many of the farmers, but most will likely starve before the year is out. Experts are suggesting that South Korea will be invited in to help stabilize and unify the peninsula.”
“That sounds positive. And China won’t oppose this?”
“With an estimated one billion people dead in China alone, they simply don’t have the means to take an offensive position against anyone.”
“A billion people? Could that be right?”
He shrugged. “It’s an educated guess but probably not far off the mark.”
“My God,” she whispered.
“Military threats are not our only concern,” said Tom Pinker, the Secretary of Homeland Security. Pinker was a serious man who seemed more suited to running a spy agency than serving in a cabinet position. He was small in stature, barely five feet tall, but he had a commanding voice and knack for sifting fact from bullshit.
“Go on,” she said.
“Our border with Mexico is now essentially unguarded, and there are thousands of illegals crossing over every day.”
“Why? Surely, the promise of a better life has lost some of its luster, given the condition of our country.”
“As bad as it is here, it’s far worse in Mexico. Drug cartels now run the country, and survivors are being brutalized in every possible way. The biggest problem for us is not the influx of illegals but the actions of the cartels. They have already taken control of several US border towns, and before long, they will look to extend their reach.”
“And can we stop them?”
He shrugged. “That depends.”
“On what?”
“On whether we continue to take a defensive posture or adopt one that is more aggressive.”
She was unsure of exactly what he was implying.
“Spell it out for me, Tom.”
Pinker cleared his throat.
“Vice President Pike and I were discussing the matter yesterday. He believes, and I agree, that we should consider striking the major cartels as a deterrent to future aggressions.”
“In other words, you want to hit them first?”
“Yes, ma’am. Even with our diminished military, we could conduct operations that would greatly hamper their ability to disrupt the United States. It would all be very low risk to our remaining forces. Tomahawk missiles and air strikes could do what was needed.”
“Attacking citizens of another country could be construed as an act of war.”
“I think we’re past that, Madam President. Mexico is essentially without a government at the moment.”
She turned to General Carr.
“General,
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