"Executive Command" Author: Hugo "Animal" Chikamori E-mail: hchikamori@yahoo.com Rating: PG-13 Classification: Webb/Other R; Harm/Mac R; Animal/Meg R Spoilers: None, except whatever comes out of Animal's demented mind... Summary: This takes place in the future. Harm is now JAG. Mac is now head of the Marine Special Investigative Service. A bomb in the Capitol building kills off the entire Line of Succession, and Animal ends up holding the "football". Disclaimers: The characters Harm Rabb, Jr., AJ Chegwidden, et al. belong in concept if not name) to CBS/Bellisarius. No profit is being made from this story, nor is any infringement intended. Characters from Iron Eagle make appearances in this story as do characters from Top Gun. It is not my intention to make some of this appear like Air Force One. The similarities are purely coincidental. All characters belong to the creators of those characters and all rights are reserved by them. Author's Note: Note that I am taking extreme literary and political line of succession LICENCE here. Usually when a joint session of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives meets, at least one of the line of succession to the Office of the President of the United States is asked to be not present. This is so the line of succession will not be broken in the event of a situation such as in this story. Plus as several list-members mentioned, the Office of the President of the United States is limited to those who have were naturally born citizens of the United States. (meaning that they were born somewhere in the Continental US). ******************************************************** (Part 2 of ????) D'Angelis stopped at an oak panelled door guarded by two more human dobermans with MP-5s," Rear Admiral Burrows to see the POTUS..." " So when do I get to see President Jackson..." Metalman said. " Get it through your thick skull, Admiral...President Jackson is D-E-A-D. The new president is NAVY..." SA D'Angelis said with a sour look at Metalman. " But Jackson's ARMY?" Metalman said...still not getting it. " I said, President Jackson is DEAD...do I have to repeat myself? There is a new president." Helen growled with incredible restraint. This guy is a certifiable IDIOT. Metalman finally got the message..." If President Jackson is dead... than who's running the show?" That was it...Helen said finally," OK...You'll find out...POTUS is waiting and you're wasting his time...now move it...Admiral." Metalman muttered softly to himself..." I get the feeling that I'm not going to like this very much. " With a nasty grin, Helen D'Angelis swung the door open on the Chief Executive's on-board office. The chair was turned around so that only the bullet-proof Kevlar reinforced back of the chair was facing the person enter- ing the office. " Mr. President...Rear Admiral Philip John Burrows, reporting for duty, sir...What is your command?, sir." " Metalman..." the chair started to slowly swing around for dramatic effect..." Are you going to keep yacking...or can I get a word in edgewise ..." The voice sounded very familiar to Metalman...who was looking from the presidential seal on the desk to the slowly revolving chair, which had yet to make one half-revolution to face front, and back again. This was not looking very good for Metalman. " I don't think I like the sound of that ..." Metalman repeated...softly. " Welcome aboard, Metalman..." the chair stopped revolving and Animal who was reclining in the chair grinned...an evil-looking grin..." Isn't this a nice surprise...to have you all bedecked out in dress blues like this for me..." he said ingratiatingly. " BINGO..." Metalman slapped himself in the side of the head in chagrin. " Gee...Metalman..." Animal grinned evilly, " That's a funny way to say hello..." He motioned to the chair " Hey, pull up a chair...and sit down..." Animal pointed to a nice comfortable seat. " OK...Animal...who did you bribe to set this elaborate joke up..." Metalman growled. " You'd better give me a damn good explanation for this..." Animal sighed..." I wish I did...But what you see before you is the entire thing and it's the truth whether I want this job...or not. I'm the President of the United States come good or come bad..." Animal got up out of his presidential seat and walked around the room..." Y'know...just this morning, Meg and I woke up as normal citizens going about our everyday business. Todd and Dana were all set to go to school tomorrow. It was going to be Dana's first day at school. Then this sets up. I'll tell you the truth, Metalman...I'm not comfortable at this job but I've got a job to do...and I need you to help me. If you can't, I'll have to get another... but I want someone I can trust to work with me and with my elected officials." " This has got to be an elaborate joke..." Metalman was still confused and not very coherent. "Naah...it can't be happening..." " But it is..." Animal retorted. Helen D'Angelis, who was standing in the corner facing POTUS, was trying desperately to keep a countenance of stern dignity in her face as she tried rather unsuccessfully to keep from snickering at Metalman's discomfiture. She compromised by adopting a self- satisfied grin on her face as Metalman looked over from her back to POTUS. (NBC News Central) " This is Headline News from NBC, A report that a bomb went off in the Capitol Building in Washington DC today was factual, as we have received reports during the day. The President has been confirmed dead as were most of those in succession to become president. The line has been cut out com- pletely and the Chief of Naval Operations, Fleet Admiral Hugo Chikamori has assumed the office of the President of the United States of America. Currently, there has been no communication from the White House in response to this attack. We can only hope that some form of organization has been taking place during these hours. Connie Smythe with the news from the Capitol Building..." The news anchor face was replaced by footage of a still-smoldering wreckage of what used to be the Capitol building. " Despair, grief, confusion...these are some of the emotions that are swirling around these parts as people try to grasp the enormity of this terrorist attack. The truck bomb that exploded deep within the bowels of the Capitol building was packed with C-4 and explosives used in special operations work. There had been threats made earlier at several other sites of renown, but of all the sites selected, none was so crucial to the functioning of the government as the Capitol Building. This site was the site today of what was supposed to be the opening of Congress for the New Year's first sessions." The news camera panned across body bags being carried out of the wreck- age and sobbing people gathered outside the building. " What was supposed to be the first session has become the funeral pyre for all of the politicos in Washington DC. There seem to be no survivors from this devastating explosion. Emergency personnel and bomb squad experts have been at this site for over 10 hours trying to determine if there have been any more unexploded bombs in the wreckage. The Chief Demolitions Expert from the DC Police, Greg Granston, has determined that there has been no more bombs in the wreckage and the focus has now turned to removing bodies from the debris." " A citizen of Washington who was close by when the explosion took place tells us this harrowing tale of self-preservation." The camera panned in on a African American lady who said between wiping her eyes with a hand- kerchief..." I was walkin' down the street...just was going to get my groceries from the supermarket...and was lookin' at the building when all a sudden...the stones...I swear, they bulged out like the Michelin Man an all'a sudden, the building just explodes, bits of stone flying everywhere... and the whole buildin' collapsed. I ran into an alley to get away from those flyin' stones...cause they were everywhere..." " The amazing part of this whole disaster was the fact that no-one outside the building was injured. Most people were at work, or back at work from lunch. If it had happened three hours later, the casualty totals would run much higher. As it was...it was disaster enough for many of the wives, husbands and children who lost loved ones in the blast. This is a difficult situation for all Americans with the debris of government signifying what we've lost as a country, but also, the lengthy rebuilding process that lies ahead. Connie Smythe, NBC Headline News. Washington DC " The solemn announcer was back again. " The newest President of the United States has been in conference with subordinates and will be making an announcement in the next two days. He is in the process of setting up a government that will be help us through this ordeal. Until today. Fleet Admiral, now President Hugo Chikamori had been the United States Navy's top officer in the Pentagon, with the title of Chief of Naval Operations. As of now, he has vacated the spot and has assigned the following, Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Philip John Burrows, and the National Security Advisor, Admiral Peter Mitchell. Further steps to take will be addressed when the new President addresses this nation. Further on this...Michelle Nicholls." " The new President was at NAS Oceana today in Air Force One...to pick up his new CNO, former Rear Admiral and commander of the naval air station, now Admiral Philip John Burrows. The admiral was on-board Air Force One when the aircraft left Oceana. Normally when a new President takes over, there is a hot political debate as to the capability of the new President, along with potential aides and associates taking shots to see how well the President takes to pressure. President Chikamori will not have this to distract him. He will have enough pressure just dealing with the stresses of putting a government back together again." (back aboard Air Force One) " Geez, I guess I just can't believe it. It's like an episode out of the twilight zone, or a dream...or something...Heck. I don't know if it's a dream or a it's a nightmare. Tell me I'm dreaming this." Metalman complain- ed," How, the hell did you become president? Is there some vast conspiracy going on; did you bribe a congressman to support your nomination, or am I just going nuts. Will sombody please tell me what the hell is going on here?" Animal just looked at Metalman as if the squirming Rear Admiral had gone absolutely nuts and then grinned at Special Agent D'Angelis." He's really hilarious when he gets on a roll like this. " Special Agent D'Angelis grinned back," He must be...but I think you really should tell him the situation...Mr. President. At his age he might split a vein or something..." " Now, I think I've heard just about as much as I want to hear out of you...Young Lady!!!" barked Metalman," Who does this woman think she is, anyway...telling me off like this." Metalman shot an austere look at Helen D'Angelis. " Actually, Admiral..." Animal grinned. " She is a Secret Service Agent and very highly trained, I might add..." He paused a moment as if to consult a sheet on her particulars..." The Secret Service has assigned her to me to protect me from any potential assassins. I believe that she also graduated number one in her classes in weapons training and hand-to-hand combat. Not to mention that, you may have noticed, she looks a lot like my Meg. In dangerous situations, not only can she be a Secret Service Agent, but she can also double as Meg, so that my wife is actually out of danger. Is that any clearer, Admiral?" Metalman looked ill-humored and muttered," Yeah, but it doesn't mean I have to like it." Animal paced across the room diagonally a few steps away from Metalman, paused a moment, and then resumed pacing as if losing a train of thought. All of a sudden, he paused again and asked," So, how are you and Vice-Admiral Kimberly-Ann Benton getting along? I hear she's actually starting to warm to you..." he snickered," Finally..." " We get along..." muttered Metalman...and promptly changed the sub- ject," Anyhow...you said that you wanted to see me about this particular something...What was that about again?" Animal shook his head in exaspera- tion and looked helplessly in Senior Special Agent D'Angelis' direction. She shrugged her shoulders..." Is there anything that you wished to consult me about or will I be able to get back to the business of running an air- base. I have several dozen squadrons here under my command and if I lose track of them, it'll take me forever to get back on top of them. Permission to get back to my duties? Mr. President..." Metalman dourly looked at both Special Agent D'Angelis and President Hugo Chikamori. Animal shook his head..." Permission denied...Admiral...you won't have to worry about keeping on top of them any further." Animal had to bite his tongue to keep from snickering at Metalman's look of dismay. " Vice-Admiral Tom Kazansky will be taking over as head of NAS Oceana." " WHAT!!!?" was the half-outraged, half-flabbergasted response out of the now totally bewildered & disconcerted Rear Admiral. " You're giving Tom my beloved command?!! What other torture can you inflict on me now?!!!" Metalman moaned. Special Agent D'Angelis was really enjoying Rear Admiral Burrows' dis- comfiture quite immensely and was trying her best not to die of laughter. " You're not throwing me out of the service, are you?!!!" Metalman snivelled. " QUIT WHINING!!!" Animal thundered." Oh...nothing as appealing as that would be...". Animal put a look of disgust on his face," But as Chief Executive. I'm assigning you a new position. You are now the new Chief Naval Advisor to the President, you know...the Chief of Naval Operations?" Animal said...trying to mix an expression of pride and a little disgusted look on his face at the same time...and miraculously succeeding. " Note in your plebian mind...that this is a four star position..." That got Metal- man's attention after he had finished an array of suprised-astonished looks that he was trying out. " Will you quit doing that...you're not as good- looking as Jim Carrey. If you will permit me to continue...as I said before, this is a four star position...so I am hereby under presidential order, giving you a promotion to the rank of full Admiral...bypassing Vice-Admiral ...you may put on your four stars now...Any Questions? Admiral...and will you quit doing that...your face may freeze in that position..." Metalman had the dumbest looking smile on his face, it was a smile that drove Animal nuts ...it was combination annoying and moronic. When Animal snapped that last comment out, Metalman quit it. " I can't believe I'm saying this, Animal...but this is a pleasant surprise." Metalman responded by giving a sharp, crisp military salute to his new Commander in Chief. " You're welcome...Admiral..." Animal replied returning the salute. "You have four hours to pack and get ready to move out..." Animal looked at the pile of papers on his desk...it looked like a pile...and it also looked like it had increased in size since he last looked at it! It must be an optical illusion...he thought, nobody's been in here since I started the interview..." I have to return to the White House very shortly and I need you coming with me..." Metalman was still in shock..." SO...Get the lead out ...Admiral...I haven't got all day!!!" Animal snapped. " Yes, sir..." Admiral Philip John Burrows grinned, saluting...sharply, " Thank you, sir..." as he about-faced and was escorted from the room by Special Agent Jones. Senior Special Agent D'Angelis watched to see that he was escorted to the door and closed the oak panelled door. She then turned to her President and asked a very candid question." Do you think that admiral is up to the task of taking on the duties of Chief of Naval Oper- ations? I think he's kind of loopy. He doesn't seem to have all the cir- cuitry there, if you know what I'm getting at, Mr. President..." Animal grinned at her, as he got up and walked over. Putting a re- assuring hand on her shoulder he grinned," Helen, don't worry..." He grinned. Tapping his head with a finger he continued. " He's got it all up there... He's a two-time winner of the Navy Cross. He's gotten numerous pilots out of tense situations, including myself. Above all, I know that he'll be able to do the job better than some civilian, pencil-pushing two-timing staff weenie whose only time in combat happens when his wife throws a frying pan at him. Metalman's got guts, he's one of the best and he's got what it takes...he can hack it..." Animal grinned as he conspiratorially winked at Helen," I only keep the most capable, right?" He grinned appreciatively at Helen's proprietary protective manner. Helen laughed back and gave him a gorgeously sunny smile. " Thanks, sir...for the vote of confidence...Mr. President." She patted him on the back," And Mr. President...since you have four hours be- fore Bozo the Clown comes back aboard...you might like to get some rest while you and the First Lady can. I'll debrief Admiral Bozo when he gets back with his gear." She smiled as she left the cabin. Animal grinned. " Those two are gonna be at each other like cats and dogs." He shook his head as he headed for the bedroom of the suite. (bedroom) Animal entered the bedroom quietly. Meg was in bed asleep...or so it seemed. When he reached over her to kiss her...she murmurred softly and enticingly," Mmmm...hi, Mr. President...are you finally ready to come to bed?" " For only four hours, my dearest, sweetest...Madam First Lady..." Animal softly spoke in a whisper. " Metalman's gonna be back in four hours." " C'mon...take your clothes off and come to bed...We've been up for close to 20 hours now...and if you don't get some rest...you're going to kill yourself from exhaustion...besides you were up until four this morning ..." She whispered sweetly in Animal's ear as she nuzzled his ear. Animal separated and went over to the closet and started unbuckling his pants and unbuttoning his shirt. When he was down to his underwear, he crossed the room, pulled back his half of the sheets and slipped under the covers. Meg slid next to him and sighed deeply as he enfolded her with his arms. "Honey ..." Meg whispered to Animal..." I put Todd and Dana to bed, and they were pretty tired. I had some help from your Secret Service agent...Helen, her name was...I think...y'know...before she slipped off to your meeting with Metalman." " Yeah...I think she is terrific too. Actually she could double as your sister..." Animal grinned. "Funny thing is she tells me the same things you do...like getting enough rest. You sure you weren't twins; separated at birth?" Meg giggled," Oh, really? Helen's terrific...she's excellent with the kids...she just loves them. The kids were so good...they listened to what- ever she told them to do...brush your teeth, get into your pyjamas, say your prayers...so on and so on...and no fussing either...they just automatically did it. She's not married, is she?" " No...for female officers, it's an automatic no-no...so they have to be assigned to some other branch of the Secret Service...no Security Detail for them if they're married. They don't like the situation that could occur ...a pregnant Secret Service agent stopping a bullet for a President of the United States. Not a good scenario...gives the Secret Service fits." Animal said, he was getting pretty tired and his speech was started to slur and nod off. " Yeah, that's the part that I don't like...Having good men and women give their lives to protect us in case some mad lunatic decides to hose the area with random bullets. To have them unquestioningly step in front of a bullet." Meg sighed... " So, who did they assign you?" Animal asked Meg. " This guy by the name of Richard Altman...he's a big six-five, 305 pounds, built like a house..." Meg said..." I think he used to play pro foot- ball..." "Arms the size of tree-trunks?" Animal asked jokingly. " Sure doesn't picture the look of your ex...he used to play football, but he had arms the size of saplings..." Meg said," You're mean..." " Hey...just commenting..." Animal said...giving her a sorry grin." I just thought that a football player like your ex-boyfriend wouldn't conjure up an image of a big brawny guy who could function as a human steam roller." " Well, I didn't marry him..." Meg said...cheekily...and caressed Animal's cheek softly moving her fingers down to rest against his bare shoulders," I married you...and you're the one I love...I love being the wife of the President of the United States..." she said defusing the subject that was slightly touchy. " The kids don't have a detail officer working with them yet?" Animal asked. " No...they'll get one assigned when we get back to the White House." they fell asleep in each others arms as Meg whispered the response to Animal's question. It was not too long afterwards that a knock at the door roused Animal from sleep. Meg murmurred quietly as she felt Animal leave her side, get on a robe with the Presidential seal and walk to the door. Special Agent D'Angelis was there. "Mr. President? We've landed at Washington National" A small Air Force Band was out on the tarmac as Animal looked out the window of Air Force One. "Damn..." Animal muttered. "What's wrong, Mr. President?" "I've always hated crowds." Animal's gaze went past the band to the throngs of people standing behind the crowd control gates. He turned to see a female Air Force Lieutenant Colonel hand him a suit. Grinning at the Air Force LCol, he asked "40 short?" "Affirmative, Mr. President." Looking down at the suit, he noticed that it was a very conservative, yet very expensive suit normally worth about $4,000 dollars. "Do they all wear suits this type of quality?" Animal asked the LCol. She nodded. Metalman whispered behind him,"Well...if you're a good boy, maybe they might let you keep it." Helen wanted so much to shove her 9mm up Metalman's nose at that point. Metalman was irreverent, irritating and above all an assinine idiot, as far as she was concerned. Animal sufficed with giving Metalman a look of disgust as he walked back into his bedroom to change into the proffered suit. It was about 15 minutes later when Animal and Meg came out of the suite, fully dressed. Meg wore a lovely dress which highlighted her blonde hair. Animal said,"Can you try and get a hold of Clayton Webb at the CIA?" he asked Special Agent D'Angelis." "Of course, Mr. President." she replied as she proceeded to give the order to another Secret Service agent. "...oh and tell him to meet me at the White House...As soon as possible." Animal reiterated."I need him to do me a big favor." "You're on, Mr. President." Helen D'Angelis said as she pointed out towards the crowd. Meg had already turned on her beacon bright smile and she was waving at the crowds who cheered at her. Animal heard 4 ruffles and flourishes as the Air Force Band struck up "Hail to the Chief." The familiar syncopated rising triplet coming after the initial 'C'. Animal and Meg linked hands and came down the steps of Air Force One and followed the red carpet to the waiting limousine. A Marine sentry in full dress blues stood there. He saluted. Animal instinctively saluted back and entered the vehicle after ushering Meg in. Admiral Burrows entered last. "So...Animal...looks like we're really riding in style." "Yeah..." Animal sighed as he looked out at all the cameras flashing at the limousine as it pulled away from the tarmac and out through the gate, onto the main street heading towards the White House.