Chapter 5 Chapter 3 Exploration

The Roosevelt Conference Room is named after Teddy (Editor's Note: The old President Roosevelt's nickname).On the east wall of the interior is his Nobel Peace Prize award certificate for his successful mediation of the war between Japan and Russia.Historians now find that such mediation efforts did little more than fuel the imperial ambitions of Japan and seriously hurt Russia, leaving Stalin, who was hardly a friend of the Romanovs, feeling the need to suffer humiliation for his country revenge.However, the selection criteria for the Nobel Prize have always been more political than practical.The Roosevelt Room is typically used for mid-sized lunches and meetings, and is a short distance from the Oval Office.But getting there may be more difficult than Jack imagined; for such an important building, the corridors of the White House are obviously a bit narrow.There were a lot of Secret Service operatives in the hallway, but none of them showed their guns; that was a welcome sign.Ren walked past ten new operators who were also his Mobile Guard.Everything was so new and different now that the previous protection guards had seemed merely a show, sometimes even ridiculous, but now they reminded him once again that his life had changed.

What now?Ryan asked. This way, please.An operator opened a door, and Wren saw the president's make-up artist inside.It's an informal arrangement, and the fifty-something makeup artist packs all her supplies in a large faux-leather case.Even though he often had to wear makeup for television appearances, and even more so when he was national security adviser, it was something Wren never liked.When the makeup artist applied a water-based foundation with a powder puff, then applied powder, sprayed hairspray, and then carefully groomed, he had to exert all his strength to control himself so as not to be irritable.All this was done entirely in silence by a woman who looked as though she might burst into tears at any moment.

I like him too.Ryan told her.Her hands stopped and their eyes met. He was always so kind and kind.He hates makeup as much as you do, but he never whines and often cracks jokes.Sometimes I also play with the kids and help them put on makeup, they love it.They often play in front of the TV, and the staff will videotape them, and alright.Ren took her hand.He had finally met a humane staff member who didn't make him feel like an animal in a zoo.What's your name? Mary.Abbott.Her eyes wandered, wanting to apologize to him. How long have you been working here? Mr. Carter came just as he was about to leave office.Mrs. Abbott wiped her eyes and calmed herself down.

Well, maybe I should ask you some questions.he said softly. Oh no, I don't know much about these things.She smiled embarrassedly. I don't understand either.I think I have to figure it out.Ryan looked in the mirror, okay? All right, Mr. President. Thank you, Mrs. Abbott. They made him sit in a wooden armchair.The lights had already been set up, and the temperature in the room suddenly rose to about eighty degrees Fahrenheit, or so it felt.A technician clips the microphone to his tie with Mrs. Abbott's care and grace, all while an operator watches each crew member.And Andrea.Price watched everyone at the door, her eyes were focused and full of doubts, although everything in the room had been checked, and every visitor was constantly being treated as focused and thorough as a surgeon. eyes watching.Assassins can indeed use non-metallic pistols. Movies describe it correctly, but such pistols are still not easy to carry.The apparent nervousness of the guards infected the TV crew, who slowed down by keeping their hands out of sight.Secret Service surveillance makes almost everyone uneasy.

There are two minutes left, the producer said after receiving the prompt from the earphones, he just appeared in the commercial. Did you sleep well last night? asked CNN's chief correspondent at the White House.Like everyone else, he wanted a quick and accurate look at the new president. Did not sleep well.Ren replied, suddenly feeling a little nervous.There are two cameras.He crossed his legs and pressed his hands tightly to his thighs so as not to make any nervous movements.How should he appear?Serious?Grieving?quite confident?Still can't help myself?It seems a little too late now, why didn't he ask Ani first?

Thirty seconds left.the producer said. Ryan tried to calm himself down.His posture keeps his body steady and still.Just answering questions, you've had enough of this kind of situation. At eight minutes past the hour, the reporter said to the camera lens behind Ryan, we are now interviewing Jack at the White House for you.President Wren. It's been a long, rough night, Mr. President, hasn't it? I think I'm afraid so.Ryan replied. What can you tell us? As you know, search and rescue operations are still ongoing.President During's body has not been found, and the investigation has been coordinated by the FBI.

Have they found any clues? We may have something to reveal later today, but it's too early.Although the reporter already knew the answer to this question well in advance, Lane still saw disappointment in his eyes. Why is it coordinated by the FBI?Does the Secret Service have no authority? Now is not the time for power struggles. Investigations must begin immediately, so I have decided to make the FBI the lead agency under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, supported by other federal agencies.We need answers, and we need quick answers.And doing so seems like the best way to go about it.

You are said to have appointed a new FBI director.Ren nodded, yes, Barry, I have issued an appointment instruction, and I asked Daniel. E．Murray served as acting director.Daniel is a professional FBI agent, most recently serving as Chief Deputy to Director Shaw.We have known each other for many years, and Mr. Murray is one of the best police officers in the government service. Murray? A policeman who is an expert on issues of terrorism and espionage.The head of intelligence and governance replied. Um.He went back to take a few sips of his bittersweet coffee. What can you tell us about the next step I mean about the work that is going to be done in the next few days?The reporter then asked.

Barry, those plans are still being worked out.First, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies must be left to their own devices.There will be more announcements later today, but it has been a long, uncomfortable night for many.The reporter nodded in agreement and decided it was time to ask some humane questions. Where did you and your family spend the night last night?I think it should not be here. Marine Corps Barracks, at I and Eighth Streets.Ryan replied. Oh shit, boss.Andrea.Price muttered under his breath outside the door.Some people in the press have found this out, but the Secret Service hasn't confirmed it to anyone, so most news outlets are reporting that the Wrens are somewhere.Yes, tonight they will spend the night elsewhere, and this place will not be announced again.

Why would you spend the night there? Well, I have to find a place to settle down, it seems more convenient there.I was a member of the Marine Corps myself, Barry.Ren said calmly. Remember that time we bombed them? A charming evening.The chief of intelligence couldn't forget what he saw through the binoculars on the roof of the Holiday Inn in Beirut; he helped with that mission.In fact, the difficulty lies in choosing the driver.There is always a sense that there is something different about the US Marine Corps, with a kind of mystique that this country is obsessed with.However, they did not die like other pagans.He wondered with interest whether there were any large trucks in Washington that his men could buy or rent.He put this interesting idea aside because there was still work to be done.He had been to Washington more than once, and the Marine Corps barracks was one of the places he had studied carefully.It's so easy to defend, which is a shame.The political significance of this goal makes it extremely attractive.

How unintelligent.Ding said while drinking coffee. Do you think he will hide?Clark asked. you know him, dad?Paige asked. Yes, I do.When we were officers in the Security Protection Service, Ding and I used to escort him back.I knew his father, and once John went on without thinking, which was a rare occurrence for him. What kind of man is he, Ding?Peggy asked her fiancé, who had just put on the ring on her finger. Quite shrewd, Chavez admits, kind of debonair, a likable fellow, always polite and tactful, well, usually. He is also tough when necessary.As John said, watching his partner and future son-in-law, the thought almost gave him a shiver.Afterwards, he looked at the look in his daughter's eyes and felt a chill.hell. indeed so.The young man agreed. The light made his painted face start to sweat, and Ryan fought the urge to scratch it.He tried to keep his hands in the original position, but the muscles in his face began to twitch slightly, and he hoped that the camera lens would not capture this. I'm afraid I can't explain, Barry, he continued, clasping his hands together, it's too early to give substantive answers to many of the questions.When we can give definite answers, we will definitely do so.Until then, we have nothing to comment. Today is a really difficult day for you.The CNN reporter said sympathetically.Tough day for us all, Barry. Thank you, Mr. President.He waited until the lights went out, and heard a voice from the Atlanta headquarters: Good, thank you.Just started talking again. At this time Van Damme came in and hand Andre.Price pushed aside.It's rare for someone to touch a Secret Service operative without suffering let alone such recklessness, but Van Damme can do it. Very good.Don't get sidetracked, just answer the question, and keep it as short and to the point as possible. Mrs. Abbott then came in to check Wren's make-up.She stroked his forehead tenderly with one hand while she smoothed his hair with a small brush with the other.Even when she was at the middle school prom, what was her name?It occurred to him that this irrelevant question had never been so meticulously groomed, himself or anyone else.Under other circumstances this would have been ridiculous. The CBS anchor, a woman in her mid-thirties, proved that intelligence and looks can go hand in hand. Mr. President, what is left of the government?she asked after asking a couple of friendly questions. Maria, Ryan had been instructed to address every reporter by his first name, he didn't know why, but it seemed to be the case, and the last twelve hours had been horrific for us.However, I think you remember a speech that President During gave a few weeks ago: America is still America.All federal executive agencies will function normally under the leadership of deputy chief ministers, and but washington Washington had already imposed a lockdown for public safety, and it was true that she interrupted him again, not so much as a lack of manners, but as simply trying to make the most of the remaining four minutes of the interview. Army in the street? Maria, Washington, D.C. police and fire departments had been working through the night.It has been a long, cold night for these people.The D.C. National Guard was called in to help these units, just as it would be after a hurricane or tornado.It's actually a municipal function, and the FBI is currently working with the mayor to get things straightened out.This was the longest sentence Ryan said this morning, and he was almost out of breath.He realizes that he's clenched his hands so tightly that his fingers are turning white, and he has to let them loosen. Look at his arms.What do we know about this Wren, said the Prime Minister? The head of the country's intelligence service had a folder on his lap, the contents of which he had memorized; after a long day's work, he had the honor of getting to know the new head of state. He is a career intelligence officer.You know about the events in London, and what happened in America a few years ago Oh yes, she listened intently, interrupting this little history story while sipping her tea, so, a spy A character not to be underestimated.Our Russian friends valued him very much, and so did Century Tower.said the army general.His educational background follows the long-standing British tradition and spirit. Like the prime minister, the admiral also graduated from Oxford University and then went to Sandhurst Military Academy.His intelligence is very high.Judging from his performance when he served as Dooling's national security adviser, we have reason to believe that he is a key figure in manipulating the United States' actions against Japan Still against us?she asked, her eyes fixed on the screen.It is really convenient to have communication satellites, and now US News has global coverage.Now you don't have to fly all day to meet the head of state of an enemy country and you're in a controlled situation.Whether he was a career intelligence officer or not, she could tell now that this man was under a lot of stress because he looked so uncomfortable. Everyone has their limits. Without a doubt, Prime Minister. He's not as scary as your intel suggests.she said to her advisor.He seemed indecisive, restless, and empty of words. When do you expect to be able to tell us more about what happened?Maria asked. It's really hard to say at the moment.It's too early.I think some things cannot be rushed.Ryan said.He had a vague sense that, despite the short length of the interview, he had lost control of it, and he didn't know why.He had never imagined a situation like this. There was a long line of TV reporters outside the Roosevelt conference room, like a line waiting to pay at a store counter. Trivial questions while trying to impress. What they were trying to attract was not the new president but the TV audience, the loyal audience who watched the morning shows every day.For all the damage the country has suffered, news coverage remains as indispensable as food on the family table, and Wren is just one more dish.So even a political veteran like Van Damme's pre-consideration would be incomplete and overly optimistic.The only consolation is that the interview is time-limited. For this interview, the broadcast time arranged by other TV stations is twenty-five minutes after the hour.No matter what tragedy befalls Washington, people still need to know the local weather and traffic conditions in order to survive. Television stations in Washington, D.C. may have forgotten this, but others have not.Maria was more amiable than she expected when the director interrupted her.she smiles at the camera lens see you later. Wren had a twelve-minute break before NBC interviewed him.The coffee he drank at breakfast is now doing the trick, and he has to go to the bathroom, but when he gets up, the mic's cord nearly trips him up. This way, Mr. President.Price pointed left and walked down the hallway, then right into the Oval Office; Wren realized then.He was taken aback after entering the bathroom, because in his perception, this was still someone else's bathroom.At least he had privacy here, though, and even the Presidential Guard was left behind, following him like a pack of sheepdogs guarding a particularly precious sheep.Lane didn't know that when someone came to this particular restroom, there would be a light above the door frame, and there was a peephole in the office door so that Secret Service agents could get hold of their president. Ren was washing his hands while looking in the mirror. It is always inappropriate to look in the mirror at such a time.The make-up made him look much younger than he was, which wasn't a bad thing, but it was fake, and his skin had never been so falsely rosy.He had to hold back to keep his makeup off completely before going back for an interview with the NBC host.The anchor in front of him was a black man. Ren shook hands with him and returned to the Roosevelt meeting room.It's a little consoling that the anchor's makeup is even more wacky than his own. Mr. President, what are you planning to do today?Nathan's fourth question asks this. I'm meeting again with Acting FBI Director Murray, and we're actually meeting twice a day for this period of time.I also expect to have a meeting with members of the National Security Council and then meet with some of the surviving members of Congress.We will also have a cabinet meeting this afternoon. Are you discussing a funeral?The reporter looked at the question sheet on his lap and asked again. Ren shook his head.It's still too early.I know it's heartbreaking for all of us, but these things take time to process.He did not say that the White House protocol staff would spend 15 minutes in the afternoon briefing him on the program. It's a Japan Airlines flight, and it's actually owned by the government.do we have reason to doubt Ryan leaned forward at the question.No, Nathan, we have no reason to doubt that we have contacted the Japanese government, and Prime Minister Koga has promised to cooperate fully, and we believe in his promise.I want to stress that the state of hostility with Japan is completely over.What has happened was a terrible mistake and the country is working hard to bring those responsible for this disaster to justice.We don't know the full picture at the moment I mean what happened last night but don't know or don't know.Until we get to the truth, I would like to ask you not to speculate, because wild guessing does nothing but hurt, and the hurt is already bad enough that we have to find a way to heal. Thank you very much.The Japanese Prime Minister said to himself.This was the first time he saw Ren's face and heard his voice.Although he had a preliminary understanding of Ryan earlier today, his appearance and voice looked younger than he expected.Koga noticed the man's nervousness and uneasiness, but why were Americans so tolerant of the arrogance of the press when he really had something to say and not when he was dealing with frivolous questions?His voice seemed to change.This kind of change is very subtle, but Koga is the kind of person who is used to detecting subtle emotional changes.This is the strength of the Japanese, and it is even easier for him, a person who wanders in the political arena. He was a formidable foe, a foreign ministry official calmly remarked, and his past performances proved a man of courage. Koga remembered the document he had read two hours ago.This Wren had used force, which the Prime Minister of Japan abhorred.But he once learned from the two Americans who rescued him from his own people that his use of force was purposeful and measured, just like surgery, Wren used force to protect others, and after going through hardships, he would Return to peaceful means.This time he still displayed this double-handed approach, first fighting Koga's country with skillful and ruthless means, and then showing mercy and understanding.a man of courage And a strong sense of honor, I think.Koga paused for a moment.It was so strange that the two of them had never met each other, and even a week ago they were in a state of hostility, and now they had developed friendship with each other.He is a samurai. The ABC reporter is a blonde girl named Joy. This name (Joy, meaning happy) makes Ryan feel that it is too inappropriate for this day.If CBS's Maria is pretty, Joey is, which may be one of the reasons why ABC's morning news has such high ratings.Her polite handshake was warm and friendly and there was something about it that nearly stopped Ryan's heart. Good morning, Mr. President.She spoke softly, in a tone that suggested she should be hosting a dinner party rather than the morning news. please sit down.Ryan pointed to the chair opposite him. It's ten minutes before the hour, and we're in the Roosevelt conference room at the White House, interviewing John.Patrick.President Wren, facing the camera, her voice flowing like a fountain, Mr. President, this has been a long, difficult night for our country.Can you tell us what? Ryan knew this well, and began to talk without thinking.His tone was calm and formal, and he looked into her eyes, which was what he had been told to do.Although it was embarrassing to stare into those eyes so hard early in the morning, he hoped that the emotion would not show too much. Mr. President, we have all been deeply traumatized over the past few months, and last night was even more so.In a few minutes, you'll be meeting with your national security advisers. What's your biggest concern right now? Joey, a long time ago, a President of the United States once said that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.Our country is as strong today as it was yesterday Yes, this is true.Da Yelan had met Ren before.Back then he was haughty and defiant, like a dog standing before his master, snarling boldly, without fear or appearance.But now the owner is gone and the dog is here, staring at a beautiful and lustful woman.To Dayelan's surprise, his tongue didn't stick out, and his saliva didn't flow out; this must be due to fatigue.Ryan is very tired, it is obvious.Besides, what else could he do?He was like his country, the Muslim leader thought, maybe only outwardly strong.Ren is still young, with broad shoulders and a handsome figure.His eyes were clear and his words strong, but when asked about the strength of his country he spoke of fear and the fear of fear.Interesting. Tayelan fully understands that most power and perseverance come from the heart rather than the body, which is the same for countries and individuals.To him, America and its leaders are an enigma.But how much does he need to know?America is a godless country, which is why the guy Wren talks about fear. Like people all over the world, Da Yelan stared at Ren with rapt attention.The answer to the first question was decidedly dull.No matter how much the United States knew about this spectacular event, they did not make it clear.Maybe they didn't know much in the first place, which is understandable.Tayelan made good use of the long day by calling the Foreign Ministry to ask the director of the United States Division (actually a whole department of the Tehran Administration Building) to send him documents on the workings of the US government.The situation is better than Ta Yelan expected.They can't make new laws, they can't impose new taxes, they can't have new spending until Congress is reorganized.And reshuffling Congress may take a while, as they've lost top figures in nearly every branch of government.And Ren, Da Yelan, was seventy-two years old and represented the US government, but he didn't make a deep impression on him in front of him. The United States of America has been at odds with him for years.It is so powerful that even after the downfall of the Soviet Union, the lesser Satan, it was reduced in strength, but it can still accomplish things that no other country can.All it needs to wield its power is political determination, and while it always falls short on that front, the threat it poses remains formidable.It's a country that often bands together for a single purpose, as it did against Iraq not long ago, and the results are so egregious.His own country's gains in a bitter war that lasted nearly a decade paled in comparison.That's what's terrible about America.However, the United States has now become an increasingly fragile reed. In other words, even if the United States is not yet leaderless, it is still very close to this day.The strongest body has been crippled by a neck injury, which is more serious than a head injury Just an ordinary person, Dayelan thought, no longer listening to the conversation on TV.Ren didn't say anything substantive, but his behavior has already let Da Yelan, who is half a world away from him, know a lot.The neck of the country's new head of state is the focus of Tayelan's gaze, and its symbolism is clear.Technically speaking, to completely separate the head from the body, it is necessary to rely on the neck connecting the two. Ten minutes later it was the next person's turn.After Joey drove away, Van Damme said. How am I doing?Lane took off the microphone and stood up.He needs to stretch his legs. not bad.Van Damme commented pertinently.He might not have said that in front of a professional politician, but a real politician should be able to face any difficult problem, and most importantly, if Wren is going to carry the burden, he must build confidence.Presidency is difficult most of the time, and although everyone who holds the position has more than once wished to get rid of the interference of Congress and other government agencies, Wren had to realize how unreliable the entire system of government is. Indispensable and he only learned about it after paying a considerable price. I have to learn to get used to a lot of things, right?Ren leaned against the wall outside Roosevelt's meeting room, watching the movement in the corridor. You'll do just fine.The White House chief of staff assured him. Maybe.Ryan smiled.He didn't realize that this morning's activity, the one that had just been performed, had taken over his mind, temporarily escaping him from the other things he had to face that day.After a while, a Secret Service agent handed him a note. No matter how unfair it is to other families, it should be understandable that President During's body must still be found first.The four cranes erected on the west side of the building have been moved under the direction of the construction team foreman wearing a hard hat, while a group of veteran workers on the floor of the conference hall is not concerned about safety, standing very close to the machinery; Occupational Safety and Health Department this morning No one was there.The only government watchdogs here are Secret Service agents. Although the FBI has full jurisdiction, no one really wants to interfere with this tragic search.A doctor and a team of ambulance crews were on the scene, and despite everything pointing to the near-impossibility of anyone surviving, they fought to the last minute.What was really difficult was coordinating the movements of the cranes, which reached into the pit together like four giraffes drinking from the same hole. here!The foreman said, pointing to a blackened corpse with an automatic pistol in its palm.This is probably Andy.Walker, this is Roger.The captain of President Turin's guard; from the TV screen, he was only a few steps away from the president at that time. The next crane is in motion again.A block of sandstone tightly wound by cables is slowly lifted and twirled by the twisting of steel cables.The rest of Walker's body is now visible, along with another leg in trousers.Surrounding it were the discolored splinters of the broken oak lectern, as well as several sheets of charred paper.The stone pillars in this part of the building blocked the spreading fire, so that the flames burned here and were quickly extinguished. do not move!The foreman grabbed the Secret Service operative's arm to prevent him from acting rashly.They won't mess around anymore, it's not worth looking for death for.Wait a few more minutes.He waits for one crane to clear the way for the other, then with a wave of his arm tells the operator how to get in, where to dig and when to stop.The two workmen wound the cable around the other pillar, while the foreman switched hands in the air; the stone was lifted. We found the paratroopers.The Secret Service operator spoke into the microphone; the ambulance team came running over.Several construction workers shouted to them to pay attention to safety, but their efforts were obviously in vain.In his left hand he still holds the binder containing his last speech; the collapsing stone pillar may have crushed him to death before the flames could reach his hair.Although most of his body has been crushed and deformed, the suit, the president's tie clip and the gold watch have clearly indicated that this is President Roger.Doolin.All activity had come to a halt; the crane was stationary, the diesel engine idling.A team of court photographers came along and snapped pictures from every possible angle. They worked at their leisure while, on the other side of the chamber, members of the National Guard were handling the body so that it could be lifted away, having taken over from the fire brigade two hours earlier.But within fifty feet, only Secret Service operatives were present, performing their last duties for the paratroopers, as they called the president because he had served as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Lieutenant.The ambulance team withdrew, and after the photographer finished taking pictures, four agents in Secret Service coats walked towards the remaining rocks.They will be Andy first.Walker's body was lifted and gently placed in the bag. His last act of life was to protect his master.The operators lifted the body bag so that the other two companions could stabilize it and carry it away.Next up was President During; this time it was a little more difficult because the body was already twisted and stiff, and the cold had accelerated its rigidity; one arm was bent at right angles on one side of the body, making it difficult to fit into a body bag.The operators looked at each other, helpless. They knew the evidence of the remains and could not be disposed of casually, but perhaps they were more afraid of harming the dead body.So President During's body was put into a body bag, and one of his arms was stretched out like Captain Ahab. .Four operators lifted the body, walked out of the stone-strewn conference hall, and walked towards the ambulance that was going to transport the president's body.At this time, nearby photojournalists swarmed up, taking pictures or taking pictures with cameras along the way. The scene interrupts Wren's ongoing interview with a Fox network reporter.He watched through the monitor on his desk, and somehow he felt that this moment had formalized his status as Dooling was indeed dead, that he was really President now.The indoor camera is focused on Wren's face, his expression is constantly changing as he recalls how Doolin carried him, trusted him, relied on him, and guided him Ryan realized that he had always been dependent on others.Of course, others leaned on him, asked for his advice, let him do his best in times of crisis, and in the end someone was there to tell him he was doing the right thing.Now he can do the same, but what he will get in return will be opinions rather than judgments; he will hear opinions of all kinds and then pass judgment. Where do we start now?A reporter from Fox Network asked, a question that wasn't in the original interview script. There are many.Ryan replied. Thank you, Mr. President.It is now fourteen minutes past the hour. Lane saw the TV camera lights go out.The producer waited a few seconds before waving, and the president took off his microphone. His first marathon press conference was over.Wren left the room as people around the world commented on the new president of the United States. Is it murder?President Wren asked, wiping the makeup off his face. This is a preliminary judgment after a rough inspection of the remains and the cockpit call records of the plane.Murray quickly flipped through the fax records received twenty minutes ago. Ren leaned back in his chair.Murray, then, he thought, watching Murray across the desk. Was it shot? Daniel shook his head.The sharp knife pierced the heart and only stabbed once.Judging from the wound, the murder weapon looked like a steak knife with a thin blade.Judging from the call records in the cockpit, it seems that this happened before take-off, and this inference should be certain, because there is only the sound of driving on the tape from before the engine starts to the moment of the collision.His name is Sato, and he is an experienced captain.The Japanese police have provided us with a stack of information.It is now known that he lost his younger brother and son in the war; his younger brother commanded a destroyer that sank with all crew members killed, and his son was a fighter pilot who crashed while landing on a mission .These two events may have occurred on the same day or not long apart.Yes, it's a personal situation, but the motives match the opportunities, Lane.The office was almost empty of outsiders, which was why Murray called him that.Andrea.Price was there too, and she didn't quite approve of Murray calling the president that, because she hadn't been told how deep the two used to be. Identification seems to be a little faster.Price analyzed. 這得做進一步證實，摩瑞表示同意，我們會用DNA測試做進一步的確認，而駕駛艙的通話記錄則會再做聲音的分析檢測。此外，加拿大方面有追蹤此架飛機越過他們領空的雷達記錄，因此，我們將很快就能確定事件的發生時間。我們已經證實這架飛機是從關島飛到日本，再到溫哥華，然後撞上國會大廈。總統先生，這個稱呼使普萊斯感覺好多了。至少要到兩個月後，我們才能查明每一條線索和每一則情報；我們也許會搞錯，但是根據我自己和待在事發現場那些高級幹員的看法，基於各種現實因素，這個案件即將結案。 什麼因素會使你們搞錯？ 有許多潛在因素，但也有現實的考量。如果說它僅只是一個瘋子的個人行為不，這實在不大公正，是吧？不管怎麼樣，如果說這是一樁陰謀，我們就必須推測他們有詳細制定的計劃，但這很難證實。他們怎麼知道戰爭即將失敗，又怎麼知道參謀首長聯席會議的情形如果這次事件就宛如一場作戰行動那樣經過精心策劃，那麼套句國家運輸安全局那些傢伙所說的話，要將十噸高爆炸藥裝上飛機可是輕而易舉。 或者裝上核子武器。雷恩插話道。 或者裝上核子武器摩瑞點點頭，這話倒提醒了我；空軍武官今天要去查看他們的核子武器組裝設施。日本人花了幾天的時間才弄清楚它的所在位置；我們已指派了一個了解情況的人員前往那邊。摩瑞看了一下筆記，伍德羅．洛威爾博士噢，我認識他，他在勞倫斯立佛摩爾建有實驗室。古賀首相告訴我們的大使，他想把這該死的資料交出來，把它們弄出他的國家。 雷恩轉動了一下自己的椅子。 有關這方面的消息我們能公佈多少？asked President Wren. 我覺得可以公佈一些。摩瑞回答說。 you sure?asked Price. 這不像刑事審判必須保護證據。此案中的主犯已經死亡，我們將全力追查所有可能的共犯，而我們公佈的證據絕不會對這項追查造成不利。並不是我們喜歡大肆公開犯罪證據，但是局外人想了解內情，而在這類案件中，你必須滿足他們的好奇心。 除此之外，普萊斯想，這會使聯邦調查局的形象大為改觀。至少有一個政府機構已經開始恢復正常運轉了。 司法部由誰負責這個案子？她轉而問道。 Pat.Martin. oh?是誰指派的？she asked.雷恩聽到這句話時，轉頭看著說話的兩個人。 摩瑞幾乎臉紅了。it's me.總統說要挑選最優秀的職業檢察官，而帕特就是理想人選。他已擔任了九個月的刑事司司長，在此之前則負責諜報工作。以前他曾在聯邦調查局服務；是一位優秀律師，幹這一行將近三十年。蕭比爾想讓他當法官，才於上週剛和檢察總長談過這件事。 你肯定他能勝任嗎？Ryan asked.普萊斯決定答話。 我們也曾跟他共事過，他確實是一位真正的專家。摩瑞的看法是正確的，他確實是位法官人材，剛正不阿，處事十分公正。在紐奧良，他處理過由我的老搭檔偵破的一起偽幣案。 好的，就讓他決定要公佈哪些情況。午飯後他可向新聞界發表談話。雷恩看了看手錶，他剛好已經當了整整十二個小時的總統。 退役美國陸軍上校皮埃爾．亞歷山大，看上去仍然不減軍人風度，個子瘦高，身體健康，但詹姆斯並不在意這些。Dave.詹姆斯在這位來訪者剛剛就座時，就立刻喜歡上他，而在讀了此人的簡歷之後，就更喜歡他了。亞歷山大上校他許多朋友稱他為亞歷克斯是一位傳染病專家，在為政府工作的二十多年裡成就非凡；他主要是在華盛頓的華爾特．里德陸軍醫院和馬里蘭的底特里克堡工作，並累積了許多野外實察的經歷。簡歷上說著，他畢業於西點軍校和芝加哥大學醫學院很好。他的目光再次掃視著實習階段和其他專業經歷的記錄他所發表的論文目錄密密麻麻地寫滿八頁；他曾獲幾項主要大獎提名，但都因運氣不好而落選了。亞歷山大絕對不是一個驕傲自大的人，他很有自知之明而更可貴的是，他也明白這位詹姆斯院長知道這一點。 我認識格斯．洛倫茨，詹姆斯院長面帶微笑地說，我們曾經一起在彼得．布倫特．布里格姆醫院當過實習醫生。哈佛大學後來把它合併到布里格姆暨婦女醫院中。 他是一位才華橫溢的人物，亞歷山大用他最純正的克里奧腔調讚揚道。人們普遍認為，格斯在拉薩熱和Q熱（編註：有如肺炎症狀的一種流行感冒）方面的研究足以使他角逐諾貝爾獎而且是一位偉大的醫生。 那麼，為什麼你不想和他一起在亞特蘭大工作呢？格斯告訴我，他很想與你共事。 詹姆斯院長 叫我戴夫。這位院長說。 叫我亞歷克斯。上校應聲說道，戴夫，我這一生差不多都在實驗室裡工作，我想再為病人治病，而疾病控制中心是個可以讓我實現目標的單位。雖然我很喜歡格斯一九八七年我們曾在巴西一起做了許多研究工作，我們相處得很不錯。他向院長證實道，但是我已經厭倦了不停地觀看幻燈片和電腦列印出來的資料。出於同樣的原因，他也拒絕了輝瑞大藥廠要讓他掌管一個新實驗室的工作。 昨天晚上我和格斯談到了你。 oh? 他說要立即聘用你 真是謝謝他。亞歷山大咯咯地笑出聲來。 免得你被耶魯的哈里．塔特爾搶走，要你為他的實驗室工作。 你認識哈里？ 他是我在這裡的同學，這位院長解釋說，我們兩人都曾和溫蒂約會，後來他贏了。你知道，亞歷克斯，我差不多問完了。 我希望這是好事。 That's right.我們可以讓你先在拉爾夫．福斯特的身邊工作。你將有大量的實驗要做那是一個優秀的研究小組。拉爾夫在過去的十年裡已經組建起一支相當優秀的實驗隊伍，不過我們現在正開始大量接收臨床病歷。拉爾夫年紀大了點，不方便常外出旅行，因此，你可以到世界上的一些地方走走。六個月後，你還將負責臨床方面的事務，這是要讓你能跟得上腳步。 這位退役上校若有所思地點點頭。這是對的，我需要重新學習一些東西。見鬼，學習要到什麼時候才會有止境呢？ 如果你不小心變成行政人員的話。 是啊，現在你明白我之所以脫下軍裝的原因了吧。他們想讓我管理一所醫院，去應付一些日常事務。見它的鬼，我知道我適合在實驗室工作，但我也希望能有時間替人看看病當然還要教些課，不過我喜歡替病人看病，並且把他們健康地送回家。過去在芝加哥，曾經有人告訴我，這才是這個職業的意義所在。 醫生，歡迎到約翰．霍普金斯大學醫學院來工作。 Thank you, sir.