Moran paused for effect and then enunciated in a vivin descriptive tone. "I leaped into the water, followed by the senator, to help those who were badly injured or unable to swim. We struggled for what seemed like hours, keeping women and children afloat until we could lift them into our fishing boat. I lost track of Senator Larimer. When I looked for him, he was floating facedown, an apparent victim of a heart attack due to overexertion. You can quote me as saying he died a real hero."

"How many people do you'reckon you saved?" This from Joe Stark of the United Press.

"I lost count," answered Moran, serenely pitching out the lies.

"Our small vessel became dangerously overloaded with burned and half-drowned victims. So, rather than become the straw that might capsize it, so to speak, I remained in the water so one more pitiful creature could cheat death. Luckily for me, I was picked up by the Navy, which, I must say, performed magnificently."

"Were you aware that Congresswoman Loren Smith was traveling on the Leonin Andreyev?" asked Marion Tournier of the Associated Press Radio Network.

"Not at the time," replied Moran, changing back to his solemn demeanor again. "Regretfully, I've only just been informed that she's reported as missing."

Curtis Mayo signaled his cameramen and edged closer to Moran.

"Congressman, what is your feeling regarding the President's unprecedented closing of Congress?"

"Deeply mortified that such an arrogant deed could take place in our government. It's obvious the'President has taken leave of his senses. With one terrible blow, he has swept our nation from a democracy into a fascist state. I fully intend to see that he is removed from office-the sooner, the better."

"How do you propose to do it?" Mayo pushed him. "Every time the members of the House convene to launch impeachment proceedings, the President sends in troops to disband them."

"The story will be different this time," Moran said confidently.

"Tomorrow morning at ten o'clock, members of Congress will hold a joint session in Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University.

And in order to meet without interference or disruption by the President's unauthorized and immoral use of the military, we intend to confront force with force. I have conferred with my House and Senate colleagues from the neighboring states of Maryland and Virginia who have prevailed upon their governors to protect our constitutional right to assemble by providing troops from their National Guard units."

"Will they have orders to shoot?" asked Mayo, smelling newsworthy blood.

"If attacked," Moran replied coldly, "the answer is an absolute yes."

"And so Civil War Two erupts," said Oates wearily as he switched off the TV set and turned to face Emmett, Mercier and Brogan.

"Moran is as daft as the President," Emmett said, shaking his head in disgust.

"I pity the American public for being forced to accept such miserable leadership material," Mercier grumbled.

"How do you'read the upcoming confrontation at Lisner Auditorium?" Oates'asked Emmett.