“We have an unusual situation, a matter of national security; in fact, this matter is so highly classified that we won't be able to give you specifics until you agree to participate. Generally speaking, we're preparing a team to assist in disaster relief and rebuilding following a massive natural disaster. A disaster we believe is imminent. This team will be involved in training and preparation beforehand, and when it's safe following the incident they'll start rebuilding,” Draper explained.

“Sounds exactly like my kinda thing, sir.”

“If you're going to join this, you'll be involved full time immediately and must remain committed to this project until the end.”

“Who's running this? DOD?” RJ asked.

Draper shook his head. “This isn't a military endeavor; although the Department of Defense is currently in charge. When this becomes a disaster recovery operation, the command will be civilian, but there will be a military arm in place to be utilized as required,” Draper explained.

“Why is the military so involved at this point in time?” RJ questioned.

“Like we said, this is so highly classified, we aren't releasing any of this information. The military oversaw this project before we ever knew there was going to be a need for rebuilding. Since the army was already running things, the President agreed they should oversee preparations,” said Baker.

“If I agree, who will I be working for?”

Baker and Draper exchanged awkward glances before Draper responded. “To be honest, that hasn't been finalized. For now, you'd be working with us, but you'd report directly to the President.”

“How many people are on the rebuilding team?”

“Eventually, we hope to have over ten thousand,” replied Baker.

RJ stared at him. “Ten Thousand! What exactly is it that this team will be doing?”

“They'll be working with the survivors to rebuild.”

“Where is this disaster going to happen, and what kind of disaster are we talking about that we could need a team of that size?”

After a moment of silence, Draper responded. “Unfortunately, we're unable to give you that kind of information until you sign on.”

RJ only just refrained from rolling her eyes. “How do you expect me to commit to this, without all the facts?”

“I understand the difficulty, RJ. However, I'm afraid this is the best we can offer you,” Baker said.

“How many other team members have already signed up?”

“Actually, you're the first,” Draper admitted.

“Why am I the first?” Even before she received a response, she already had a sinking feeling in her stomach.

“RJ, we want you to command the team to rebuild after this massive natural disaster.”

RJ had dozens of questions jumping around in her mind, but all she could do was sit back and stare at them.

President Anson strode into the room. “RJ, good to meet you,” he said, holding out his hand.

RJ couldn't help but smile. Apparently, the President had already been informed about her name preference.

“Good to meet you, Mister President.”