“How much have they told you about this project?” asked the President.

Before she could answer, Draper spoke up. “Sir, she knows the basic information we agreed on, including the role we want her to play.”

“So, what do you think? Are you interested in the offer?” Anson asked.

“What little I've heard has been overwhelming, sir. I really don't know what to think right now,” RJ admitted.

Anson nodded. “I completely understand. We all had that reaction initially. I must inform you, this needs to move forward and quickly. I've been told you're the best person for this job, so I'm hoping you'll accept it.”

“Yes, sir. How much time commitment is involved?” she asked.

“If you're involved in just planning, just over two years,” answered Draper. “You'll have to sign an agreement stating that you understand this information is classified and you'll be imprisoned if you disclose any of it.”

“If I agree to lead the team, how long?”

RJ caught three men looking at one another, apparently universally uncertain how to react to the question. “I assume this is one of those questions which are better answered once I have all the details?”

“Yes,” Baker agreed. “I think it is.”

“Can I see this agreement I'll have to sign?” She had to admit, if nothing else, her curiosity was piqued.

Draper slid it across the table to her.

RJ quickly skimmed the agreement and then pretended to read it through twice more. It gave her a chance to think uninterrupted. She'd been on many disaster relief missions. She'd never heard of one in which over ten thousand people were utilized. What kind of disaster would you train for two years beforehand? Better yet, what type of disaster could you predict over two years ahead of time?

RJ suddenly recalled the article she'd read on the airplane on the way to Washington. Things started falling into place and she looked up.

President Anson, NSA Baker, and General Draper stared at her anxiously. All of a sudden they saw the color drain from RJ's face. She stared at each of them in turn and reached for the pen.

“Looks like she figured it out,” Baker commented.

Chapter Twenty-Two

DAY 820

Lieutenant Parker pulled up beside the helicopter landing pad and stepped out of the Humvee. It was a cool morning, and it felt good to be outside.

He heard the sound of the approaching helicopter and got back in the vehicle, shutting the windows. He wanted to keep the dirt, that the chopper would kick up, out of his vehicle.

RJ Anderson stepped out of the UH-60 Black Hawk and hurried across to where the Humvee was waiting.

“Ma'am, I'm Lieutenant Parker. I was sent to bring you to the facility.” Parker took her overnight bag, placed it in the vehicle, and climbed into the driver's side.