Joe Weber
Assurred Response
About the Author
Joe Weber was a carrier-qualified fighter-attack-trained pilot for the United States Marine Corps. After his release from active duty, Weber flew commercially until 1989. His unique inside knowledge and flair for explosive drama have earned him praise from todays masters of military fiction. His books have appeared on the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. Weber lives near Pensacola, Florida.
Chapter 1
Located twenty-five miles west of Washington, D. C., the sprawling airport and the inhabitants of the busy aerodrome were gearing up for the usual morning rush hour. Airliners and corporate jets were beginning to form long conga lines on the taxiways, while throngs of business passengers and vacationers were being packed into airplanes. Hardly an airline seat was to be had and, having exhausted their patience while clearing security, passengers' tempers were growing shorter by the minute.
In the concourse used by British Airways, senior members of the Dulles management team were playing host to Brett Shannon, the U. S. secretary of state. His large entourage of State Department functionaries, Washington dignitaries, and a few close friends were receiving VIP treatment from the airport staff.
Enjoying his late fifties, Brettford Earl Shannon had huge jowls that dominated his wide face. A large man, he was partial to tailor-made oversized business suits, brightly colored suspenders, and black wingtip shoes. Wire-framed glasses highlighted his long aristocratic nose. Shannons sonorous voice boomed above the others as he held court prior to boarding a new British Airways Boeing 777.
Secretary Shannon and his key staff aides, plus the chairmen and ranking members of select congressional subcommittees, a handful of Shannons fraternity brothers, a sextet of security personnel, and a baker's dozen of well-known journalists, were about to depart for London's Heathrow International Airport. The mood was deliciously jubilant. Shannons guests chatted and smiled as they mingled with the convivial crowd.
Although the possibility of an airliner s being hijacked in the United States was greatly reduced since September eleventh, some members of the delegation were still uneasy about commercial air travel. Privately, they admitted their preference would have been their usual conveyance aboard a jet operated by the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base. Others — who felt more confidence in the current airport and airline security systems — were taking their spouses on the historic trip.
In London, Shannon would spend the night at the Dorchester and then sightsee and shop the next forenoon. After a casual lunch at the hotel, he and his group would board the new Cunard ocean liner Queen Mary 2, the grandest floating palace in the world. An authentic transatlantic liner, the unrivaled Cunard flagship featured British White Star Service and extravagant accommodations. The streamlined QM2 showcased the latest in shipbuilding technologies for the twenty-first century, including the powerful Rolls-Royce four-pod propulsion system.
To a person, Shannons guests were excited about the relaxing six-day voyage from London to New York City. Two couples from Shannons college days even brought freelance cinematographers along to record the memorable experience.
Secretary Shannon looked forward to holding a "floating summit" with fellow statesmen from major European and Middle Eastern countries, including their host, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Russian Federation, the Islamic State of Afghanistan, the French Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Republic of Turkey. The stunning attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon had created a global movement that had recently culminated in the development of the Terrorism Coalition Council (TCC).
During their cruise, the U. S. secretary of state, along with the foreign ministers and other officials of the TCC, would focus on immediate measures to eradicate terrorism on a worldwide basis. Shannon had known that once the problem was under some degree of international coordination and control, networking between nations to maintain an intelligence net over the terrorists would be much easier.
Although it was an ambitious undertaking, Shannon felt confident that continued progress could be made if the coalition countries worked as a team to achieve their mutual goals. Messages received at the State Department suggested that a majority of leaders were enthusiastic about the initial effects of the TCC and desired to accomplish even greater results.
The summit aboard the regal Queen Mary 2 was in the initial planning stages when British Airways generously offered a special charter flight from Washington's Dulles Airport. The overture would make the entire trip uniquely British.
After the grand cruise from England to the Empire State, the group would be guests of the president and first lady at a gala White House state dinner. The following day, many members of the delegation would be returning to their respective countries. Others planned extended vacations at various locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, and Hawaii.
When the boarding call was announced, Shannon led his cortege to the waiting airliner. After being cordially greeted at the entrance to the plane, the secretary made his way to his reserved seat in the spacious First Class section. Shannons immediate staff joined him in the forward cabin. Two of the seats would remain vacant, allowing the secretary to visit casually with various dignitaries during the long flight to Heathrow.
The ranking members of Congress were comfortably ensconced in the New Club World section of the airplane, while the remaining passengers were seated in the New World Traveler area.
Shannon removed his rumpled suit coat and gave it to a charming flight attendant, one of eighteen assigned to this flight.
"Welcome aboard, Mr. Secretary."
"Thank you, nice to be aboard," he replied, with a friendly smile, as he took his seat. "How's the weather in London?"
"Actually, its quite pleasant for early summer, mild evenings and no mention of rain in the forecast."
"Good." Shannon loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt collar. "I just hope it's cooler than it is here."
"Oh, I assure you, it is." She had worked hard to overcome the broad accent of south London. "Would you care for something to drink?"
"Sure. Champagne would be fine."
"Champagne it is," she said, with an easy smile.
While everyone settled into their comfortable seats, Shannon accepted a glass of Dom Perignon and stretched his long beefy legs. He glanced at his new Rolex wristwatch, a self-indulgent gift expressly for this momentous occasion: 6 A. M. We'll be in London around 6:15 P. M. with plenty of time to prepare for the prime minister's reception.
After takeoff, Shannon and his fellow travelers enjoyed a smooth ride while they perused their breakfast menus. They finished the light meal while the airplane climbed to its cruising altitude of 37,000 feet and accelerated to 0.84 Mach.
Two hours later came the piece de resistance. Specially prepared for this occasion, the first course of the elaborate meal consisted of various hot and cold hors d'oeuvres. Shannon indulged himself with Gougere Puffs, a hot cheese pastry from the Burgundy region of France. He accepted another glass of champagne and studied his embossed menu.
WORLD CLASS SERVICE
Hors d'Oeuvres with Appetizer Wines
Cream of Leek Soup
Cucumber-Watercress Salad
Standing Rib Roast with Yorkshire Pudding
Potatoes au Gratin
Sliced Parsnips and Carrots