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Posted on Friday February 7th, 2025 @ 6:48pm by President Jack Ryan

959 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: "A House Divided"
Location: PEOC Bunker - White House
Timeline: Thursday, May 17th, 2041

Jack strode through the dimly lit halls of the PEOC bunker, nestled deep beneath the White House, an underground fortress designed for crisis situations. He was currently observing his new Vice President delivering a critical speech on the unfolding global events. Jack couldn't fathom the whirlwind of changes that had swept through the nation; he had transitioned from Vice President to President in a matter of hours, thrust into leadership during a chaotic time.

In the backdrop of this turmoil, intelligence reports surfaced concerning a terrorist group labeled Jaysh al-Muqaddas, which ominously translates to "Sacred Army." This organization had quietly existed for fifteen years, operating under the radar and waiting for the right moment to strike. Their network had extended worldwide since the horrific events of September 11, 2001. Initially, they were a splinter faction of ISIS, having separated from the parent group seven years after the 9/11 attacks to form their own radical entity.

The situation was further complicated by the ongoing investigations led by the CIA Director, who was diligently working on leads tracing back to Iran and Pakistan. Emerging reports indicated that Al-Saqar, a key intelligence asset, had detected increased movements and activities linked to Jaysh al-Muqaddas in Afghanistan. This unsettling development raised alarms in the intelligence community, suggesting that a significant threat loomed on the horizon—a potential resurgence of coordinated terrorist actions that could have dire repercussions for national and global security.

“Let me be clear: If Jaysh al-Muqaddas or any other group believes they can attack our homeland and go unpunished, they are gravely mistaken. We will find them. We will dismantle them. And we will ensure that no enemy of the United States can ever again strike at our heart without facing the full force of American justice.….”

Jack sat at the head of the table, where military officers from all branches were diligently working to find leads involving the terrorists. His vice president was skilled and sorely needed at this moment. Then, Steve, a poll analyst he had just met, spoke up.

“Mr. President, our model shows that Americans are rallying to support you and VP Franklin,” he said as he handed over a tablet.

Jack took it and read the data. The tablet displayed three sets of statistics: one represented those who supported the government and its new administration; another reflected those who were skeptical and unsure if the government would fulfill its duties; and the last group consisted of individuals who were angry and preferred Franklin in office instead. Unfortunately, the second group was small, while the first and third groups were substantial.

“Thank you. Do you think the group opposing me might take action to change this situation?” Jack asked Steve.

“With all due respect, sir, I would prefer not to answer that,” Steve replied as he took the tablet back.

Jack sighed. “Steve, please. I know I'm the president, but I can handle the harsh truth. I'm a politician; I’m used to it,” he said, forcing a smile he had perfected during his first campaign for office.

“Well, Mr. President, I do believe they will attempt something, but not right now. They need a leader, and they recognize you as a good one. However, your independent status and the fact that you're not aligned with either the Republican or Democratic Party is what they dislike. As I mentioned before, they won't take any action until they believe our government has recovered from this attack.” With that, Steve bowed his head slightly and walked off to compile more data.

Jack turned his attention back to the speech, noticing that his vice president was just finishing up.


”To the American people: We ask for your vigilance, your unity, and your trust. We will not rest until justice is served.

God bless the victims. God bless our armed forces and intelligence community. And God bless the United States of America”.

As the news feed cut back to the studio, the anchor's voice resonated with urgency as he began analyzing the Vice President’s recent speech. “It appears that the new administration will stand firm against any threats posed to our national security…” Jack muted the television, cutting off the rest of the broadcast.

“He truly knows how to land a punchline. Let’s hope my previous address can resonate as strongly and help to unite the American people.” Jack reflected, his mind racing with the weight of his own words. Just then, his newly appointed Chief of Staff, Marine General Chris Hayes, approached him, his military demeanor contrasting sharply with the soft glow of the television screen.

“General, do we have any updates on the Jaysh al-Muqaddas insurgent group?” Jack inquired, rising from his chair to subtly stretch his legs, feeling the tension ease slightly in his shoulders.

The General halted mid-step, snapped to attention, and rendered a crisp salute. “Yes, sir. We believe we have pinpointed their primary base of operations, but we require further verification. We’ve deployed two MQ-9 Reaper drones for aerial surveillance, and one of our reconnaissance satellites is now positioned overhead to provide an enhanced view of the compound.”

Jack nodded thoughtfully, the gravity of the situation weighing on him. “Excellent work, General. I’d like to brief the Vice President as soon as he arrives. We need a united front on this,” he instructed, glancing over to the nearest aide bustling briskly in the hallway. “Please summon Vice President Franklin to the Oval Office immediately.” The aide nodded, urgency evident in their swift departure.

With a brief glance at the muted television, Jack then turned and walked alongside General Hayes toward the elevator, both men aware of the critical decisions that lay ahead within the hallowed walls of the White House.

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