Fade to Grey (Book 1): Fade to Grey Read Online Free Page B

her.”
    Uncle Andy tilted his head, frowned, and said, “What’s her
name?”
    “Olivia.”
    “Olivia . . . what?” he asked.
    “Olivia . . . uh . . . um. Hey, did I mention the Max likes
her?”
    Uncle Andy shook his head and chuckled. “Kids.”
    The president was being escorted up to the podium by three
men in dark blue suits. Behind them were several officers from the different
branches of the military. We watched as the president spoke briefly with his
press secretary who nodded several times and returned to the microphone . “Ladies
and gentlemen of the press, let me remind you that all rules of protocol will
be followed. Any deviation, outburst or disturbance will result in your
immediate removal from this area. Ladies and gentlemen, the President of United
States.”
    “ My fellow Americans,” the president began, “let me start
by saying that there is no need for panic.”
    “Oh shit,” Uncle Andy said. “Anytime somebody starts a speech
by saying ‘don’t panic’ it means that we’re already screwed.”
    Apparently the reporters had that same school of thought,
judging from the immediate murmur that swept across the press conference. The
president’s face showed lines of worry and stress that even the most talented
makeup artist couldn’t entirely hide as he waited for the crowd to quiet before
continuing.
    “The situation on the Korean Peninsula is being closely
monitored by all assets the United States and her allies have available, and
steps are being taken to minimize and contain the conflict. The ambassadors
from both North and South Korea will be meeting with my National Security
advisory team, as well as myself and other key members of my administration
shortly after we’re done here. It has always been my policy to keep the
American people informed in times of both peace and conflict, and in line with
that policy my desire is to have the information that you receive be accurate. We
have set up a special United States government website that can provide you
with all of the latest information concerning the developing situation on the
Korean peninsula. This website will be available in approximately three to five
hours from now. At that same time, Internet traffic and television broadcast
signals will be re-released to private sector control. Let me bring you up to
speed. Approximately four days ago, North Korean special forces teams crossed
the DMZ into South Korea in direct violation of the treaty that has kept the
peace between the two nations for over fifty years. This incursion was met with
resistance by the South Korean military and her NATO allies, which includes
United States forces. Casualties resulted on both sides. In retaliation for
this incursion, South Korean forces launched an assault against several
military complexes just across the DMZ. During this retaliatory attack, North
Korean forces—under the direct authority of their president—and in strict
violation of countless treaties, released an as yet unknown chemical or
biological weapon. Our forces in the area are on high alert, and I have
authorized a second carrier group to proceed there as well. All member states
of the United Nations have condemned North Korea’s actions and have pledged
full support to ensure a quick and peaceful end to this conflict. I will now
take a few questions.”
    “Larry Vickers, CNN. Mr. President—the use of an obscure
clause in the Patriot Act to perform a shutdown on all Internet traffic,
nationally broadcast television and radio stations, as well as a complete
blackout of international telephone and cellular phone service is in and of
itself causing the very panic that it would seem you were hoping to avoid. Can
you elaborate on the process that led up to this decision and reassure the
millions seeing this broadcast right now that in just a few hours all
information sources that were previously available will once again be
accessible for everyone.”
    “Yes Larry; as you no doubt