Free Primary Target (1999) by Joe - Dalton Weber, Sullivan 01

games featured Iran--not Baghdad--as the number one menace among potential adversaries.
    Arriving by helicopter from Andrews Air Force Base, Hartwell Prost walked into the Situation Room and gave the president a thumbs-up. No handshakes were proffered while the president and Pete Adair exchanged pleasantries with the national security adviser.
    "Dalton is onboard," Prost announced triumphantly. "But we have to be conservative about our expectations. They're taking a hell of a risk."
    "I understand," Macklin declared, experiencing a moment of concern. "Just make sure they have all the support we can give them."
    "I've got it covered."
    "Good," Macklin said as Prost sat down.
    Following on the heels of Prost, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Air Force General Lester Chalmers, entered the quiet room. During his first tour at the Pentagon, Chalmers had developed the ability to absorb a series of questions and extemporize rational answers that addressed each subject.
    "Good afternoon, Mr. President."
    "Have a seat, Les."
    "Yes, sir."
    The tanned, athletic-looking general had twinkling hazel eyes that squinted through narrow slits. His cheekbones were pronounced and wide, with thin lines etched down his cheeks. A full head of close-cropped gray hair and a slow smile added to his handsome features. An even-tempered man who seldom made a political blunder, General "Lucky" Les Chalmers was the embodiment of a senior military leader. He was also a former classmate of cadet "Cordy" Macklin. They had attended the Air Force Academy together. The president studied the men's faces before he spoke. "The first item of business is the ultimatum from Shakhar." Macklin switched his focus to Pete Adair. "From the day he issued his threat, I've made it clear that we have no intention of removing our military presence in the Gulf. With that in mind, I don't think we should underestimate him. Even though his first deadline has passed, we may get another one--we need to be extremely cautious, and we need to be prepared for any contingency."
    When he faced the president, Adair was dead serious. "I have every confidence in our military leadership."
    Macklin glanced at Chalmers, then turned to Prost. "Hartwell, what are we doing about overall security?"
    Prost glanced at his notes. "All government agencies--plus our foreign embassies in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent--have been ordered to take increased security measures. The FBI is sending additional undercover agents to every major airport in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii."
    Tired from his trip, Prost spoke in hushed words. "Every airline that flies to U . S . locations has been informed of the terrorist threat, and the FAA is on notice. Our airports are at Level Three now, so unattended vehicles are being towed to inspection points, unattended bags are being confiscated, and passengers must show proper IDs and answer questions about their luggage. As you know, all baggage is being matched to the boarded passengers."
    "What about more police patrols?" Macklin asked. "They're working on it as of this morning," Prost said, then added, "The FBI is coordinating their efforts with loca l law enforcement agencies to patrol airports and to search warehouses--anything suspicious--for biological and chemical agents. We're taking every step that we feel is necessary to preserve the safety of our citizens, both domestically and abroad. And, the FBI is working with the Immigration and Naturalization Service to investigate Iranian students who are attending school here. They plan to expel any suspicious diplomats or students."
    Prost paused, then turned to face Chalmers. "Do you have anything to add, General?"
    "No, sir," he replied. "Our forces are still being mobilized."
    Although Cord Macklin appeared to be calm and unconcerned, inside he was nervous. Possessing the ego of a fighter pilot who now presided over the lone superpower, he didn't want to discuss the threat of