Chapter 1

It is a time in the not too distant future, and incredible things are happening.A new religion...really, an ANCIENT religion, has arisen called Spiritism, and it is sweeping the world. In a few short years it has gone from obscurity to a growing world power. Its leader has resigned from his post, leaving the church in the charge of a trusted friend, run for the Presidency of The United States, and won. For the first time in the nation's history a non Christian sits in The White House and leads the government, and that government has been performing wonders! Continuing the recovery from the recent economic crisis the government is now in the black, and huge surpluses exist which many want to be used for lavish tax cuts, and expensive domestic programs. Instead The President and his supporters have fought through a very austere budget. As one reporter announced, with the final vote, "The United States budget is so free of pork it doesn't oink any more."
Those who passed the budget have gathered for a celebration today at The White House. Senator Bishop, a member of The Spiritist Party and one of The President's strongest supporters sits on his right at The Presidential table. Half jokingly he looks at The President and remarks "Mr. President, what are you saving all these billions for? My God sir!"
Everyone laughed and The Senator rephrased "By The Lords, sir," he continued, "you're not planning a war, are you?" Everyone around the table laughed.
"Well, I don't know," The President answered, "but it would be a good way of expending some of this outdated munition In our stores, and producing some more modern stuff."
"Please, sir," a woman down the table pleaded, "don't equip the military forces of The United States with suicide rockets!I still can't understand how you people can use those horrid things!'
"I assure you, Madame Senator," The President answered, "I would not so equip The Anerican Military."
The door to the banquet hall opened. An aide of The Air Force Commander And Chief entered, walked briskly to his superior, and whispered to him. "What?" the General muttered, "Get confirmation, man!"
"A problem, General?" The President asked. "Captain, what news do you bring that so upset my guest?"
"Mr. President," the general spoke up, "perhaps it would be best if I brief you in private."
"I see no need," The President objected,"everyone here has top security clearance. Give, Captain, give! What's going on?"
The Captain looked to his superior who nodded. "Mr. President," he began, "we have just received word that North Korean Migs intercepted and shot down one of the transport planes we hire to carry American dependents back to The States after their husbands have completed their tour of duty, a stretch body 747, sir. There may have been as many as 320 women and children on board! It is believed, sir, the attack was deliberate. The Migs flew some time in international air space to reach the transport, identify it, and shot it down."
The President sat down his glass. "Ow!" he snapped. He pointed to his Chief Of Staff. "Situation briefing in an hour!" he ordered. "I want full details by then. Are salvage operations commencing?"
"The plane practically came down in the middle of the carrier task force led by The Kennedy! She's being rotated out of the area. The Washington has arrived to replace her."
The President looked to the Commander of the Navy. "I don't think she should be going anywhere," he snapped, "even after salvage operations are concluded. I want The Kennedy and her task force to remain where they are."
"Understood, Mr. President!"the Admiral answered. "If you'll excuse me," he remarked, rising, "I'd better go see to it. They picked a hell of a time to pick a fight, when we've got two carriers in the area."
"Just The Supreme One's style, Mr. President," The Chief Of Joint Military Intelligence remarked. "Bloodying our noses while we've got two carriers in the area will add to his prestige."
"Well," The President sighed, "I want to eat my steak in peace. I'm not allowed that many of them. So, let's finish our meal and then we'll send the ladies home, then we'll all get to work. I think it's going to be