“You have a good point. If we wait we could find ourselves in a pickle. Let’s set up a mission for tomorrow night. You work up the details and I’ll get the support lined up. I’ll make sure we use the same AWACS team and the same chopper pilots. You pick who you want to ride with the choppers and who you want to be in the advance force to observe what’s going on,” the commander said.
“Yes sir. I’ll have a plan on your desk by 0800,” Miller said and saluted.
“Thank you Miller,” the commander said. It was the first time he had ever called him by name since he arrived.
The plane arrived in Colorado Springs exactly as scheduled according to the flight plan. The huge 747 with the pale blue stripe and the logo of the President of the United States came to a graceful stop. A carpet was rolled out and a military escort and reception brigade was immediately ushered into place. The band stood a little further back.
The door to the plane opened and a Marine stuck his head out momentarily. A few seconds later, the President and his wife exited the aircraft and waved to the crowd that had gathered.
The band struck up ‘Hail to the Chief’ when he took his first step down the ladder. The men at the bottom snapped to attention. When the President reached the bottom, several high ranking officers came forward to salute and greet the President and First Lady. A bouquet of flowers was handed to her. After a few moments of introductions the President and First Lady were led to a waiting car.
The President waved to the crowd and gave them a thumbs-up sign. Several cards being held up said ‘Welcome Mr. President and First Lady. All were positive except for one that said “Don’t blame me, I didn’t vote for him”.
There is always one in every crowd who strives to be a dissident just because they can. They were taken to the Air Force Academy where the President delivered a speech to the cadets. Later he met with various dignitaries and officers of the Academy. He and the First Lady were scheduled to turn in at 2200 hours but the President just changed clothes and was rushed out a side door to a waiting car with blacked out windows.
Only two secret service escorts were aware of the clandestine meeting that was about to take place. They took him to a small airfield and whisked him aboard a HU 60L Blackhawk and immediately flew him to Groom Lake. The chopper pilots were not told who was on board, nor were the pilots of the two FA — 18E Super Hornets trying to fly slow enough to escort them.
As soon as the chopper sat down, a car was ready to take them to the Skunkworks projects location. General Devin gave him a complete tour and had only one or two technical people on hand to answer any of the President's questions.
When they were finished and back in the car Devin said, “Mr. President. I am now going to take you to our S-4 facility. You read the MJ SOP manual so you have a vague idea about some of what goes on out here but nothing I can say will prepare you for what you are about to see. I think it will demonstrate just why I only report to you and why I refused to give the GAO any access.”
“What am I going to see?” the President asked.
“Things beyond your wildest dreams. I have the head of each department standing by to explain exactly what we are working on. Please, don’t ask me to tell you. This is something you need to see for yourself.”
“Very well General, I’ll wait.”
“Thank you sir.”
They rode in silence until they came to the base of a large mountain. Only one small light was on and it appeared to be stuck right on to the side of the mountain. A guard house was tucked in the corner, almost undetectable. Devin led them to a door where he swiped his identification. A green light flashed for a second and then the door clicked open.
Once inside, two security officers, armed with M-16’s were visible standing behind a bullet proof glass enclosure.
“Please state your name.”
“General Devin.”
“Voice pattern recognized.”
A loud click sounded and the second door swung open. It looked like a regular door from the outside but when it opened it was at least a foot thick with huge rods that slid out to secure it. It reminded the President of a bank vault door.
Gentlemen, he said to the two Secret Service men, “I’m afraid this is as far as you go. You will have to wait for the President here.”
The two men started to protest but the President assured them that it was his wish to have them remain behind. It was not easy for them to do. It was not what they had been trained for.
