The new president, Wilson McKay, wrestles with unfathomable problems in the aftermath of the nuclear explosion that destroyed the capitol on 7/29, inspiring the nation to embrace the refugees from the northeat with compassion. Without a cabinet or congress, he governs by Executive order, slowly adding new appointees.
It wasn’t fair. Normally, a new president was occupied primarily with the composition of his cabinet. If that had been his greatest concern, McKay would have been making lists. But Art had made it clear he would have to direct the day-to-day operation of government by executive order and slowly put together the cabinet as time and circumstance permitted.
As he and the First Lady were hustled through the back entrance of the MGM Grand casino by Hayes and his men, the sound of slot machines and the hustle-bustle of the gaming enterprise continued uninterrupted. Here at least, people were going on with their lives almost as if nothing had happened. Had the news not reached them since this morning? The elevator indicator lights blinked each passing floor in turn. Slowly, a deep calm descended upon him. He was glad they were here, out west, far from the death and terror. He was the president. He did hold the reins of power, and it would be some time before another congress could be elected. Absent a legislative branch, his Executive Orders would we the power running the country. There would be opposition to some of them, perhaps many of them. But even political and ideological rivals would be glad someone was at the helm. The nation faced an indefinable crisis of unknown depth. Much would be required of everyone and it was time to come to grips with the looming challenges.
“Mr. President, there are a number of individuals waiting to see you who arrived before us,” Hayes said. “How do you want to utilize your time? It’s a mess.”
“Give us half an hour to settle in, Hayes. Construct a list of those present. Update it on the half-hour and I’d like you, personally, to remain outside the suite to control who comes and goes.”
“We’ll have a contingent doing just that. I’ll move my things to a desk in the hall and we’ll establish a waiting area outside your suite.”
McKay was astonished by the number of Marines lining the halls like a British Castle Guard as they stepped off the elevator.
“It’s beginning.” He thought, “How strange that the heart of American government is lodged in such a place as this!”
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