Read Online The Dead War Series (Book 2): Desperate Times by D.N. Simmons - Free Book Online

that you send that footage right away so that we can get some idea of what we're dealing with,” Amanda said. She tried very hard to conceal the fear and uncertainty she was feeling. She was very confused as to what was really going on with the Major and his company.
    “I'll send it to you shortly. Ma'am, I would highly recommend that you adhere to this demand. Like I said, we have all of the research, everything is here including the sole surviving scientist who was working on that project. If you have any plans in motions, please abort that mission. Get the President to sign off on that, I beg of you,” Major Garrett pleaded.
    “We don't negotiate with terrorist, you know that,” Amanda said, trying to hold solid to her resolve.
    “This isn't that kind of situation and I don't believe we have all that much of a choice in the matter.  If we don't give them what they want, we may be dooming all of humanity if we lose the research, especially. Not to mention, they have over...” He paused looking at Cassian.
    Cassian mouthed the words “six hundred” knowing exactly what he wanted from him.
    Major Garrett nodded and continued. “...They have over six hundred people here. You can call them hostages if you want. They say they don't want to hurt them, that they want to protect them and come up with a cure. They say they want the same thing we all want, to save humanity from whatever the hell is going on out there.”
    “Those things are already in St. Louis. What if we send in a few choppers and get you out of there--”
    “Ma'am, that is not an option,” Major Garrett interjected, having watched Cassian shake his head. He didn't know how the man was doing it, but apparently he could hear every word he spoke with Amanda.
    “Shit! I'll let the President know of your situation. We can't risk losing that research, if you can tell me your location, I can get an extraction team out there.”
    Fed up, Cassian rose from his chair and was around the desk faster than the humans could track. The four gasped and jumped back instinctively as Cassian yanked the phone from Maj. Garrett's hand.
    “Let me speak to the President, who I'm sure is very near to you in that underground haven of yours,” Cassian said.
    “Whatever you want to say to the President, you can say to me,” Amanda countered.
    “I'm afraid that won't do. You see, I need a certain confirmation that only he can give. You don't have the authority to grant my demands. Now please, do as I say... I'm sure you realize by now, you really don't have any other choice,” Cassian pointed out.
    “Just one minute.”
    Cassian waited with more patience than he wanted to give to the humans. If it took her any longer to get him that audience he was seeking, he might have to do something drastic. The last thing he wanted the humans to think he was doing was bluffing. A few minutes later, the President's distinct voice, laced with concern and integrity came over the phone.
    “This is President Goodall speaking. I'm told you want to negotiate terms.”
    “Listen carefully, Mr. President,” Cassian said. “This is the one and only line of communication we'll have. My demands are simple. There will be no extraction team, if you send anyone here, they will be met with extreme hostility. Who we do not kill, will be taken hostage. The research recovered from SciTech Labs and Dr. Masterson will remain here until a cure is available--”
    “You don't make those kinds of calls around her--”
    “It would appear, from where I'm standing that I am in control of this situation,” Cassian interrupted. His tone was ominous and held an underlying layer of preternatural superiority.
    The President was taken aback from the harsh command and though he wanted give him a piece of his mind, lives were in jeopardy. He had to see this situation through if they were going to reach their end result. According to his Secretary of Defense, this person was holding all of their winning