CRASH-ROAR-SHATTER.
Through the smoke, through the pulverized concrete dust, through the freezing draft of subterranean air…
Moving with that fluid, terrifying, synchronized mechanical velocity of an active direct-action assault element…
Came the twelve SOG operators.
Their suppressed carbines came up to compressed high-ready, the red laser dots dancing across the chests, throats, and foreheads of the fourteen executives and jurists seated around the black granite table:
“FEDERAL INQUEST!
REMAIN SEATED!
HANDS ON THE TABLE SURFACE!
DO NOT REACH FOR BRIEFING FOLDERS!”
The clerk dropped the satellite transceiver onto the granite, the casing cracking across the display:
SMASH.
The two associate justices at the table vaulted to their feet, their hands flying to their chests:
“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!” an Associate Justice roared:
“THIS IS A CLOSED CONFERENCE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES!
ARMED GUARDS IN THIS ROOM CONSTITUTE AN ACT OF ARMED INSURRECTION!”
“Stand down, Justice,” a voice commanded from the breach.
