News of the North Korean troop movements had finally reached the media, and the White House congressional people found themselves talking nonstop to congressmen worried about the treaty. Already there were rumors that the vote would be put off for at least a month.
Just before noon, the Department of Energy called to tell Corrine that the soil tests from Science Industries had been finished ahead of schedule; they were negative. She immediately called Slott and told him.
“Hmphh,” he said. Then he fell silent.
“Dan? What’s going on with Ferguson?”
“Still no word.”
“I can talk to the president about a reconnaissance mission, if you think it’s a good idea.”
“It’d be suicidal under the circumstances. It’s too close to the capital.”
“I see.”
“We had a Global Hawk fly down the coast,” added Slott, referring to an unmanned spy plane. “It was tracked briefly but got away. Even that was a risk I probably shouldn’t have taken.”
“Did it see anything?”
“Nothing out of place. It looks abandoned.”
The spy flight was little more than a gesture, but it was something at least.
“I’ll keep you informed,” said Slott, abruptly hanging up the phone.