Time Zero

Book excerpt: It is an inescapable fact; every situation has a "Time Zero" waiting to occur, be it the expectant mother anxiously looking forward to her new baby, a weary worker watching the clock slowly drag toward quitting time, or the end of San Francisco as we know it today. A clandestine meeting on the French Rivera between a terrorist and an international arms dealer to obtain Atomic Demolition Charges (mini A-bombs) begins the trail of action and intrigue that culminates in San Francisco. Cross and double cross occurs as the A-bombs change hands. Captain Tim Mitchell, (the President's prodigal stepson), sneaks Major Jaqui Carlyle, an unauthorized crew member, onboard the final flight, testing the 21st century's newest military weapon. Night Vision Goggles for pilots. When exposed, Major Carlyle is reassigned to a new hush-hush facility in west Texas. Captain Mitchell is assigned to flying a desk as assistant information officer at the home of Star Wars. The Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in California. Armando Quionez; a self-educated scientist is contacted by the terrorist who Sky-Jacked the ADCs and manufactures the ADC detonators. To prove his firing pin works, one is exploded at White Sands New Mexico. Plexiglass coffins nicknamed "Gadgets" are constructed for two A-bombs which are placed under the Golden Gate and Bay bridges. The bombs are armed so if it is disturbed it will detonated. The news media is notified that the Gadgets are hot and the deadline for denotation is established. Mitchell has minimal qualifications as a scientist but is about to prove his talent as commander under fire.