The Message From My Son That Forced An Impossible Choice – The Archivist

urgency of the beeping made it clear this wasn’t routine.

I looked down automatically, pulling the pager from my belt.

The message made my heart stop:

CODE BLACK – CHIEF OF SURGERY NEEDED IMMEDIATELY. PRESIDENTIAL PROCEDURE. SECURE TRANSPORT EN ROUTE TO YOUR LOCATION.

Code Black. The highest level of emergency. Reserved for national security situations.continue reading …