"When I saw the first plane crash into the World Trade Center in the TV replay, I couldn't believe it. When the second plane hit, I was so terrified that I was trembling all over. I was afraid the disaster might endanger my family, so I advised my family and friends not to go out for an entire week until the federal government lifted the terrorism alert."
Facing microphones and cameras, Duke appeared heavy-hearted and sorrowful. When asked about the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania, he added, "Undoubtedly, the passengers on that plane were heroes. They saved the world and prevented another unimaginable terrorist event from happening."
Finally, Duke said, "God will bless America."
Beyond expressing his stance and sentiments, Duke also donated $5 million. Donations are an art form, especially in political events like this one. Throwing out tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars wouldn't automatically make the public see you as a hero.
Making a spectacle of yourself at such a time would be outright foolish.
This event took place at the Hollywood Bowl, where memorial activities were being held simultaneously in Los Angeles and New York. Naturally, Hollywood's stars and celebrities were the main participants in such events. Next to Duke, Harrison Ford was also being interviewed.
"The world is changing, and so should our behavior."
This Indiana Jones actor has always been an active participant in politics and is a representative of pro-Americanism in Hollywood.
Indeed, the world is changing, and so is Hollywood.
One eternal theme in Hollywood films is "ordinary individuals saving the world," or, in other words, personal heroism.
The "9/11 incident" brought massive impacts on the political and economic life of Americans, and the entertainment industry was no exception. As the leader in global cinema and entertainment, Hollywood's personal heroism would become even more dominant. The public now needed heroes more than at any time before, even fictional ones.
Superheroes would become more popular than ever.
Another change would be the emphasis on American-made entertainment products.
It's well-known that the North American film and television market is essentially an insular one. North American audiences have always been indifferent to non-American productions. After this incident, the market would become even more closed, making it harder for foreign works to succeed. Producers and consumers in the entertainment industry would lean more heavily toward "American-made" products.
Previously, some European films that were globally popular had a hard time in North America. This situation would only worsen in the future.
Of course, this wouldn't affect Duke much. He is a Hollywood director whose career is rooted in North America. Plus, with the vague memories he had, he wouldn't be foolish enough to make or participate in European films.
Take British dark comedies, for instance. Even those have a hard time succeeding in North America. Guy Ritchie's two breakout hits, for example, had only modest reactions in the North American market.
The exclusionary nature of the North American film and television market is not just talk. After 9/11, this trend would intensify.
Hollywood is already changing. Previously highly politicized, Hollywood would now see politics infiltrate every corner. Even directors like Duke wouldn't be able to escape it.
Having just sent Ivanka Trump back to the Wharton School of Business, Duke received a rather startling notification.
"A special task force comprised of the FBI, CIA, and White House staff called, requesting a meeting. They want to consult you on certain matters."
Hearing Tina Fey hurriedly deliver the message in the garden, Duke's eyebrows twitched. "Consult me?"
"Yes." Tina Fey sat across from Duke on a wicker chair. "They seemed very sincere and urgent. If you agree, they'd like to visit this afternoon."
Duke scratched his head. What could these people possibly want from him?
However, from Tina Fey's account, it was clear they were seeking his help.
That's a good thing, isn't it?
"Agree to meet them!"
Shortly after noon, several black cars entered Duke's estate. A special team of five people walked into the uniquely designed villa, where the butler, Emma, led them to the drawing room where Duke awaited. To Duke's surprise, among them was someone he knew.
"Hi, Duke, it's been years."
A rugged-looking middle-aged man stepped forward to shake his hand. "You've become one of Hollywood's top directors."
"Hi, Renho..."
Duke looked at him. The man had clearly taken off his military uniform and was no longer the Colonel Renho from the Department of Defense he once knew.
This was the same Renho who had been a liaison for the Pentagon during the filming of The Rock and Independence Day. He had even made a cameo in the films. The two could be considered acquaintances.
"I now work at the White House," Renho briefly explained. "I'm currently serving as a defense advisor in the staff department."
Duke immediately understood. This man now worked for George W. Bush.
Renho then introduced the other four individuals: two from the CIA and two from the FBI, all experts in crisis prevention.
After they sat down and Tina Fey served coffee, Renho got straight to the point before Duke could ask any questions.
"Our intelligence and related departments lacked imagination in the face of terrorist threats. This was a key reason why the hijackers' plot succeeded and the attacks ultimately happened."
He wasn't joking; his tone was exceedingly serious. "To make up for this lack of imagination, we've decided to consult Hollywood."
The CIA specialist named LaBeouf took over, saying, "Yes, we never imagined terrorists would use such a method to launch an attack."
Renho continued, "Duke, we've worked together before. You're the expert in destroying buildings, cities, and even the world... Oh, sorry, I mean in movies. That's why we're here to ask for your input."
"My input?" Duke was puzzled.
"Here's the thing," Renho explained. "We'd like you to create a hypothetical scenario, like a script idea, so we can discuss it together to avoid repetitive thinking in our intelligence departments in the future."
Duke roughly understood their intention. Hollywood directors are arguably the best on the planet at destroying New York, Washington, or even all of America. In fact, many terrorist attacks have drawn inspiration from Hollywood films.
Compared to Hollywood directors, terrorist organizations are practically amateurs.
After thinking for a moment, Duke said, "Renho, you should know I have no understanding of how the White House, FBI, or CIA operate. Most of my past work was pure imagination."
"That's okay," the CIA specialist replied. "Director Rosenberg, we're looking for creative, out-of-the-box ideas, not grounded in reality."
Duke nodded, resting his chin on his hand as he thought. The others tacitly remained silent to avoid disturbing his thoughts.
After about twenty minutes, Duke began to speak slowly. "I have a preliminary idea. It's up to you to judge its feasibility and how well we could respond to it."
The specialists immediately perked up. LaBeouf said, "This is purely exploratory. What we need are imaginative ideas."
"North Korea has always had strained relations with us. Their leaders use anti-American rhetoric to rally support."
Since they'd come this far, Duke didn't hold back. Establishing connections with political circles at this stage was essential, and this was an excellent opportunity. "Let me make a bold hypothesis: a secret North Korean organization infiltrates South Korea, planting one of their operatives as a security advisor to a high-ranking South Korean official. When this official is invited to visit the White House..."
"An assassination attempt on the President?" Renho asked.
LaBeouf gave him a slightly disdainful look. Even a fool knew that assassinating the President would have little impact in this country.
"No," Duke shook his finger. "What if the security advisor replaces all of the South Korean official's entourage with his own people?"
Renho understood. "You mean they take control of the White House? That's impossible. Even if it's the South Korean President or Prime Minister, their entourage wouldn't include that many people."
"South Korea is a country with a strong sense of pride." Duke continued, "Korean Americans or defectors from North Korea would certainly come near the White House to welcome the delegation..."
Duke raised his hand to stop Renho from interrupting again. "Publicly available information shows that fighter jets were scrambled to intercept planes heading for the World Trade Center but missed due to various reasons. Mistakes like that aren't impossible. If the attackers controlled an aircraft and conducted low-altitude flight to attack the White House, the plane wouldn't need heavy firepower. Just an aerial assault after the White House security is drawn out by an external attack would suffice."
This would be the most ideal airstrike scenario. Everyone knew how difficult it was to breach Washington's air defenses, but such things weren't entirely impossible.
"If the White House is attacked, the President will certainly retreat with the VIPs to a secure shelter. If the attackers launch an assault from inside, the President could very likely be taken hostage."
LaBeouf nodded. "That's indeed a possibility."
"The goal?" Renho asked.
"Our nuclear facilities, of course," Duke began to unleash his imagination. "Let's assume our nuclear warheads have a self-destruct mechanism. If the attackers activate the warheads and then trigger the self-destruct before launch..."
At this point, Renho and LaBeouf's expressions changed. If such a plan succeeded, the United States might cease to exist.
The discussion in the drawing room lasted the entire afternoon. Duke proposed numerous scenarios for destroying or taking over the White House. While many were overly idealistic, they weren't entirely infeasible.
"Thank you, Director Rosenberg."
As they took their leave, LaBeouf shook Duke's hand tightly. "We've learned a lot. If there's another opportunity, we'll definitely consult you again."
"You're welcome anytime."
Duke also exchanged contact information with them. He wouldn't refuse such mutually beneficial exchanges.