The Chief Justice spoke slowly and clearly the sacred words which he repeated.

“I, Nathan Harrison Petrelli, do solemnly swear…”

His hand rested lightly on the fine leather exterior of the ancient Bible.

“…That I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States…”

His other, stood solemn and erect in the bitter winter wind.

“…And will, to the best of my ability…”

Below him, the crowd watched in silence, their collective breath held in anticipation.

“…Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

“So help you God?”

His hesitation lasted only the briefest fraction of a second, but to those like Daphne, watching the ceremony underground in fear as they were viciously hunted above, it felt like a lifetime.

“So help me God.”