Even through the sealed glass the five huddled in the hotel room could hear the confusion happening outside. Horns were honking. Car alarms we constantly going off. The sound of glass breaking and people shouting were enough to drive an atheist to prayer.
There was nothing for them to do. The TV wasn’t working. The only radio signal was the emergency warning signal, but it was playing its test signal over and over. Power was lost for a while, but as soon as it came back on a couple of hours later, there was a knock on the door. Colby jumped to the door and looked out the security keyhole. It was Lieutenant Simons dressed in fatigues.
Colby opened the door and pointing to the fatigues said “You brought those with you on holiday?”
“I wasn’t on holiday.”
“Oh.”
“Just informing all those in this hotel that we have secured the premise from looters and criminals and will ensure the safety of all those present and accounted for.”
“Good to hear.” Colby stepped into the hallway and closed the door to prying ears. “What about those not present and accounted for?”
“Sir?”
“We were separated from my sister, brother-in-law and nephew. They haven’t returned.”
“It may be too late.”
“What do you mean?”
“If they were covered by radiation they probably won’t survive.”
“We were all covered with stuff. We haven’t been decontaminated. Who made the retired General god to decide who would live or die?”
“The president sir.”
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“Your president?”
“Yes sir, the president re-established the general’s commission. He’s called up his men. We’ve sealed off this quadrant. No one is coming in or out until we find out more about this attack. Your safe, be glad for that.”
“I wish that were enough.” With that Colby went back into the room and closed the door behind him.
