No one saw this coming. Or so we thought…

Prologue

A small group of survivors of the first wave hid in what was left of the Capital Building’s nuclear bunker. It would be a long time before anyone debated taxes or border security in the halls above, or anywhere.

“Everyone, keep it down, we should be safe in here – for now,” whispered Bob Anderson, a Capital Police Sergeant. A torn knee that ended his NFL dreams as a superstar linebacker jump started a decorated career in federal law enforcement. He was the only one peering through small cracks in the concrete and steel that allowed thin streams of light to pierce the darkness, dust and smoke of the smouldering remains of the once majestic landmark.

Trying to ease the tension, Officer Anderson added, “I survived a bunch of red necks on one six. If we stick together, we will all survive this”

Richard Beaumont, the congressman from Tennessee was just lucid enough to shoot him a half expected dirty look, through the mess of hair, sweat and blood from a cut just above the eye.

Before Beaumont could add words to his ire, the Congresswoman from Michigan, Doctor Margaret Chase, declared, “Relax, Dickie, those times are over. We must be leaders now. Besides, for all we know, one of us could be the president of The United States. I forget who is next in line past the cabinet and congressional leadership. If we go down, they might have to swear in President Bob.”

Tennessee, forced a smirk, a half smile of agreement, acknowledging the current truth – for now. As he nearly passed out, he notice the three chanting in a circle. Beaumont screamed “That was not natural!”

“Easy now, Dickie…” Michigan warned.

Beaumont continued unchecked, struggling though the limitations of his injuries, “How can we trust them? How do we know they’re on our side? They’re….”

As Beaumont lost consciousness, the others started to pop up from behind piles of chairs, desks and other debris to chime into the debate.

The two surviving teachers clearly differed in opinion, as if they were staffers for the two elected members. One student sided with Tennessee while all others, the few from their school trip that remained, came to their classmates’ defense.

“HUSH!” Came an exasperated whisper from Sergeant Anderson, “Another drone!”

Everyone quickly, quietly retreated to their hiding spots. Shadows flickered the beams of light as something flew around just on the other side of the structure. Hearing the now familiar hum, Anderson froze, back to the wall between cracks, continued to hold finger to lips while his other hand gestered stillness.

As the hum of the drone drifted away, Anderson quietly cautioned, “Let’s refrain from talking. Don’t make their job easy. Save your energy. Get some sleep. We can’t stay here forever. We’ll need our strength, probably sooner than later. Besides, as far as I can tell, and don’t ask me how or why or whatever, but those three girls are the only reason any of us are still alive.”

• To be continued…. Chapter 1: Six Hours Earlier