by Parker James
“Mr. President, you’ve already been briefed on the other bunkers and each of their particular functions as well as future planned tunneling operations; is that correct?” he asked respectfully.
“Yes, Joe. For the moment I’d like us to specifically concern ourselves with the primary bunker site. At a later date perhaps you can join Professor Enghult and myself once tunneling operations proceed but for the moment I’m specifically concerned with this bunker site in particular.”
“Very well then, Mr. President. Bunker Site 1 it is,” he replied.
Maxwell had gained the information he required, which was where to focus his efforts and impart that with which the President desired to know. As he began his overview Andrews looked at the laminated chart of Bunker Site 1 and was absolutely astounded at its design. He had been impressed with Enghult’s knowledge on many levels; his insight, built-in redundancies, future plans for expansion, intuitions, and undeniable outright genius. But he had never seen anything as profound as the color coded chart that he now held before him on that single sheet of laminated paper. The layout and design of each and every level was logical, simplistic, and complicated all at the same time. Maxwell didn’t miss the President’s reaction.
“I know,” Joe said. “Sir; I’ve been on many military and government construction projects during my career and to be quite honest with you I’ve never seen anything like it in my entire life. None of us knew how this thing was going to turn out. Professor Enghult planned for the worst. To simply believe that one single man had this entire foresight contained within his mind. I am proud to have been a small part of it and what it has meant to all of us, including my wife who was permitted into the bunker when I first joined the project.”
Maxwell looked down, saying no more for the moment as he collected himself. He then continued his review knowing the extreme importance of the President’s time and the many issues that he was most certainly dealing with. For that sake he would be as concise as possible.
“Sir, if I repeat things that you are already aware of please forgive me. I’d rather provide you with too much information rather than too little.”
“That’s fine, Joe. Better too much information. Not a problem.”
“Ok then, Mr. President. I thought we’d start at the Dome on the top of the bunker. It’s slightly offset for the sake of the elevators. As you know there are five bunkers within the grouping laid out exactly as this one, the remaining 15 bunkers are geared more toward food production, storage, factories, and a variety of production facilities designed to produce various and necessary commodities for daily existence and whatever we find we need to produce as expansion continues. Yet those other 15 bunkers currently contain a significant number of individuals. I’m told that tunneling operations to bunker site 5 are to begin tomorrow; I’ll be involved in those operations after I provide the tour for the Joint Chiefs. Each bunker identical to this one as well as the others have been drilled to a depth of 400 feet; 20 levels in all each being 15 feet in height, so that’s three hundred feet in total. On top of that is 100 feet of concrete and steel reinforced 8 ways from Sunday and then above that lies the Dome. All 20 bunkers are 1 million square feet in total excluding the Dome above us which works out to 100,000 square feet per level. I’m told that Professor Enghult wanted each level to have enough height and openness for a variety reasons, mostly due to the fact that if we have to stay in the bunkers for an extended period of time he didn’t want a claustrophobic effect. You also have to consider that levels 10 through 20 have a false removable floor for ease of maintenance. Mostly that’s ductwork for ventilation, piping, and electronics mostly, which leaves 12 feet in perceived height on those levels and also makes the ceilings maintenance free. Since the Atrium comprising levels 1 through 10 is open in the center with living quarters surrounding the perimeter that’s actually a false number, but it works out to about 15 million cubic feet on those levels. It’s amazing. With the openness of the Atrium 10 stories high and the living quarters surrounding the perimeter with tempered glass overlooking the interior it almost looks like a 5 star hotel. The Professor wanted it that way, which is why he added the amphitheater which can hold up to 3 thousand people. It technically takes up three levels with staggered balconies inside of it and then once again the sleeping quarters continue above. The other main element on level 10 is the Commissary for food preparation and mostly seating. I hear they’re having trouble keeping up until most of the inhabitants are put into stasis. They’ve actually pressed people into service, but I think they’re glad to have something to do. The Bunker Site Commander’s Office is also located on that level but takes up very little room.”
Joe paused for a moment and pushed the button on the secured elevator that they were standing in front of as he continued with his review so that they could then proceed to the Dome overlying the bunker.
“Dome, security level 5,” Joe said as the group entered. “This is one four elevators, Mr. President; the smallest of them all. It’s only 100 square feet. There’s a second elevator for those in the Atrium that goes from level 1 to 10 which doesn’t require security clearance in addition to two stairwells. We call that elevator the people mover. This particular elevator goes all the way up to the Dome but except for the access door on level 10 it’s sealed for the remainder of the way. All of the three secured elevators require security clearance using both facial and vocal recognition. Each person within the bunker depending upon their clearance level can only go so far. The other two are utility elevators and they’re approximately 1,500 square feet each. One goes all the way from the Dome down to level 20 while the other one only goes to level 15, directly accessing the power generation unit and again has all necessary security measures in place. Those two elevators are primarily for the movement of large equipment and supplies. All four elevators are directly opposing each other at 90 degree intervals; the two utility elevators and again the smaller elevators. The main utility elevator in the Atrium where you first entered is where the tunnel will be located. It’s already been drilled fifty feet in and the automated drilling equipment is currently located within it and ready to go. When we first start drilling we’ll have to bring the excess debris up to the surface until we’re partially interconnected and can begin to store and process the materials into simulated concrete in the factory facilities located in the outer ring to further support the tunnels. Following completion of drilling operations installation of the magnetic rail system is to begin immediately.”
“Are the bunkers sealed against radiation?” Andrews asked.
“They are, Sir. All 20 bunkers are circular in nature. Consider each level like a big nickel, which was basically done for added structural integrity. Both the top and bottom caps in all of the bunkers are rounded, which only increased the bunkers’ ability to withstand a possible nuclear blast. Each bunker is encased in one inch of lead and surrounding that is 20 feet of reinforced concrete, then another 2 inches of lead and finally the outer shell which has 2 inches of steel. It was done that way since the outer shell comprised of steel has more strength. Nothing can get through it. The only potential weak spot was the blast doors. Oh, and one more thing, Sir. Level 15 which contains the nuclear power generation unit has two inches of lead on both the floor and ceiling for the sake of safety; it’s completely sealed from the other levels. All of the elevators including this one are similarly sealed against radiation exposure just in case anything should ever happen in the future; we’ll be able to evacuate the lower levels. We also have a back-up escape tube system which I’ll show when we reach the Dome, Sir.”
As Joe continued to speak the President looked out through the one way glass as the sealed elevator rose from level ten upwards toward the Dome. He could see that there were simply a massive amount of people within the Atrium. Some were eating; others were conversing with Bunker Site Commander Hastings, while prayer and medical grief counseling services were primarily taking place in the amphitheater. The President cou
ld also see a number of Dr. Pearson’s medical personnel stationed throughout the Atrium giving comfort to those in need. A small number of military personnel were intermittently stationed about, mostly on the perimeter of the Atrium as well as the standard two guards at each elevator entrance. In all likelihood there would have been fewer people within the Atrium as most would be in their living quarters, but after the Presidential Address the prior evening most were out and about desperate for information regarding which cities were hit during the nuclear attack. Others were logging in at a station dedicated to that task, so hopefully a final head count could be tallied and at some future date once communications were restored with the other bunkers they would be able to learn whether other family members and friends had somehow survived the attack. The President thought it best that he avoid the Atrium and hospital for now as touring the facility was the most important thing that he could do this day to assist in their future and continued survival. If he were to enter either of those two areas he absolutely knew he wouldn’t be able to extricate himself and follow through with his task, which was simply to gain as much knowledge about Bunker Site 1 as he could. Despite his desire to help comfort his fellow citizens this was a necessary decision and realizing that the President loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves. Joe noticed. Today would be strictly business, and very serious business. Joe doubled his determination to be as informative and concise as possible during the President’s inspection of the bunker as they soon arrived at the Dome overlaying the bunker site. It had twice the footprint of the standard 100,000 square feet per level and was absolutely enormous.
“They already know we’re coming, Sir,” Joe said.
“Excuse me?” Andrews replied.
“Delta Force, Sir. 24 Delta Force personnel stationed within the Dome at all times armed to the teeth. There’s always a Captain on duty and they have visual on the interior of each of the three elevators that have access the Dome as well as advance notice as we approach. They know exactly who’s on board because of the chips that we have implanted in us; part of the program for anyone who has level 5 security clearance or above. I have one myself and had to agree to the procedure before I was permitted to join the project. They run 12 hour shifts six days per week. The Captain will be stationed in the corner of the room overlooking operations with another stationed at a console overlooking the Atrium and monitoring communications. There are two guards positioned at each of the three elevators that can reach this level and one guard at each of the four sealed escape tubes surrounding the perimeter. Eight guards are stationed in front of the inner blast door while another four guards are positioned in front of the six shielded drones within this bunker as well as the other various mobile transport vehicles. Believe me, Sir, these folks don’t fool around. I’m in this area often and they took a page out of the book from the Guards at Buckingham Palace. They don’t move. If you’ll excuse the pun, they’ll be lined up like soldiers and don’t speak a word unless absolutely necessary.”
The President with his six year military background wasn’t surprised. Meanwhile the Captain overseeing operations having advance notice of the approaching elevator containing the President and the two members of his entourage had walked over to greet Andrews as he inserted his key in the elevator door allowing it to open. Electronic access on the exterior of the elevators was bypassed as Enghult had determined that the lesser archaic technology within the Dome was appropriate should any radioactivity have penetrated the inner blast doors, but the elevators from the interior could still be opened electronically as they were completely shielded from radioactivity, but it required two vocal and facial recognition signatures from those holding security clearance level 5 or above. There was only one individual who held security clearance level 7, and that was the President himself. The Captain, impeccable in his dress uniform saluted as the two guards stationed at the elevator door stood at complete attention with assault weapons in hand and were unmoving; their faces stoic and showing no emotion whatsoever.
“Captain Alspait, Mr. President.”
Andrews returned the Captain’s salute.
“At your service, Mr. President. What may I assist you with today, Sir?” Alspait inquired.
“General inspection of the bunker, Captain beginning with the Dome. I’ve already been advised of your procedural protocols; please go about your business as damage control team crew member Mr. Maxwell here gives me a comprehensive walk-thru.”
“Very well, Mr. President,” Alspait replied in an utmost professional manner as he returned to his station located at the corner of the Dome. President Andrews looked up and could see four very large monitors with multi-screen displays facing all four directions within the Dome and visible to all Delta Force Teams. The President having poured through the bunker site designs the prior morning was not completely unfamiliar with the Dome, yet Joe was providing him with detailed information which only furthered his knowledge of the bunker site proper. Seeing schematics was one thing but actually seeing the bunker first hand was an entirely different matter. Joe noticed the President look up and addressed his unspoken question.
“Visuals, Sir. All four elevators, both the inner and outer sections of the Dome, the Atrium, and radiation levels in both the inner and outer sections between the blast doors as well as topside. As you can see the levels in both sections of the Dome are normal while the radiation levels outside are off the chart due to the two nuclear blasts that almost found their target.”
“Joe?” Andrews asked. “Approximately how much time will this part of the tour take?”
“At a minimum 25 minutes,” Mr. President. “Or as long as you wish.”
“Very well, Joe. If you’ll excuse me for one moment,” the President said as he raised the tablet. “Computer, voice activation on; security level 6. Visual communication; General McCreary.”
McCreary also had a chip and the tablet didn’t need to be told the General’s location in the conference room; it had already been determined by the banks of computers located on level 20 continuously monitoring the location of personnel and their life signs. McCreary’s face appeared upon the monitor in an instant.
“McCreary here, Mr. President. What may I do for you?”
“General. I’m currently in the Dome and shall be here for approximately 30 minutes. Upon conclusion of my tour I shall be descending to level 11 to continue with my inspection of the bunker.”
Level 11 was strictly dedicated to the housing of all military personnel, approximately 1,000 in all. It was a spattering of Delta Force charged with the security of the Dome as well as 24 armed personnel on duty at all times and considered the Rapid Response Team which had access all the way down to level 20. Airborne Personnel were responsible for security within the Atrium and stationed at all elevators on each and every level. The Marines and Regular Army shared the responsibility for security in the living quarter areas. There were also a number of Air Force Personnel, Pilots, Maintenance Staff as well as higher ranking officials. Delta Force was the only group permitted to use lethal force within their discretion without prior orders and were also the only ones armed on level 11 excluding the two Airborne Servicemen guarding the elevator. All other weapons were secured under lock and key and continuously guarded by personnel armed with non-lethal weapons. They were stationed in front of the armory and backed up by the Rapid Response Team, yet all lethal weapons despite being secured were available at a moment’s notice should orders ever be given for all hands on deck; God forbid. Other than that the weapons were dispensed and secured as personnel either began or returned from their duty shift.
“Please advise our service members that this will be an informal tour of the bunker and not the military personnel themselves. Please have them go about their business as usual. Also have Major Hastings meet me at the elevator, who is to accompany us as we tour that level,” the President stated simply.
“Consider it done, Mr. President.” McCreary replied.
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��Andrews out,” the President said as the paper thin computer reverted back to its original display of the bunker site schematic.
McCreary immediately contacted Bunker Site Commander Hastings in the main Atrium per the President’s instructions and informed him of his orders, and following that established communication with the military personnel located on level 11. His face came over multiple monitors and his voice could be heard throughout as he addressed those under his command. As his voice came over the intercom virtually all of the armed forces personnel immediately stopped what they were doing and gave the General their undivided attention. McCreary had been in charge of the Joint Chiefs for well over a decade now and still was relatively young. His rise in the military ranks was almost as meteoric as the President’s had been in the government arena. He was a legend to most of them, even more so now as his recent escapades and actions at simply arriving at the bunker site had become widely known. The General was very succinct, knowing no other way. He was military to the core; born for it.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is General McCreary. As we speak the Commander-in-Chief is touring the bunker site in its entirety and very shortly will be arriving on level 11. He will be accompanied by Major Hastings. This will not be a formal inspection. The President’s time is extremely limited. You are not to disturb him in any way, nor are you to address him unless specifically asked to do so. You are to go about your business as usual, but are not to impede his tour in any way. Should any of your fellow service members recently have just come off shift and are currently sleeping, you are to allow them to continue to do so. Tomorrow the Joint Chiefs and I will be touring the bunker site ourselves, and I assure when we arrive on level 11 there will be a formal inspection. Those are your orders. McCreary out.”