by Parker James
The General’s face disappeared from the monitor as most of the military personnel looked at each other surprised. The orders that they were given would be heeded explicitly, but the inspection by the Joint Chiefs to occur the following day put a little bit of the fear of God into them. Most had never personally met the President except having seen him in person for the first time during his address the prior evening. They did break one of their given orders despite having just been addressed by Moses on the Mountaintop. They woke their fellow service members, some who were fast asleep during the General’s address and advised them that the President would be arriving shortly to tour the military facilities. Although many were quite exhausted all woke for the occasion. Their fellow service members repeated the General’s orders for those who had missed it that they were not to address the President or disturb him in any way during his tour unless specifically asked a question, but no one was going to miss this. While McCreary and the other Joint Chiefs went about their business in the conference room and continued to familiarize themselves with the bunker system in great detail, the President similarly went about his business as he continued his tour of the Dome under Maxwell’s tutelage.
“Ok, Joe,” the President said, “shall we continue?”
“Yes, Mr. President. I’ll tell you about the structural aspects first. If you check your computer you’ll see an overhead visual of the Dome itself. Consider it like a large rounded sand dollar. It was designed that way to aerodynamically disperse the force of any potential nuclear blast that was targeted at us. I’m fairly certain without Professor Enghult’s modifications we wouldn’t have survived the two near misses that almost took us out. I’ve heard that the Professor believes they were air bursts. If one had hit directly on top of us on a ground impact I think we would all have met God that day, despite some differences of opinion within the damage control team. The footprint of the Dome is much larger than that of the bunker itself; twice the square footage as a matter of fact. That’s because there are millions of tons of reinforced concrete surrounding the bunker dug to a depth of 100. There’s approximately 200 thousand square feet of usable space considering both sections. As you can see although the perimeters have been squared off, it’s still basically a classic structural Dome design. Our maximum ceiling height is 50 feet and is supported by vertical I-beams reinforced by cross beams on a 360 degree basis. Behind those panels you see over on the far end of the wall we have ten feet of storage space which contains a variety of items. Metal plating, welding equipment, radiation gear ready for anyone in the Dome at a moment’s notice should we experience radiation exposure, handheld detectors, and variety of other tools and equipment that we might have need should damage occur at any given point. The inner blast door is completely vertical, however, the outer blast door is angled conforming to the Domed structure. That was another one of the Professor’s modifications which further dispersed the force of the two nuclear blasts. That’s why we think the warheads hit closer to the west of the complex where bunkers 13 and 17 are located, as those were the two outer blast doors that were damaged.”
“I’d agree with that assumption, Joe.”
“Well, anyway, the entire Dome above us is encased with 4 inches of steel to support the weight of the reinforced concrete; millions of tons approximately 50 feet thick. Above the steel and the surrounding structure is another 4 inches of lead protecting us from the radiation outside the bunker. The smaller entrance door that you entered when you first arrived has been sealed permanently.”
The President looked over toward the far end of the room and noticed the equipment that he had learned about during the prior morning’s research. There were six shielded drone units stacked 3 high on swing arms, four tracked transport vehicles also shielded against radiation, and an additional two air driven vehicles that had the ability to ride 5 feet above ground level and were able to travel much greater distances should they be needed in the future. They even had to ability to traverse waterways and avoid ground debris that would certainly impede the tracked vehicles.
“We did that for space requirements, Sir,” Joe said as he noticed the President looking at the equipment. “Right now this room should be filled with food supplies. I was one of the individuals designated to help offload it. We waited and waited, but the last two shipments never arrived.”
The President was already aware of that fact but said nothing.
“What are the security measures in place on the inner blast door?” he asked.
“Well, Sir, similar to that of the elevators. Forgive me for saying this but having security level 5 I’m already aware that you also have a chip implanted in you that monitors your life signs as well as your location. There are actually three access points, but in order for those inner blast doors to be opened it would require confirmation by three individuals holding security level 6 or above including you specifically, so you would have to be literally dead before the mainframe system allowed lower security clearance levels to operate the doors on a declining scale should anything ever occur. And then of course there are those folks over there to deal with as well as the Rapid Response Team should anyone attempt to override the protocols.”
“And what are the two other access points?”
“If you look to the left of the main door you’ll see an interior door recessed into it. Those two squared garage containment units you see in the corner are made of lead and specifically designed for the drones and transport units. It’s 60 feet wide and the drones have a folding wing system. They’re access tunnels, Sir. The main door opens and the drone unit enters it. The door closes and then the inner door opens and the drone proceeds to the next containment unit by electronically powered wheels as again the inner door closes. The unit is positively ventilated to prevent any radiation seepage and now it goes through the recessed door to another two containment units in the outer Atrium as the recessed door closes. The outer Atrium then has one continuous lead lined tunnel to the outer blast doors with two units on the exterior containing scrubber equipment should we use the drones in the future. All of the tunnel doors have breakaway seals should we ever need to open the main doors in the future, but that doesn’t seem likely any time soon. According to protocol should any of the drones be used in the future they’ll be scrubbed and then stored in the outer Atrium tunnel; they’ll never enter this room again, and that goes for the other equipment as well. We call the entire system the car wash. The equipment is scrubbed in the outside containment units with high pressure water and air blasts impregnated with sulfur to reduce radiation levels to bare minimum and all runoff is directed away from the bunker through an underground piping system. The same security protocols are in place; only by your permission and confirmation from two others holding security clearance level 6.”
“And the third access point, Joe?” the President asked.
“Well Sir, once that door you entered was sealed we still need access to the outer Atrium to maintain the equipment. Joe walked over to the right corner of the room where the president could see a stairwell approximately five feet wide. “This is for personnel in radiation resistant gear. The process is similar to that used for the equipment but specifically designed for human beings. There are four lead lined self-contained rooms within that tunnel where we go through a highly technical wash down procedure to minimize radiation exposure. The same security protocols are in place Sir; I’ll walk you through it if you’d like.”
“That’s alright Joe, I’ve seen the schematics. Who are the lucky individuals charged with that responsibility?”
“It’s fairly safe, Mr. President, but you never know. Designated maintenance staff first who know the equipment repair procedures; volunteers second. If those individuals are unavailable for whatever reason following that we draw straws.”
The President held up his tablet an began to speak.
“Computer, visual overhead display; outer Atrium; Bunker Site 1.”
Again the instantaneous res
ponse. The President could see the continuous tunnel in the left hand corner of the outer section of the Dome with multiple manually operated access doors and a slight gap between the ends of the tunnel where the seals would meet should it be used at a later date. In all likelihood it would be. He also looked at the schematics for the “car wash” on the exterior of the outer blast doors since the outside shielded monitors for the moment were still unable to provide a clear visual due to the large amount of debris in the atmosphere. Joe interjected.
“The outer blast door in this bunker has remained intact, Sir, and the smaller access door within it has not been welded shut just in case we need to get out there and perform maintenance on the mini-bunkers that contain the bulldozers for debris removal once we start tunneling operations. The bulldozers are computer controlled with manual override, and they’re also directly connected to the mini-bunkers with shielded spindle wire just in case the computerized operational system goes a little haywire due to the EMP damage. We’ve already confirmed that they’ve all survived intact through underground wiring and a full diagnostic has been performed on all of the units throughout the complex. We’re seeing green lights across the board.”
“Good, Joe. How many dozer units do we have?”
“Sixty, Mr. President.”
“And large equipment needed for any repairs on the drones or transport vehicles that might eventually be stored in the secondary section?”
“Through the car wash tunnel, Sir.”
The President had learned all he needed to know. Even though Joe wasn’t quite thirty years old yet the President was curious to know more about him.
“Joe, if I may ask, what’s your background?”
Joe scratched his head surprised at the President’s question.
“Well, Sir, my father had been a government contractor his entire life. Special projects mostly. He was upper middle management but my grandfather was also a contractor too. My father was away from home most of the time and when I was in grade school my mother would send me to visit him during my summer breaks. That was our routine, year after year. I’ve been lugging concrete since I was nine, and once I graduated from high school I joined him in the profession. I went to college at night and eventually earned my degree, even progressing to installation and repair of highly complicated computerized electronic control systems as well as a number of other various systems. For a number of years we were involved in renovating some of the older bunker systems in the States and eventually moved on to the newer units designed by Professor Enghult. I think my father taught me more about hands on practical applications than any of my teachers in college ever did. That’s pretty much it, Sir. And then I was brought on board this project six months ago.”
“Did you lose anyone in the war, Joe?”
Joe looked down before responding and looked the President directly in the eyes non-judgmentally.
“Didn’t we all, Mr. President?” he said quietly.
There wasn’t any need for a response from President Andrews; he caught Joe’s meaning quite clearly and allowed him a moment of reflection. The President raised his computer.
“Computer, visual communication; Major Hastings; Bunker Site 1.”
Hastings appeared.
“Major Hastings, I’ll be leaving the Dome momentarily; please have your second in command temporarily take over your duties and be waiting for me at the elevator.”
“Yes, Mr. President,” Hastings responded.
“Andrews out.”
Hastings did as instructed and bowed out gracefully from the civilians that he was speaking with regarding the attack and assured them that he would return shortly as he had his second take over his command. The President had intentionally contacted him after doing a visual overhead of the Atrium on a double tap and had seen that he was deeply involved in discussion with the civilians grouped around him. By purposely allowing others to overhear the conversation, Hastings would be able to extricate himself with little or no further explanation, yet would soon return as promised.
“Joe, why don’t you go over to the elevator with Agent Phillips and wait for me there. I’d like to speak to Captain Alspait for a moment.”
“Yes, Mr. President,” Joe replied as Andrews walked over to the Captain. As he approached Alspait saluted, awaiting his return salute from the President which was received in short order.
“Captain Alspait,” the President said, “thank you for your time.”
“My pleasure, Mr. President.”
“Carry on,” Andrews said as he turned and headed toward the elevator. He had debated whether or not to speak to or address any of the Delta Force Team Members but had decided against doing so individually. It would be an insult to their professionalism but he had decided to briefly address them prior to his departure. As he approached the elevator Phillips pressed the button as the doors opened; Alspait had not locked the unit down while the President was on sight and had been monitoring the elevator access points closely over the monitor throughout the entire tour.
“President Andrews instructed Phillips to hold the door as he turned to address the Delta Force Teams. He would be brief, speaking both loudly and authoritatively in the tremendously huge room so that he could properly be heard. It almost reverberated in the otherwise empty Dome.
“Ladies and gentleman of Delta Force. Your Commander-in-Chief, your President, and your fellow citizen personally thanks each and every one of you for your professionalism and dedication to service.” Although no one in the room responded, the President’s very brief words had more impact on them than he would ever know. That was President Andrews’ way of recognizing individuals for who they were, and he meant every word of it. Perhaps that was why he had risen to the position that he now held. His heartfelt words always seemed to have the effect of instilling personal pride and loyalty in the individuals to whom he spoke. Andrews, Maxwell and Phillips entered the elevator as the doors closed and Andrews said “level 10; slow descent.” Alspait locked the elevator down almost immediately upon the President’s departure and returned to his station in the corner of the Dome. As they gently began to descend to level 10 to meet Major Hastings the President turned to Joe and asked him a simple question.
“Joe, how much do you know about the military facilities located on level 11?”
Perhaps it was his youth or an attempt to lighten the mood after the President’s earlier probing question about the probable loss of his parents in the attack.
“Well, Mr. President, military personnel only. Ladies to the left; gentlemen to the right.” And as he turned to the President with a slight smile on his face added; “and occasionally they meet in the middle.”
“President Andrews unexpectedly laughed. That small bit of humor was exactly what he needed at the moment having lived through these past several days. Even Secret Service Agent Phillips couldn’t help but let out a slight smile; an extreme rarity. The elevator continued to descend as the tour of Bunker Site 1 would soon continue.
Episode 19: “Descent”
* * *
“Pause elevator,” President Andrews said unexpectedly; his eyes glassy as he looked out over the Atrium.
The President, Secret Service Agent Phillips, and damage control team crew member Maxwell had begun to descend slowly in the secured elevator and had only reached Level 3 within the Atrium. An uncontrollable shiver suddenly went down Joe’s spine thinking that his off the cuff remark and seemingly inappropriate humor under the circumstances was now somewhat misplaced; this was after all the President of The United States of America, or what was left of it. Maxwell had been the one specifically requested to provide the President with a comprehensive tour of the Bunker Site 1 and remained momentarily silent prior to speaking. His voice wavered slightly with the sudden realization of the responsibilities that the man he accompanied had upon his shoulders, and it hit him like a brick wall.
“Is there anything wrong, Mr. President?” Joe asked cautiously and in the u
tmost respectful manner. Agent Phillips was slightly more attuned to the President’s demeanor and knew that all was well.
“No, Joe. You’re ok. I just wanted to see the Atrium from this point of view. It’s so open. I wonder whether it’s a waste of space.”
Alspait was closely watching the monitor displaying the secured elevator and seeing that it had stopped was concerned about the President’s safety as well as his general state of mind. But then there was Agent Phillips, always there but never there. Alspait would continue to monitor the elevator until it had reached Level 10 as orders and protocol dictated however decided to temporarily turn off the overhead monitors so the Delta Force Team Members within the Dome could not see or overhear the privileged conversation as was his prerogative. None of the Team Members questioned the Captain’s actions or motivation for doing such. Alspait turned to his subordinate at the console.
“Give me a visual overhead of the Atrium on the dedicated monitor and notify the Ready Response Team; Code Red; lock and load until the President reaches Level 10,” he said speaking authoritatively. It was done in an instant as Alspait looked over the security situation within the Atrium. The activity on Level 11 went ballistic as safeties on weapons were turned off. Alspait would continue to monitor the elevator until the President not only reached Level 10 where he could clearly see Major Hastings waiting patiently at the elevator entrance, but also made certain that the 2 armed Airborne Personnel were properly stationed awaiting the President’s arrival. Although Alspait felt himself somehow breaching protocol by personally listening to the President’s conversation by the same token not only was the security of the Dome within his realm of responsibility but also the complete and absolute safety of the Commander-in-Chief. He would not have to explain his actions to anyone, neither General McCreary nor Bunker Site Commander Major Hastings. Neither of the two would find fault with his actions. Unbeknownst to Captain Alspait within moments there were 10 heavily armed Secret Service Agents on Level 10 awaiting the President, literally having sprinted 150 feet up the secured stairwell from Level 20. They had been continuously monitoring the President’s movements as well as those of the First Lady who was comforting patients in the hospital facilities, while General McCreary was immediately advised of a potential security situation. Even the Ready Response Team was intimidated by the sudden arrival of the Agents, some having previously come from their own ranks prior to entering the Agency. They were the best of the best. Perhaps their response was overkill but at this point nothing would be left to chance and General Rodriguez had been the one who had advised the Chairman of a potential situation regarding the President’s safety. It would only be a matter of moments before they learned nothing untoward had happened, yet only three days had passed since the war had devastated the country and everyone was on edge. There was only one person in absolute command, and it had been determined that it would remain so. Secret Service Agent Phillips reflexively held his hand to his ear, catching wind over his earpiece what was transpiring below. It was General McCreary’s voice that he heard.