The layout of the next two Levels, 13 and 14 collectively, were mirror images of one another and strictly dedicated to the storage of food supplies. Soon the President, Maxwell, and Phillips arrived on Level 13, the President returning the salute of the two armed guards protecting the elevator as had been repeated upon each Level being reached. The President had already pulled up the schematics on his hand held computer; Level 13 specifically.
“As you can see, Mr. President,” Joe began, “there is no false floor in either of the two separate food storage rooms located on each Level except that running down the main corridor. Both Levels 13 and 14 are exact duplicates of one another. In each of the two storage rooms the elimination of the false floor allows us the full fifteen feet in floor to ceiling height for maximum storage capacity. All electronics and operational systems run along the ceiling with quick access panels for maintenance and troubleshooting as needed.”
And why is there a central corridor?” President Andrews asked. “Isn’t that a waste of space?”
”In a sense I suppose so, but it was done for several reasons. Underneath the false floor running down the main corridor is the ductwork branching off to both storage rooms. The electrical requirements are minimal at best. This was basically done to stabilize temperature controls and maintain proper oxygen levels which holds true throughout the entire 20 unit bunker complex. Within the walls separating each of the two storage rooms are reinforced titanium alloy beams, essentially part of the internal support structure. This holds true for each and every Level within the bunker and provides support for the tremendous amount of weight that they’re required to carry. Underneath the reinforced concrete floor lays the welded metal plating which only further disperses the weight. Other than that it was simply done so that the bunkers could be completed in a consistent and compartmentalized manner and also allowed for placement of the elevators and evacuation tubes. Frankly it simplified the entire construction process and made completion of the bunkers much quicker.”
“How much weight are we talking about, Joe?” the President asked.
“If the bunker were completely empty, excluding the Dome we’d be talking in the range of 6 million tons in this one bunker alone. With the stored equipment, supplies, citizens, and food, we’re talking in the range of 10 million tons. The lower we descend into the bunker the support structure becomes more supportive, a little beefier if you will. Within the two storage rooms you’ll be able to see the exposed alloy beams; there wasn’t any need to encase them in concrete as they are in the Atrium. It would’ve been a severe waste of very precious resources once construction neared completion. After North and South Korea were destroyed and all-out global nuclear war became an ever greater possibility construction was stepped up greatly, even some of the military personnel were pressed into service. Twelve hour shifts, seven days per week. Sleep was few and far between.”
“Understood,” the President replied as he then led the group towards the access doors to storage room 1. Again overriding the security protocols as he’d done previously they then entered the storage room. Andrews had gone over the schematics in great detail and knew the integrity of the support structure was sound. Despite knowing that the food supplies were where they should be he somehow felt the need to actually see them for himself, even if just for the sake of reassurance. Without those food supplies and most especially now with the additional citizens allowed into the bunker prior to the United States being targeted, those limited food supplies were critical to their future survival, even more so now as the last two shipments had never arrived. What happened to them could only be guessed, but there was nothing that could be done about it now. This only further limited their time frame to food stock depletion, unless of course all elements of the President’s plan fell into place.
Once entering the storage room Andrews was amazed and somewhat encouraged that it was completely jam packed with all of the food supplies stored in metal containers. Other than the robotic loading equipment at the end of the central ramp and adjacent to the service elevator there was very little unused space. Although food supplies were not yet being pulled from this area, simply knowing that they were there was a great relief.
“As you can see, Mr. President, once we start pulling supplies from this area the extraction procedure will be exactly the same as that currently being used on Level 12, the protocols will be the same.”
The President looked around and could see that the food supplies were stacked in containers four units high with a slight cutout on either side allowing the robotic loading equipment to grip each container with its horizontal loading arms. There was very little airspace between the containers and the ceiling.
“Tell me about the containers, Joe.”
“Three feet 6 inches in height; each and every single one. They’re two feet 6 inches wide on both sides and stacked four high. Each container interlocks into the other and the only reason there’s any space between the top container and the ceiling is to allow the robotic equipment the room it needs to lift the top container. Each container is bar coded indicating what supplies are within it, packaging date, and shelf life expectancy. Once a requisition for food supplies is approved and keyed into the main computer it’s all automated from there up to a point. The Delta Force Team arrives at the Commissary and the service elevator is accessed by the Bunker Site Commander and only permitted to descend to the Level indicated. Upon arrival at the storage room indicated the loading equipment is manually activated and then the activity begins. The robotic equipment pulls the supplies and loads them onto the elevator which then proceeds to the Commissary. When all requisitioned supplies are offloaded the service elevator is again secured with the Bunker Site Commander’s oversight. It’s also monitored at the Dome Level.”
“What’s the composition of the food containers?”
“Stainless steel, Mr. President. Vacuum sealed and reusable should hydroponics hopefully someday exceed our burn rate of current food supplies.”
Andrews was surprised that Joe was aware of the hydroponics program and decided to question him further on the matter. Prior to Joe’s statement the President was under the assumption that the hydroponics program was strictly on a need to know basis. He turned to Joe and although not accusatory very directly asked him; his eyes piercing and almost seeming to look straight through him.
“And how did you become aware of the hydroponics program?” he asked.
The little shiver that had gone down Joe’s spine earlier in the inspection suddenly returned, and although he tried to hide it as best he could somehow felt he’d breached security protocol. Joe didn’t sense any animosity on the part of the President’s question, but undeniably sensed that this was a man with much on his mind and determined that should this be mankind’s future, life in the bunkers with a surface that few if any had survived, that he was going to do anything and everything within his power to make certain that the human race survived, no matter what form that took. The President had already gained Joe’s respect and he understood that President Andrews was kind and respectful, but by the same token would not tolerate any breach in protocol jeopardizing that goal. Although the nuclear holocaust had only occurred three days earlier, there were no guarantees that it was over yet. Joe realized this and knowing deep down President Andrews was a good man collected himself and answered his question concisely without losing emotional control.
“Forgive me, Mr. President, if I might explain,” he said.
President Andrews had come down hard on Joe, not by tone of voice but by simple demeanor. In a sense he respected Joe for his grace under fire, the President having displayed in a small sense how tough he could be.
“Go on,” the President responded stoically.
“As part of the damage control crew, Mr. President, it was General McCreary and Professor Enghult’s determination that we as a team be completely familiar with the entire 20 unit bunker complex and all of its interactive operations. It was uncertain that if and when attacked all of the bunkers would survive. Because of that possibility we were required to be cross-trained in all aspects regarding the complex, which is also the reason we all hold security clearance level 5. Should any one of the bunkers have been lost, so too would members of the damage control crew team dedicated to each individual bunker’s operations. We’re briefed daily as time allows and once the bunkers are fully interconnected cross-training is to continue. Prior to the completion of the complex we toured each and every bunker and for several days were required to participate in the construction of each. Part of my rotation included construction of the first fully functioning hydroponics tier. I’ve been completely briefed on both its structural and operational aspects and am also aware of the additional pre-fabricated units that are scheduled for assembly as well as future planned expansion of the hydroponics program.”
Joe had replied in a direct and forthright manner, and President Andrews understood the wisdom in McCreary and Enghult’s decision that members of the damage control crew be completely familiar with the entire complex, especially if one or more of the bunkers had been lost during the attack. He was satisfied with Maxwell’s answer; it simply made a great deal of sense. It was the damage control crew that would have had to pick up the slack and holding security clearance level 5 was not given out lightly. It was just another one of Professor Enghult’s built-in redundancies; always a back-up plan. This redundancy didn’t have to do with interactive systems or equipment, but had to do with qualified individuals who had the ability to perform those tasks necessary to ensure the integrity of the complex. Qualified individuals were just as precious a commodity as any single piece of equipment contained within the bunkers if not more so, especially if the bunkers had sustained significant damage. His demeanor changed completely.
“That seems to make a great deal of sense, Joe,” the President stated in a relaxed manner. “I’m glad to see that General McCreary and Professor Enghult saw fit to put those directives into place.”
With those words Joe also relaxed and awaited further questions on the part of the President regarding the continuing inspection of Bunker Site 1. Andrews walked the floor in storage room 1, looking up and seeing signs on the ceiling with arrows pointing to the four evacuation tubes which ran the entire length of bunker; all the way from Level 20 up to the Dome.
“Are the evacuation tubes locked down, Joe?” he asked.
“They are, Sir. The only way they can be accessed is by Presidential or computer override should any of the Levels need to be evacuated. Beyond that the standard protocols remain in place consistent with those that exist in the Dome. The escape tubes have both a manual safety ladder as well as a rotating step lift powered by the battery back-up system should the main power unit go down. It allows for mass evacuation of any given section quickly. On every single Level the escape tubes are clearly marked and all located in a consistent location.”
“Well then,” Andrews said, “let’s open one up and have a look inside.”
And with those words Andrews walked over to one of the escape tubes and overrode the system. As the door opened he stuck his head inside and could see that it was approximately eight feet wide with a catwalk running between the high speed evacuation lift and the enclosed safety ladder. Looking up and down Andrews gained a greater appreciation of the sheer size of the bunker and silently said a prayer, hoping that it would never be needed. With that he closed the door as it locked automatically.
The remainder of the tour of Level 13 and 14 went quickly, although President Andrews made a point to enter all four primary food storage areas; 1 thru 4. Assured that the promised supplies were where they were supposed to be soon the three were on Level 15, the nuclear power generation unit that had been inspected earlier in the day. The President returned the salute of the two armed guards protecting the elevator and inadvertently looked at his watch; 1300 hours. General McCreary would be handling the 1400 conference, and not having heard from him knew that no situation had arisen requiring his attention. With computer tablet in hand he spoke several words.
“Bunker Site Commander Hastings; voice and visual communication.”
Hastings appeared within a moment.
“Colonel Hastings here, Mr. President. What may I do for you, Sir?”
“Colonel, how goes things in the Atrium?”
“As well as can be expected, Mr. President. There are no issues of significance to report,” Hastings replied succinctly.
“Very well. Our inspection of Bunker Site 1 is proceeding as scheduled. I apologize for bothering you with such a mundane matter, but would you please have two meals sent down from the Commissary to Level 15?”
“Absolutely, Mr. President. They’ll be sent down immediately.”
“Thank you, Colonel. Andrews out.”
The President looked over towards Joe.
“Are you hungry, Joe?” he asked with a kindness that belied Andrews’ earlier questions regarding the hydroponics program.
“Yes, Mr. President. I wouldn’t mind a bite to eat. Thank you, Sir.”
“Good. Let’s take a quick look on the progress of the power generation unit. Restart is to occur at 2400 this evening. Then we’ll sit down and go over some more schematics of the lower Levels before we tour the remainder of Level 15.”
President Andrews had known Secret Service Agent Phillips long enough to not even ask if he would care to join them for lunch. Phillips was dedicated to the point that he would allow absolutely no distractions while on duty guarding the President. He would wait quietly once they removed themselves to the break room and position himself outside the door, especially since he was protecting the President by himself and didn’t have his usual contingent of three additional agents according to standard procedure.
“Let’s take a quick walk Joe,” the President said.
President Andrews, Maxwell, and Phillips entered the power generation unit located midway down the main corridor and to the right. It was in the center of the Level and also guarded by two armed Delta Force Team Members for the purpose of security and observation. The main entranceway was partially enclosed in glass for visual observation except for the two main entrance doors located in the center. They could see clearly through the glass windows of the operations unit beyond which the nuclear reactor lay. Further beyond that was the second service elevator which only reached Level 15 and went no further. Should the reactor core ever need to be ejected from the bunker, it could be accomplished by use of the dedicated elevator; the power generation unit was fully encased in lead and compartmentalized. The entire three piece unit was positioned along runners above the floating floor as had been explained to the President by Professor Enghult earlier in the day. As much power as the unit was able to generate, in size it was relatively small, technology having advanced exponentially over the past several decades. Once entering the anteroom the President and Maxwell saw Dr. Emil Lazzario through the enclosed glass of the control room. He was sitting at the main console and the President could see on the monitor the face of Professor Enghult as well as the interior of the power unit itself. A number of schematics were being displayed, yet other than that the operations room consisted of two additional work stations and was completely jam packed with computerized monitoring equipment.
The President had met Dr. Lazzario earlier in the day. Approximately sixty years of age and despite his peppered gray hair and very thick glasses his face was youthful and an underlying intelligence written all over it. Born in Rome he was a prodigy at a very early age and his parents had brought him to America in order to advance his studies in nuclear physics, eventually earning his P.H.D. from Rennsselaer Polytechnic Institute at the age of 22 on a full scholarship, the youngest ever to do so. Grants came in from all directions. Similar to the Conyers’ the military had scooped him up nearly 20 years prior. Early in his career his efforts and designs were integral in converting not only the Naval Fleet over to the newer technologies of his own design but he also put into place the failsafe measures at nuclear power plants eventually adopted worldwide. The nuclear power generation units within each bunker only had the need to operate at 25% capacity, with a total life expectancy of 200 years. Dr. Lazzario had also pioneered technology that enabled the recovery of spent fuel rods utilizing high intensity ionic bombardment. No longer was there a need to find a secure location to store spent fuel rods and worry about their eventual seepage into the environment based upon their radioactive half-life. At the time it was an earth shattering breakthrough, yet now seemed a cruel irony with massive amounts of radioactivity currently winding its way across the globe; thousands of nuclear warheads having devastated the earth above them.
Although brought to America at a relatively young age there still remained a very slight hint of his Italian accent, giving Lazzario an air of worldliness. Despite his accomplishments e was a humble man. His parents had insisted upon returning home each day from his daily studies that his native language be spoken solely within the home so that he never forget his heritage. It grounded him despite the fact that he spoke four languages fluently. It was not as imperative today as it had been all those many years ago; being 2073 computerized universal language translation was commonplace but there was always that slight delay. One would have thought it would have made the world a closer more unified community. That could have been the path taken, but with resources in the preceding decades ever more scarce and overpopulation a never ending concern, international competition for those very scarce resources flared. It was survival of the fittest. Upon seeing the President and his entourage through the glass of the reactor control room, Dr. Lazzario rose from his chair and unlocked the door as he approached Andrews and his small contingent.
“Mr. President,” he said with an almost imperceptible accent. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
“No, Dr. Lazzario. Please do not let us interrupt your efforts in any way. I am simply touring the bunker and am well satisfied with my inspection of the reactor this morning. We’re touring the remainder of Level 15 for my own personal edification. Would you mind terribly if my entourage and I use your break room as we review schematics while we have our lunch?” Andrews asked.
“Not at all, Mr. President. Please, if you will,” Lazzario replied as he pointed to a doorway off to the left of the anteroom.
“While I have you here a question comes to mind I neglected to ask this morning. I understand similar to the damage control crew you also have 20 dedicated technicians on staff. May I ask the general procedure for restart this evening and how things are proceeding so far?”
“A six hour procedure, Mr. President. Currently we have green lights across the board on both a diagnostic basis as well as visual inspection. Of our 20 nuclear technicians contained within the bunker currently there are four within the unit itself making final preparations while both myself and a secondary technician monitor operations within the control room. Upon initial restart capacity will be brought up to 5 percent for the first two hours. If all is well we’ll then proceed to 15 percent capacity for an additional two hours and continuously run visual inspection of the equipment and diagnostic analysis. Two hours later we bring the unit up to its full 25% operational capacity required for the operation of this bunker and monitor operations. Assuming we still have green lights across the board we then return to business as usual. During the procedure Professor Enghult and I understand you’ll personally be monitoring the procedure from the control room on Level 20. During the procedure the remainder of our staff will be on precautionary standby; six technicians will be suited up in radiation resistant gear and should anything go awry they’ll be on-site within moments. At this point I can honestly tell you that I anticipate no problems whatsoever.”
“Thank you, Dr. Lazzario, that’s all I needed to know. Please go about your business and do not let us interrupt you in any way. I thank you for your efforts.”
“Not at all, Mr. President,” Lazzario replied as the group then headed towards the break room.
Phillips had already visually inspected the break room, and seeing that it was empty was confident in the President’s safety and positioned himself outside the door. There was a knock at the main doorway leading to the anteroom and one of the guards handed Agent Phillips the two containers of lunch sent down by Colonel Hastings. Phillips closed the doors to the power generation unit and walked the meals over to the President and Maxwell who had found a table in the corner of the room. Andrews placed his tablet down on the table in front of him as he opened the container, speaking to his computer as he did so.
“Schematics; Level 15,” he said, and instantaneously had a view of the entire Level. “What are we looking at, Joe?” he asked as they began their meal.
“Well, Sir, as you can see the power generation unit is located to the right of the main corridor within the center of the Level. If we were facing the unit from the main corridor upon exiting the elevator is quartering for the nuclear technicians and their families; beyond the power generation unit is equipment storage for maintenance and repair. To the right of the main corridor the raised floor runs throughout the entire section, while the first 48 feet surrounding the unit remains completely empty for quick access. That’s basically a manual back-up disconnect of the power conduits should the unit ever need to be ejected from the bunker. There are also connections to the main battery banks located on Level 20. The main computer banks also located on that Level run off of the batteries continuously. I’m not overly familiar with the specifics, but the remainder of the space beyond the unit basically contains cooling system valves, piping, radiation gear, and anything and everything required for the maintenance and repair of the unit. As I understand it initially half of the staff was relocated to Level 12 when we first went into automatic shut-down mode but have since been relocated to their primary quartering. Since it’s encased in lead and quite safe, both Professor Enghult and Dr. Lazzario deemed it appropriate that the nuclear technicians be relocated to their primary quartering based upon that fact.”
“And to the left of the main corridor, Joe? I noticed that the secondary section was lined with lead,” the President asked further.
“The lead, Mr. President, wasn’t as precious a material to obtain. In that section there is no false floor except that to the right and left of the main service elevator. To the left of the service elevator there are two rooms. One contains three turbo fans and the secondary room contains the scrubber units and ductwork. To the right of the elevator are two more rooms, again exact duplicates of each other. Both rooms contain 3 turbo fans each as well as the secondary scrubber rooms for the oxygenation system running throughout the bunker. The ductwork runs along the back wall within each scrubber room and then through the false flooring within each Level. That’s the primary reason for the lead doors. The amazing part is that the turbo fans actually run off of the heat generated by the battery banks located on Level 20; it’s completely energy neutral. Possibly not the best location for the scrubbers but the equipment had to go somewhere and space is one thing that we don’t have a lot of. The remainder of the second section contains all of the magnetic rail system components including the passenger and rail cars for movement throughout the bunkers once tunneling operations are completed. After that occurs and the equipment is assembled this area will basically be empty and become available for whatever purposes deemed appropriate.”
“That’s good to know, Joe. Let’s hope hydroponics lives up to its expectations and one day in the very near future we’ll be able to fill this room with additional food supplies.”
“I’ll pray for the same, Mr. President,” Joe replied in all sincerity.
“The turbo fans and scrubbers?” Andrews asked, “Are they monitored?”
“Constantly, Mr. President; two personnel at all times as well as computer monitoring within the control room. Each turbo fan and adjoining scrubber rooms are completely visible through glass enclosures. There’s dedicated staff located on Level 20 who also hold the responsibility of monitoring the battery and computer banks continuously. The repair technicians located on Level 12 supplement their ranks; they work very closely together.”
Joe was just finishing up his meal when the President reached for his tablet and asked if Joe had any children.
“No, Sir, it’s just my wife Angela and I. We’ve only been married for three years and the way things were going weren’t quite sure we wanted to bring another human being into this world, although we debated it a great deal.”
“Understandable,” the President replied. “My wife and I debated the very same thing. He then spoke to his computer. “Visual observation; Oval Office and reception area; split screen.”
Andrews could see his two children playing in the Oval Office, too young to fully understand how much their world had changed in the past three days since the nuclear attack had occurred. He turned the screen around so that Joe could see them.
“My pride and joy,” he said. Turning the screen around again he saw Margaret sitting at her desk, giving one of her planned interviews while she also had a screen displaying the President’s children in the Oval Office so that she could keep an eye on them.
“Computer; transfer visual to hospital facilities; Level 19.”
Andrews then made sure that his wife was safely carrying out her mission within the hospital, comforting those soon to be released. She was sitting in a reception area with a number of patients gathered around, some crying as she held on to an elderly woman who had lost two sons in the attack. He knew it was going to be rough on Linda and hated to send her knowing rightfully it was his responsibility, but it was also imperative that he completely understand the full workings of the bunker in order to do everything within his power so that those who still remained survived. He was glad to see the Secret Service Agent Phillips had dispatched to accompany the First Lady was not more than five feet away.
“Voice and visual communication; Mitch or Anya Conyers.”
It was Mitch’s face that appeared on the screen.
“Mr. President, how may I help you?” Mitch asked.
“Professor Conyers, Mr. Maxwell from the damage control crew and I will shortly complete our inspection of Level 15. I would like either you or Mrs. Conyers to meet us on Level 16 within fifteen minutes to begin our tour of The Sanctuary. Would that be problematic with your preparations?”
“Not at all, Mr. President, Anya can handle things down here on Level 19. I’ll leave immediately and await your arrival on Level 16 personally.”
“Thank you, Professor, we’ll see you shortly. Andrews out.” Continuing the President then said “schematics; Level 16; Bunker Site 1.” Turning to Maxwell the President said “Let’s take a walk across the corridor, Joe” as he rose to place his empty food container in the trash can. Following his lead Joe did the same. As they entered the sectioned room across from the power generation unit the President could see all of the structures that Joe had described earlier. Again, except for the secluded turbo fan and scrubber rooms running along the back wall there was no raised panel flooring and the I-beam support structures were clearly visible. Andrews could see that the room was absolutely filled packed with equipment for the magnetic rail system but his attention was directed more towards the scrubber units located on either side of the service elevator.
“Give me a run down on the oxygenation rooms, Joe,” Andrews stated again looking at his watch. It was slightly past 1400 hours and General McCreary would be in the midst of the mid-day conference call. Joe sensed the President’s time was running short and would be as concise as possible, heading straight for the back wall.
“As you can see, Mr. President, each of the units to the right and the left of the service elevator are mirror images of one another. As mentioned earlier Level 15 above and below has a lead lined floor as well as the doors leading to this room. The power generation unit is also fully encased in lead. That’s three levels of security should there ever be a breach in the nuclear power generation unit. The primary function of the oxygenation units is to remove carbon dioxide and oxygenate the entire bunker. Its secondary function is temperature and humidity control. To your left you’ll see two separate rooms; one contains three turbo fans while the second room farthest from the service elevator contains the scrubber units and ventilation ducts. The two rooms to the right of the elevator are exactly the same. We’re only required to operate at 50% capacity; one complete unit can control the entire bunker allowing for periodic maintenance.”
President Andrews interrupted.
“And do we currently have the ability to supplement any of the other nineteen bunkers?”
“No, Mr. President, not at the moment. Once the bunkers are interconnected we will have that ability, but first tunneling operations have to be completed.”
Andrews was surprised that Professor Enghult hadn’t built this ability into his design, yet in a sense the multiple layers of security protecting the units from possible radiation exposure with overcapacity built-in accomplished this task to a certain extent.
“And what degree of maintenance is required?”
“Minimal, at best, Sir. The only moving parts in the six turbo fans are self-enclosed maintenance free bearing systems. They simply have to be changed out periodically and then refurbished. We have repair parts for each entire unit. Within the scrubber unit rooms is the ductwork running along the back wall which is interconnected throughout the entire bunker; the primary reason for the false floors on most of the other Levels. Those areas that do not contain false floors have the ventilation system run along the ceiling. The scrubber units require slightly more maintenance than the turbo fans; perhaps once monthly on a rotational basis. That’s why we have double the required capacity. Again, once all of the bunkers are interconnected the factory facilities in the outer ring have the ability to fabricate any replacement parts required through automated manufacturing. In effect, Sir, that makes the lifespan of the unit’s indefinite, contingent upon interconnection.”
“Very well, Joe. I’ve seen enough. I’ll go into more depth on the schematics and specific functions of the other bunkers after restart later on this evening. Let’s head down to Level 16; my time is running short.”
“As you wish, Mr. President.”
Joe’s answers had been straightforward and the group soon departed. President Andrews was slightly disappointed that currently there wasn’t the ability to supplement any of the other bunkers and made the assumption that during the initial attack should one of the bunkers gone down and the ventilation systems were interconnected, it also opened up the possibility of radiation exposure throughout the entire 20 unit complex, putting the lives of everyone at risk. But all of the bunkers in the complex had survived and the President made the decision right then and there that all 20 bunkers would be interconnected as quickly as possible. Within moments the three arrived on Level 16 where Mitch was patiently waiting. Level 16, the beginning of what was termed “The Sanctuary.” It was named such as it would hold those designated for stasis; suspended in animation for decades on end if need be.
“Mitch, thank you for meeting us,” the President said with the schematics of Level 16 already up on his computer. Mitch had also brought his own personal computer in order to assist in the President’s inspection.
“Before we begin, may I ask how your preparations are proceeding?” the President asked Professor Conyers.
“Better than expected, Mr. President. Dr. Pearson was able to allocate a number of medical personnel from the hospital facilities in order to supplement our own ranks and they’re currently being briefed on the specific aspects of the procedure throughout all 20 bunkers. Tomorrow we’ll begin hands-on training for our supplemental medical staff and we also have 2,000 volunteers already familiar with the procedure who’ve indicated that they wish to go into stasis as soon as possible. We’ll begin with those that have already had a full medical screening to get as many people into stasis as quickly as possible. In effect, Sir, we’re ahead of schedule.”
“You and your wife have done well, Mitch. Off the record I’m sincerely contemplating food rationing in the very near future, but if all elements go according to plan that may very well become unnecessary. You have my undivided attention; please begin your tour.”
“As you wish, Sir,” Mitch replied as he looked down the main corridor. The President followed Mitch’s gaze as Joe now became an observer as the Professor took the lead. There were no walls separating Level 16, with all support structures clearly visible.
“Collectively, Mr. President, Levels 16 through 18 are considered The Sanctuary. All three Levels are solely dedicated to storage of the suspension chambers and those soon to be contained within. We thought it inappropriate that it be named anything other than The Sanctuary as it will contain the future of mankind and is simply not a storage area. All three Levels will contain citizens; souls. Although Level 19 comprises the hospital and preparation facilities as well as our laboratory and quartering, in a sense it is also considered part of The Sanctuary. Below that lies Level 20 which you are already familiar with. Levels 16 through 18 are exact duplicates of one another, designed so for the sake of consistency and ease of maintenance. Each of the following three Levels contains 15,000 fully functioning suspension chambers; 45,000 in all. In the outer rings another 50,000 chambers are intermittently stored in various Dome areas, having arrived just prior to the outbreak of the war. We have approximately 750,000 individuals in total throughout the complex and 800,000 suspension chambers. At a later date we’ll be able to fabricate repair parts as needed, but for now we have more chambers than required. Should any of the chambers malfunction we have the ability to transfer those contained within into one of the other functioning chambers without risking their lives. Any chambers found to be defective will be repaired if possible, and once deemed functional brought back on-line. If we aren’t able to salvage the any individual unit it will be used for repair parts until we’re able to manufacture them on demand in the factory facilities located in the outer ring. Although it’s not my place to say, Mr. President, going over the numbers I’m somewhat concerned that some of the other bunkers within the complex are currently overburdened.
President Andrews was well aware of that fact and had been monitoring the security situation in all 20 bunkers through Joint Chief Rodriguez’s efforts and his three times daily meetings with the Joint Chiefs and Bunker Site Commanders. Had it been a member of the military as opposed to Professor Conyers the President might have taken offense at Mitch’s statement, but Mitch was not military, he was a Professor and not completely familiar with proper protocol and simply expressing a concern on his part. For that reason alone President Andrews overlooked it and responded sympathetically. Beyond that Mitch was right.
“I agree, Professor. This is not to be repeated, but my concerns are the same. We are well aware of that fact and monitoring the situation closely. We’re confident that through multiple efforts including those of yourself, Anya, and Dr. Pearson, within short order this situation will be addressed. I thank you for your openness and extraordinary efforts to solve this part of the equation in order to ensure our future survival. Please continue.”
Mitch hadn’t picked up on the fact that he’d breached protocol and simply continued with his explanation of suspension chamber operations. The four members of the group were still standing near the elevator and had an unobstructed view of Level 16 in its entirety. It was a good place to start and allowed them the full measure of Level 16.
“As you can see, Mr. President, to both the left and right of the main corridor each section contains 7,500 suspension chamber units. The false floor underneath contains all of the electronics, very complicated indeed. This includes the monitoring systems for each and every chamber; the power supply required for their functioning and is supplemented by the back-up battery banks located on level 20 should the power generation unit ever go down. The chambers themselves are stacked three high and rest upon manual runners to minimize power consumption. This was done for periodic visual inspection of the individuals contained within. With so many people eventually to be contained within this area that procedure will be performed continuously. To the left of the main corridor you’ll find three glass enclosed monitoring stations with two staff members to be on duty at all times monitoring the proper operation of the chambers and overall health of the individuals. To the right there are another three monitoring stations, again staffed with six personnel. Of our dedicated teams charged with performing the initial procedure, once completed they’ll be reallocated to monitoring as more and more of our citizens enter into stasis. The hospital personnel will supplement our ranks as had always been the original plan. The monitoring stations are also directly connected to the battery banks so that the system never goes down.”
President Andrews was not only intrigued by the efficiency and cleanliness of Level 16 but also by the sheer intricacy of the operations.
“Professor,” he asked. “Which Level is to be utilized first once operations begin?”
“Level 18, Mr. President. Due to our earlier discussions regarding the imperativeness that operations begin as soon as possible, utilizing Level 18 due to its proximity to the preparation area and hospital facilities seemed appropriate, even if it only allows two more individuals per day to go into stasis. Every second matters.”
“Agreed,” Andrews replied as he double tapped his computer. A visual on the sub-floor appeared on his screen displaying the schematics of the electronic systems contained beneath. Each square section of removable floor was four feet in width and supported by a titanium alloy substructure. Individual panels were made of steel and weighed approximately forty pounds each with the ability to fully support the weight above it. Beneath the paneled floor lay the very intricate electronic systems that would supply power to both the chambers and monitoring stations. Professor Enghult deemed it appropriate that all units be hard wired; although wireless interconnectivity was also available should it be useful in the future.
“So basically this Level will be used last, if I understand correctly?”
“That is correct, Mr. President.”
“I’d like to see for myself the electronics below. Based upon the sensitivity of the equipment, would it be possible for us to remove three panels of the flooring so that I can fully understand the substructure?”
“No, Mr. President, not a problem at all. This area will be utilized last once stasis operations begin, and full diagnostics will be run prior to that occurrence.”
“Very well,” Andrews replied as he turned to Joe. “Joe, would you please remove three panels from the sub-floor.”
“Yes, Mr. President,” Joe replied as he walked over to an equipment locker near the first monitoring station. He removed two manually locking suction cups that would allow him to remove the panels so that the President could see the technical aspects of the sub-structure. The group followed Joe as he proceeded to the locker.
“Any specific section of the floor, Sir?” Joe asked.
Looking at his schematics President Andrews said “yes, please remove three panels directly adjacent to monitoring station 1,” perhaps one of the most complicated sections of all as it was a junction point and contained all electronics leading to the 400 square foot monitoring station which handled 2,500 of the stasis units. Once Joe removed the three panels with a little bit of effort on his part, President Andrews was simply amazed at the intricacy of the electronics, despite the fact that all conduits were color coded and clearly marked. One conduit was coded red, reflecting that it was the primary power supply while a second was coded green and monitored each and every stasis unit and also connected to the Conyers’ lab below. The third conduit was coded black and strictly dedicated to the back-up power supply.
“Very well, Joe. I’ve seen enough,” the President said as he overrode the security system to the monitoring station and entered with Professor Conyers. It looked very similar to the power generation unit; multiple computer displays complimented by visual observation through overhead cameras dedicated to the 2,500 chambers for which it was to monitor.
“What’s the protocol, Professor?” Andrews asked.
“Continuous monitoring of the patients health as well as ongoing diagnostics ensuring proper functionality of each and every chamber, supplemented by periodic visual observation. That’s the reason why the chambers are placed on manual runners. Should any individual unit malfunction, the staff is notified immediately as are we on Level 19. A recovery crew is dispatched immediately and the hospital goes into high gear so that the individual can be assessed for overall health, and if all is well immediately placed into a properly functioning chamber. The malfunctioning chamber then goes to our recovery team for analysis and repair if possible.”
“Very well, Professor,” Andrews replied as they both exited the control room as it locked automatically behind them.
“Joe, go ahead and replace those three panels.”
“Yes, Mr. President.”
“Professor. Of the three groups going into stasis, are they segregated?” Andrews asked.
“They are, Sir. Group 1 on Level 18; Group 2 on Level 17; and Group 3 on Level 16,” Mitch replied.
“Good. Let’s you and I walk the floor Andrews said as Joe went about his task. Having replaced the panels in short order he waited at the monitoring station as Phillips accompanied the President and Professor Conyers on their walk through; aisle by aisle; section by section. With so many chambers stored on Level 16 as well as those below the area seemed almost cramped, but the chambers were most certainly accessible at a moment’s notice should one of the units require immediate removal. Everything was clearly marked and numbered, President Andrews noticing that all of the units on Level 16 were red.
“Is the color indicative of the group which the stasis chamber contains?” he asked Mitch.
“It is, Sir. Should the electronic display monitoring the health of the individual malfunction, upon arrival at the hospital facility they’ll know the patient’s entire history as it is updated continuously and the data stored in the computer banks in the monitoring station. The computer in each monitoring station transfers detailed data on the individual directly. Each unit is also numbered. The data includes the individual’s name, date placed into stasis, heart rate, metabolic rate, and a myriad of other relevant items. The chambers on Level 18, Group 1, are white. Group 2 on Level 17 are green, and Group 3 with DNA modification on Level 18 are red.”
“You’ve thought things through very well, Mitch,” the President stated matter of factly.
“Thank you, Sir, but I can’t take full credit. Anya was integral in the development of the chambers; I don’t think either of us individually could have accomplished our multi-year mission.”
“Nonetheless,” Andrews replied, “you did accomplish it, and for that I am truly grateful.”
Mitch didn’t respond with anything other than a nod of recognition.
President Andrews once again looked at his watch. The 1400 conference moderated by General McCreary would have ended by now, and not having heard from him knew that there were no critical issues requiring his immediate attention.
“Let’s take a look at the next two Levels, Mitch,” the President said as he led the group back towards the elevator. The inspection of Levels 17 and 18 went quickly. As promised the layout was exactly as that of Level 16 for the sake of continuity and simplicity. Similar to the President’s earlier need to actually see the food supplies, he also felt a burning desire to see the stasis units as well, simply to know that they were ready to go. Each and every aisle throughout all three Levels had been walked, step by step. Once satisfied that this part of the overall plan was in place he then turned to Mitch as they again approached the elevator.
“Professor, I thank you for your time, although mine runs short. We’ll skip Level 19 for today, I’d like to further review detailed aspects of your stasis procedures and do not wish to disturb your very important preparations for the implementation of suspension operations. Three days from now when you begin operations, I’ll personally be on-site to observe. Tomorrow the Joint Chiefs will be inspecting the bunker and I’ll advise them of the same; that they are not to disturb your preparations in any way, however, they’ll most certainly want to inspect Levels 16 through 18. Would that be problematic?”
“No, Mr. President, not at all,” Mitch replied.
“Very well, then. Thank you for your time, Professor.”
“My pleasure, Sir,” Mitch replied as they entered the elevator.
“Level 19,” the President said. As they reached Level 19 Mitch departed to continue with his preparations and as the doors closed President Andrews then said Level 20.” The group arrived in an instant and once exiting headed straight towards the Oval Office. Two Secret Service Agents were stationed outside of Margaret’s office as well as the elevator, the doors to the conference room, and the control room. Phillips glanced inside Margaret’s office and upon questioning his subordinates stationed himself alongside them having been informed all was secure, while Joe followed the President at Andrews' behest. Margaret was sitting at her desk interviewing another prospective candidate to assist in her duties as they arrived. As Joe had initially been nervous upon first entering Margaret’s office, so too was Angela, Margaret’s promising candidate. Angela began to rise upon seeing the President and again Andrews worked his magic, quickly putting her at ease. Joe smiled a knowing smile, having undergone the same treatment earlier in the day.
“Please, remain seated. Jason Andrews,” he said as he held out his hand to shake Angela’s in greeting.
All Angela could muster was “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. President, my name is Angela.”
“Well, Angela, I certainly hope Margaret isn’t giving you too hard a time.”
Andrews smiled as he winked at Margaret and then asked “And how have the two little ones been behaving?”
“They’ve been little darlings, Sir. We even had our lunch together before they went back to their very important studies in the Oval Office, although General McCreary did at one point have to enter through your private doorway to the conference room and politely ask them to keep the noise level down.”
Andrews laughed.
“Oh, he did; did he?”
“Yes, Mr. President, and apparently quite effectively.”
“Well, please don’t let me disturb you. Angela, it’s been a pleasure meeting you,” he said turning to Joe. “Joe, if you wouldn’t mind accompanying me?” Andrews stated as he entered the door to his inner sanctum with Maxwell close behind. Upon seeing their father Rebecca and Marissa ran up to him, each grabbing on to one of his legs. It was Rebecca who spoke first.
“Daddy, where have you been? We’ve been waiting for you all day?”
“I’m sorry, young ladies. Daddy had some work to do. Have you been paying attention to Miss Margaret and doing as you’re told?”
“Yes, we’ve been very good.”
“I understand Mr. McCreary had to ask you to quiet down a little.”
Both Rebecca and Marissa flushed slightly as Rebecca again took the lead.
“Yes, daddy, but we were good after that.”
“Ok, then. Remember, Mr. McCreary’s work is almost as important as yours,” the President suddenly turned father said.
“We know, we’re sorry.”
“Ok, girls. I’d like you to meet my friend Mr. Maxwell.”
Joe was surprised at such a dramatic change in the President.
“Hello, Mr. Maxwell. My name is Rebecca.”
“And I’m Marissa. I’m going to be four years old.”
“Four years old!” Joe replied. My gosh, that was my favorite age. You can call me Joe if you’d like.”
“Ok, Joe,” Marissa replied. Rebecca calls me Lissa. You can call me Lissa is you want.”
“Lissa it is then.”
“Where’s mommy?” Rebecca asked her father.
“She’s working too, but she’ll be back very soon. If you two young ladies wouldn’t mind, Joe and I need to talk for a little bit. Would you go keep Miss Margaret company for a little while?”
“Ok, daddy,” Rebecca replied.
“But you’ll have to be very quiet, she has someone with her.”
“Ok,” they replied almost in unison as they both sprinted out the door headed to Margaret’s office.
President Andrews closed the door behind them as he turned to Joe.”
“Take a seat, Joe, it’s been a long day,” the President said as he pulled up the schematics for Level 20, most of which the President was already familiar with.
“I’m fairly knowledgeable about this Level already. I understand it’s mostly quartering for the Joint Chiefs, their families, Secret Service Staff, control room technicians, maintenance staff, and a spattering of other various personnel located on the other side of this Level. I’ll inspect their quarters personally on a meet and greet basis at a later point in time, but for now there are only three areas in particular that I’d like to inspect.”
“Sir?”
“The main computer room, the evacuation tubes should we ever need them, and the battery banks. Sound like a plan, Joe?”
“Sounds like a plan, Mr. President. I would like to mention though in the secondary section of Level 20 there are additional food supplies and water storage should Level 15 ever need to be sequestered.”
“Good to know, Joe. How much?”
“Approximately a one year supply based upon occupancy rates of Levels 16 through 20.”
“Joe, what’s your position on the damage control crew?”
“Second under the lead technician, Mr. President.”
“Let’s relax for a moment and then I’d like to have General McCreary come in here.”
Joe was completely at ease as the President rose after several minutes and approached the door to the conference room where General McCreary and the Joint Chiefs had been reviewing schematics all morning and well into the afternoon. Before opening the door he turned.
“You did well today, Joe. Remember what I told you about your tour with the Joint Chiefs tomorrow. Clear, concise, and specific answers to specific questions. There’ll be a bunch of them and they’ll be coming at you from multiple angles. No conclusions on your part, just answers. Understood?
“Understood, Mr. President.”
Upon entering the conference room most of the Joint Chiefs were already on their feet, some leaning over the conference table reviewing schematics while several conversations were taking place simultaneously. Upon seeing the President all came to attention.
“At ease. General McCreary,” he said. “If I may see you in my office for a moment?”
“Certainly, Mr. President,” McCreary replied as he followed the President through the doorway, Andrews closing it behind them. Joe rose upon the General’s arrival while Andrews made the introductions.
“General McCreary, I’d like to introduce you to Mr. Joseph Maxwell, second in seniority on the damage control crew. He’ll be the one assisting you and the Joint Chiefs on your inspection of Bunker Site 1 tomorrow following the morning conference.”
Joe was young and had a firm handshake, reaching out his hand as he spoke. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, General McCreary,” he said. He’d heard much of the General and seen him many times on television over the years. Returning the gesture General McCreary reached out and shook Joe’s hand; rock firm despite his age. Joe knew this was a man to be reckoned with, even if he had never shaken his hand.
“Gentlemen,” the President said, “please be seated.”
Both McCreary and Maxwell complied as President Andrews began methodically.
“General McCreary,” he asked. “Is there any news of significance to report regarding the mid-day conference?”
“No, Mr. President, nothing of significance requiring your attention. All goes well according to your directives within each of the 20 bunkers.”
“Have there been any indications of restoration of communications with NORAD?”
“No, Sir, there has not.”
President Andrews drew a deep breath in a contemplative manner, concerned not only for the integrity of NORAD, but all bunker complexes located within the United States as well as the allied nations.”
McCreary interjected. “Mr. President, if I may?”
“Continue,” Andrews responded.
“I’m concerned, but based upon the EMP pulse I would give it two days’ more time. Should communications on at least a minimal basis not be restored, I recommend that we dispatch one of our own drones contained within the bunker and attempt to make contact with NORAD from this end.”
Andrews thought for a moment. “Agreed,” he said with no further discussion on the matter for the moment. Joe sat silently listening to this conversation take place, unsure as to whether it was appropriate that he be permitted to overhear any of it.
“Have the Joint Chiefs familiarized themselves with Bunker Site 1 as well as the other outlying bunkers contained within the complex, General?”
“They have, Mr. President.”
“Very well, then, General, here are my instructions. Tomorrow Mr. Maxwell will provide the tour of Bunker Site 1 for the edification of the Joint Chiefs. As a group you are to be accompanied by four armed Secret Service Agents; suit and ties; specific personnel to be allocated at the discretion of Agent Phillips. At 2400 this evening we have restart of the nuclear power generation unit which I shall personally be on-site within the control room to oversee. After tomorrow’s inspection, assuming all goes well you and I shall make a decision regarding whether or not to attempt to communicate with NORAD by sending out one of our own drones contained within the complex. I have found Mr. Maxwell to be most helpful and extremely knowledgeable regarding all aspects of the bunker system. You are to allow the Joint Chiefs to ask questions and also allow them their leash, but keep it a short leash. When you reach the military quartering on Level 11 keep it especially short. During the inspection Mr. Maxwell is not to be impugned in any way, shape, or form, nor or our military personnel. I have, based upon my experience, future plans for Mr. Maxwell’s continued service. Upon reaching level 15 Dr. Lazzario and his staff are not to be interrupted whatsoever. You are permitted to observe operations from within the anteroom only. Upon reaching Level 16 the Joint Chiefs are not to consume more than one hour of Professor Conyers’ time. Upon reaching Level 19 the Joint Chiefs are encouraged to tour the hospital facilities to remind them of the task that lay before us, but are not to disrupt or impede the Conyers’ preparations for the suspension chamber operations.”
Andrews didn’t need to ask if General McCreary understood; they had worked together for too long and any questions on the part of the General were unnecessary. Joe sat there silently alongside both men, absolutely mesmerized. If there had been any questions in his mind about who was truly in charge, they had been quickly put to rest. According to the President’s instructions apparently he had done something right today.
“As you wish, Mr. President,” McCreary replied.
“General, you are dismissed.”
Looking down at his desk the President suddenly noticed the paperwork that he had requested earlier approving Major Hastings promotion to Colonel. He signed it quickly and stopped the General prior to exiting the Oval Office.
“Phil,” he said.
The General turned. “Sir?”
“If you would be so kind as to process this paperwork when time avails. For now please leave it on the corner of the conference room desk. Continue with your efforts, and I thank you for correcting Rebecca and Marissa.”
McCreary smiled.
“Been there and done that, Mr. President.”
McCreary had his marching orders and would follow them to the letter. He exited the Oval Office as he closed the door behind him and upon entering the conference room made a subtle show of placing Hastings’ papers on the corner of the desk. Maxwell suddenly understood that the relationship between the President and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs went well beyond the chain of command; their friendship ran deep and both were on the same page with complete dedication to their mission. President Andrews rose.
“Let’s check out those three areas on Level 20, Joe.”
“Yes, Mr. President,” Maxwell replied. But first he had to get past Margaret’s office and run the gauntlet of Rebecca and Marissa.
As President Andrews rose Joe followed suit. Within seconds they were in Margaret’s office and the President looked at his long-time secretary.
“Have they been behaving properly, Miss Margaret?” he asked.
“Quiet as kittens, Mr. President.”
Andrews then turned to his two children.
“I’m very proud of you two. Please go about your business in the Oval Office. Mr. Maxwell and I have to see to some things.”
“Yes, father,” Rebecca replied. “Goodbye Mr. Maxwell.”
“Goodbye Rebecca. Goodbye Lissa. It was very nice to meet you both.”
Certain that they had been polite the President’s daughters sprinted to their personal playground as Andrews and Maxwell completed the partial tour of Level 20. Andrews found all to be in place as promised and thanked Joe for his time and very informative guidance.
“Get a good night’s sleep, Joe, you have a long day ahead of you,” he said as Joe entered the elevator. He went straight to the Atrium where his wife had been volunteering in the Commissary, doing her best to keep her mind off of what had transpired over the past several days. Upon seeing her husband in the serving line she asked him with a degree of concern on her face.
“Are you ok?”
Joe responded with a look that she had never before seen.
“Right as rain, dear. Right as rain.”