Reboot

“What’s happening with the mission? Have we heard anything yet?“ asked Mooney. They were walking in the caves while eating sandwiches, followed by two secret service men. Mooney was studying the work that was constantly going on. This was a temporary dwelling but it had to be maintained. They walked through galley after galley. Some much larger than others. There were huge warehouses full of every conceivable example of American culture and art, as well as machines and weapons of all sorts. In some rooms, soldiers were training with robots, while others were taking classes. There were labs where white clothed technicians played with test tubes. Others were welding various structures together. Now they were walking by the hydroponics looking at the various types of food that were being tested. Mooney’s mind was elsewhere however.

“I just talked to them again. They’re on their way back… Strange though,” answered Ian.

“What’s that?”

“Well the report is oddly short again; and different. As if it was written by someone else. It’s a different style. Usually, Lieutenant Skinner is thorough, vicious and meticulous. This time it was just –Nothing to see here folks, move on-”

“Did you talk to him?”

“No. That’s the other thing. Every time we have a radio check, he’s busy with something. I always end up talking to Captain Chenoweh, or a member of his staff.”

“Make another unscheduled call. Tell them it’s the President calling and I want to talk directly to Skinner immediately, damn it. Where is that guy?”

“I’ll get right on it.”