The End of the Beginning

“John.”

“Commander. Where are you? Did you see the attack? And the message?”

“I did Colonel. I’m nearing the mainland. Were you able to get out?”

“Yes. We left minutes before the message went out. St. Lawrence has been sealed by the US Navy. So far they can’t ID any would be attackers or immediate threats that would prove Terra Nova’s claim.” “Believe the claim. They have the means to do what they say.”

John paused for a long while. “Ma’am…”

“Yes, John?”

“Did you know this was going to happen? Is that why you made us leave?”

“The only thing that matters now is that we get home; do you hear me, Colonel? We must get home.” “Then why are you going to Nome ma’am? Why not just come with us or why don’t we go with you? What are you not telling me?” “War has started John,” Hammond said remorsefully, “and I can’t lose anymore soldiers. I just can’t.” “But we aren’t solider ma’am.”

“We’ll always be soldiers, John. Always.”

Hammond hung up the call. From her jacket pocket she took out a bottle of pills. She took out two and swallowed them. They tasted awful but she had gotten used to them. She went to grab for her glass tag but she remembered she wasn’t wearing it. John didn’t know it yet but he had it, tucked inside the sealed envelope he was carrying upon her orders. No one could track her without them.

She found the time on the television built into the seat headrest in front of her. It was 7:18 p.m.; 11:18 p.m. back at base.

“Less than twenty hours to go,” she sighed to herself in the dark plane cabin.