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Monterey so that I can negotiate with the Alliance.”
    There is a pause before Chris replies,
    “I agree. Our number one priority is taking care of the survivors from the bombing and getting Senator Hart to Monterey.”
    “The Senator will need to leave immediately,” Robert says.
    “I’m ready to go,” I answer.
    “I volunteer for security detail for Senator Hart,” Andrew volunteers.
    “So do I,” Uriah agrees.
    “And I’ll fly overhead security,” Manny offers. “I’ll keep you updated while you’re on board the train.”
    “Thank you,” I smile.
    “I’ll accompany the Senator,” Chris says. “The Naval Academy and I go back a long way. I’ll be able to help.”
    Robert replies, “It will be dangerous for both of you to go. You’ll make for a bigger target.”
    “It’s a necessary risk,” Chris says. “I know Monterey better than anyone here.”
    Robert seems to accept this. “Get the security detail ready,” he answers. “Tell the National Guard to fire up the railroad. We’ve got two days to get to Monterey Bay. And God willing, we will successfully join the Alliance before it’s too late.”
    Before Omega destroys us all.

Chapter Four
    When I was a child, I rode on a train at a theme park. I don’t remember the name of the park or how old I was. I just remember the train, and I remember sitting in my father’s lap as the wind tossed my hair and billows of smoke from the locomotive filled the sky.
    It was magical, riding a train. It’s a memory that is ingrained in my heart. One of the few happy moments in my life before the EMP. Before everything was destroyed.
    I’m standing at the window in my hotel room, overlooking the street below. The National Guard is getting the train ready – the train that will take me to Monterey Bay…and to the Alliance’s negotiation table. I’m not sure I’m cut out for this kind of thing. I’m beginning to wish that I hadn’t been nominated as a Senator.
    I turn away from the window and sit down at the table. There is an old tourist booklet near the lamp. I flip it open and look through the pictures. Bright, colored photographs of families enjoying “quality time” together as they visit the city. Old TownSacramento, Capitol Mall, The Stanford Mansion, The Governor’s Mansion…such beautiful places. And, for the time being, we have managed to preserve the city. Unlike Los Angeles, which is an empty husk – the aftereffect of a chemical weapon Omega unleashed on the populace.
    I close the book.
    There is an abrupt knock on the hotel door. I straighten my spine and stand up, snapping out of my reverie. I open the door. And there is Sophia. She looks uncomfortable. I am surprised – I had no idea that she was working with our militia again. When did this happen?
    “Cassidy,” she says. “They’re ready for you.”
    I nod slowly.
    “Okay,” I reply. I grab my backpack and leave the room. I don’t look back.
    Goodbye, Sacramento. Hello, Alliance.
    I close the door. Sophia is standing there, tense, and I wonder why they sent her to fetch me. Surely that could have found someone else.
    “Cassidy,” she says.
    I meet her gaze. The hallway is quiet, empty.
    “I…” she begins, then trails off. “Come on.”
    “Sophia, we need to talk about this,” I say.
    “There’s nothing to talk about.” She pushes the call button for the elevator. “What happened, happened. We can’t change that now.”
    “I just want us to be friends again.” I offer a hopeful smile.
    The elevator doors slide open, and Sophia steps inside. I do, too. The doors close, and there is a heavy silence between us. She never responds, she just stares at the wall. She moves her lips a couple of times, like she’s thinking about speaking – but she doesn’t. The elevator doors open.
    “Commander Young and your security detail is waiting for you at the station,” she says. “There will be a convoy to take you there, and from that point, you’re under the