The NEA’s command post occupied a long swath of the parking lot in front of the old NORAD Headquarters Building. A line of six big green vans carrying expandable containers, which resembled the trailers of a recreational vehicle, sat side-by-side within a perimeter of generators, field lights, and rows of burlap tents.

Captain Whitfield parked the Humvee near the vans. Webb got out, and Alex followed him toward the first of the trailers. Her heart was beating fast. President Resnick was thousands of miles away but he could order the NEA to sedate her or throw her into a holding cell. Without her abilities, she had no means of protecting herself. Resnick could even order Webb to draw his handgun and put a bullet into her brain. The idea did nothing to calm her nerves.

“Hold it,” Webb said as his gaze shifted toward three men approaching from the furthest van. Their Directorate fatigues stood out against the snow. She recognized the officer in the center as General Park. He held a clipboard and flipped through the attached papers.

“I need those numbers,” Park said.

“We’re working on an accurate count, sir,” the man on the left said. “The EMP knocked out a lot of systems but we’re getting everything back online. The battalions keep changing their numbers. They reported forty percent combined strength two hours ago. Now they say fifty.”

“Just get me something I can work with.”

“Yes, sir.” The officer left toward another trailer.

Alex recognized the remaining officer as Captain Andreski. He was large, almost twice Park’s height. The two continued side-by-side to the first trailer, oblivious to Alex or Webb. When they reached the step ladder into the vehicle, Webb said, “Good evening, General.”

Park hesitated. “Colonel Webb, I—” His voice faltered when he saw Alex. No one spoke or moved. Then Park whispered something to Andreski. The captain nodded and continued around the trailer and onto the path to the headquarters building. Park approached them slowly and stopped almost face-to-face with Alex. “Alexandra. I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

She had wanted to see Park, to speak with him even though he had betrayed the Directorate. But his sudden appearance caught her off guard, and her thoughts were on the video conference with Resnick. What had she wanted to say to him?

“President Resnick is waiting to speak with Ms. Bedford,” Webb said.

Park gave Alex a long, searching look. His eyes contained a deep sadness. He had had any time to mourn for his son? So much had happened since Kansas City. The Directorate hadn’t had the time to hold a service at Little Arlington. Not for Specialist Park or Williams or Fletcher or the thousands of other Directorate soldiers who had died during the battle. “Perhaps…” Park’s voice trailed off.

“Can it wait?” Alex said to Webb. “Just for a minute.”

Webb looked at Park, who nodded slightly. To Alex’s surprise, Webb went to the side of the command vehicle and crossed his arms. He stared at Alex and then looked away as if pretending to focus his attention elsewhere.

There was a long silence. Park was trying to arrange his thoughts. They had caught each other equally off guard. “I… regret what I did to you in Salina,” he said.

The memories returned all at once. The chaos following the arrival of the NEA’s helicopter. The upper corner of the hotel imploded and collapsed into the lower floors, unleashing a cloud of dust that swept out over the block. A pair of soldiers raced toward her. She had lashed out without thinking. One man’s leg snapped, his femur ripping through his thigh. The other soldier raised his weapon but then slammed to a halt. Blood and bile erupted from his mouth while red streams leaked from beneath his ballistic vest. He was staring at her even as he fell dead on the grass. Alex closed her eyes until the images disappeared. “I’m… sorry about your men.”

“You were acting in self-defense. It’s my fault those men died.”

Park’s words surprised Alex. Back in the hotel lobby, they had talked about his son, Specialist Benjamin Park, who had died holding Alex’s hand, and of the New England Alliance. “That first time in Salina, right after Topeka got overrun… You knew you were going to side with the NEA, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“You wanted to tell me,” she said, more to herself than to Park.

He nodded.

“I don’t think I would have listened.”

“No, but I wish I had tried harder to push you in the right direction.”

“Are you sure this is the right direction?”

Park looked at Webb, then down at his feet, and then again at Alex. He appeared uncomfortable, and his face continued to betray traces of sorrow and guilt. Is it because of what he did to me? Or is it something else? His son? The Directorate?

He began to speak quietly, forcing Alex to move closer to hear him over the generators. “When I heard you were being evacuated from Fort Riley and coming to Salina, I tried to contact General Martin. I couldn’t reach him but I did speak to Colonel Webb. He certainly… didn’t sound in a good mood. He convinced me to sedate you before he arrived. I didn’t want to hurt you, but I knew I had to get you out of the fight or else I’d see you and your team on the battlefield in Colorado. I thought it was for the best.” He paused and then added, “I still do. Although, from what I’ve heard, you managed to get onto the battlefield anyway.”

“I was going to use my abilities to disarm everything. To break all the tanks and APCs and weapons.”

“What went wrong?”

“I lost control. It was like Kansas City. I… I would have killed everyone on both sides if one of our soldiers hadn’t knocked me out.”

“What do you mean when you say you lost control?”

“It’s happened every time I’ve used my abilities since Kansas City. It’s like this voice telling me that if I let go, it will take care of everything and all I’ll have to do is watch. And the thing is, part of me wants to let it happen. When I killed those soldiers in Kansas City it… felt good. Like I was starving and each one of them was food. It’s been like that every time since. I’ll try to concentrate and ignore it and stay in control but it’s too strong and I end up just letting go.”

“I didn’t know it was that bad.”

“You said God gave me these abilities for a reason. I don’t know if I believe that, but I’ve been trying to use them to protect people. I don’t want to hurt anyone. I used them in Washington to stop the Committee’s drones and I used them here to try to keep anyone else from getting killed by this stupid war. But it keeps backfiring. I’m almost glad they’re gone.”

“I’m sorry?” Park asked.

“They’re not working. Ever since I woke up a few hours ago, I can’t use my abilities.”

“Perhaps that’s for the best.”

“Maybe,” Alex said. “I don’t even know what’s happening to me anymore.”

“I know you don’t believe in God. I understand your doubts. Things must be very confusing. I can’t pretend to have any experience with what you’re dealing with. But it’s times like these where God has always seen me through.

“Turning my back on the Directorate was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made. When I heard about my son, I blamed God at first. I’d asked him to protect Ben. I wanted to know why he let my only child die. After being faithful for so long, after coming back to him even after the outbreaks… But I realized it wasn’t God’s fault. I’ve had my doubts about the Directorate for years but I never spoke up. I never acted. I let Ben’s conscription go through in spite of those doubts. Of course, I objected to it but I could have done more to stop it. Even when we went to war, when the fighting began and coffins started arriving at Peterson. Even when I heard your team and my son were going into Kansas City, I did nothing. I believe I could have ended the war before it started. All I would have had to do is tell your father I wouldn’t be part of it. But I let it happen and my son died as a result.

“After that, it was only a matter of convincing myself that joining the NEA was the right decision. I was afraid even more young men and women would die if I changed sides but I realized if I stayed with the Directorate, one day I would have to stand before God and justify why I didn’t take action to free this country. And I wouldn’t have an answer.

“I don’t know if that helps you or not, Alexandra, but I know God has a place for all of us as long as we’re willing to accept him into our lives. All you have to do is ask, and I believe he’ll help set you on his path.”

“Even after what I’ve done? After Kansas City?”

“Yes. Even after that.”

“Last time we talked, you said you would pray for me no matter what happened. Did you mean that?”

“I prayed that night. Your name did come up.” Park smiled. Alex did as well. He added, “Nicole Serrano’s, too.”

“When you prayed for me, what did you say? If that’s all right to ask.”

“Sir.” Webb had come up behind them without her realizing it. “President Resnick is waiting.”

“I apologize, Colonel.” Park glanced at his watch and stared at it as if surprised to see that so much time had passed. “We’ll be done in a moment.”

“Yes, sir.” Webb retreated to the trailer.

“It seems you have important business. If you’d like, we can say a prayer together.”

“Right here? Now?”

“God is always listening.”

“I wouldn’t know what to say.”

“Don’t worry,” Park said with a reassuring smile. “I can do the talking. Just think to yourself what you’d like to say. He’ll hear you.”

Park bowed his head. Alex looked around. She felt awkward, out of place. Webb was watching them, and she caught glances from several other soldiers moving in the area. But after a moment, she followed Park’s lead, bowed her head, and closed her eyes.

“Heavenly Father.” Park’s voice was soft but Alex found she could hear him without having to strain. “In times like these, when we’re surrounded by war and sorrow and pain, it’s difficult for us to believe that you’re here, that you listen to our prayers and that you’ll help us if only we extend our hearts to you.”

Alex listened to Park’s words as she formulated her own prayer. It was a jumble of thoughts, of names and faces more than anything else. She hoped it was right, that it was enough. She pictured Nicole, pale white from loss of blood, laying on a hospital bed with an oxygen mask over her face and an IV line feeding sedatives into her arm. She imagined each member of the team sitting alone in different tents. Murray was asleep on a cot and snoring loudly. Wilson was happily eating his spaghetti MRE. Shepherd was walking along the fence line, slowly pacing back and forth remembering their fallen teammates. She thought of Lunde and even Harrison in Cheyenne Mountain’s operations center. She thought of Martin, the battered man who was her biological father, who shared her eyes, and who had known her father and mother since before she was conceived. She struggled to bring all of the faces together: Nicole, Shepherd, the team, Lunde, Harrison, Martin, and her father. Please watch over them, she thought. If you’re listening, God, if you’re really out there, keep them safe. I know I don’t have the right to ask anything after what I’ve done, but please…

Park’s voice came back to her. “These past days and weeks and months have been difficult on all of us. I have no doubt you’ve looked down in sadness at the things we’ve done. We find comfort that you are willing to forgive us for our sins as long as we take your son into our lives and accept him as our savior. I ask that you continue to look after my men and that you guide me in the coming days so I can help resolve this conflict without any more loss of life. And I ask you, please look after Alexandra. Help guide her into your light and onto your path, and keep her safe in the difficult times ahead. Allow her to see that you love her as much as you love all of us, and that she, too, has a place by your side. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”

Alex opened her eyes and brushed away the snow that had accumulated on her hair and shoulders. “Thank you,” she said to Park.

“You’re welcome. I’m glad we were able to talk again. Good luck in your meeting.”

Park turned to go but he hesitated when Alex said, “General?”

“Yes?”

“I…” She hesitated.

“What is it?” Park said gently.

“I just want to let you know that… I don’t think Ben would have blamed you for any of this. It wasn’t your fault he died. And… I don’t blame you either for what you did. I forgive you.”

Park blinked. His eyes were wet with tears. Had she said something wrong? He rubbed at his eyes and then sniffled and lowered his arm. “Thank you.”

Webb came up to them. “Sir, are you—”

“I’m fine,” Park said and sniffled again before adding, “Give General Martin my best.”

“Yes, sir.”

Park gave Alex a final look. The sorrow persisted in his eyes but Alex thought she saw something new as well: gratitude. Then he turned and walked off the lot toward the headquarters building. He soon disappeared, his figure blending with the falling snow before vanishing into the darkness.

---

President Michael Resnick’s skin had lost its color, and his pupils – dilated and bloodshot – were small within the orbits of dark rings. He resembled a zombie from one of the old horror movies in the Directorate’s archives. His surroundings resembled a bunker. The light was dim, and behind him stood bare concrete walls. He sat in an old leather office chair behind a simple metal desk. A far cry from the Oval Office.

Alex and Webb were alone in the van. They stood in front of the largest monitor on the wall. A camera above the screen transmitted their images across the country to Massachusetts.

“Connection established,” someone said off-screen.

Resnick straightened in his seat and clasped his hands on the desk. Then he took a deep breath and looked into the camera. Alex felt he was staring straight into her eyes but he spoke first to Webb, “Colonel, it’s good to see you.” Despite his ragged appearance, his voice sounded composed and confident. “I have a few questions.”

Webb nodded.

“General Martin tells me that Ms. Bedford’s abilities have disappeared. What’s your assessment?”

“It is a possibility, sir. She hasn’t been out of my sight since she woke up, and during that time, she hasn’t attempted to use her abilities. However, I haven’t seen any real evidence to support her claim.”

“Do you believe her?”

Webb said carefully, “I wouldn’t recommend leaving her to her own devices, sir.”

“Nor would I,” President Resnick said. “Consider this an order not to be overridden by anyone but myself: do not leave her to her own devices.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Good. That will be all.”

“Yes, sir.” Webb stepped out of the camera’s frame and went to sit at one of the computer terminals. He continued to watch Alex, and she thought she caught a hint of a smile before his expression returned to stony neutrality.

President Resnick paused before speaking to Alex. She knew now that his eyes were focused on her, and they no longer appeared so tired or sick. “Ms. Bedford. Alex. I’m going to come straight to the point. Your father is holding this country hostage. I’ve spoken to General Martin as well as the Directorate’s command staff. They all agree that your father can carry out his threat. I do not intend to allow that to happen. So, I’ve agreed to comply with your father’s demands. We’re still working out the details but you can expect to depart Peterson within twenty-four hours. I suggest you pack for cold weather.”

She thought for a moment he was joking. Then she glanced at Webb and saw his astonished expression. He started to push himself forward as if to protest but then quickly settled back in his seat as his face took on a dour expression. Not so happy anymore, Alex thought.

“Why did you want to see me? You could have had anyone tell this to me.”

“Because General Martin says I can trust you. He put the NEA’s future on the line by flying you to Colorado. He believes you went out there to stop us from fighting. Is that true?”

“Yes.”

“But your abilities went away.”

“Yes.”

“And now, what are your thoughts on the current situation? New York and your father’s threat.”

Alex felt as though a spotlight was shining down on her. “I… don’t know what you want me to say. I can’t justify what we did. I know you think I’m a threat. But I’m not. Enough people have died. Even if my abilities come back, I won’t do anything that will get more people killed.”

Resnick leaned back in his chair and stared through the screen. He was studying her to determine if she was telling the truth. She did her best to hold his gaze, to avoid blinking or diverting her eyes from the camera. Finally, he said, “Do you know why your father wants you to come to Antarctica?”

The question caught her off guard. “Did you ask General Martin?”

“He told me a rather fantastic story. I would have called it crazy coming from anyone else, but I’ve learned to trust John’s judgment. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. So, as he recommended, I’m going to trust you, Alex. To a certain extent. We won’t harm you, sedate you, or even severely restrict your movements. But Colonel Webb will stay with you to keep your abilities neutralized. You’ve said yourself that you may not have complete control over them. And after Kansas City…”

“I understand. You need something from me, don’t you? You wouldn’t have asked me here otherwise.”

“That’s correct. We are sending you to Antarctica, but you won’t be going alone. If what General Martin told me is true, we can’t let your father reactivate this… anomaly. You seem to be the key in all of this. I don’t understand it, but I know we can’t let anything like the outbreaks happen again.”

“So you’re sending me as a decoy so you can do… what?”

“Our primary targets are the members of your Executive Committee. Beyond securing this anomaly, we need to make sure no one can send launch orders to the Directorate’s rogue outposts. We believe those orders will be routed through the USS Ronald Reagan.”

“You’re going to destroy the Reagan?”

“Yes, and we may need your help.”

Alex felt sick. This was not what she had expected from the meeting. President Resnick was asking her to betray the Directorate, to attack the Committee and perhaps even her father. In Washington, she had been willing to strike against the Committee’s drones. But that was different; the UCAVs were unmanned. Or were they? she wondered briefly, recalling the screams as she had plucked them from the air like ripe fruit from a tree. She shook away the memory and focused on the Reagan. The vessel was a super carrier with hundreds or thousands of personnel onboard. Even if an attack was justified, even if her abilities did return, there was no longer any certainty she could maintain control.

“I realize this is a lot to take in,” President Resnick said. “But I need to know I can trust you when the time comes. It’s understandable that you feel loyal to your father. I only ask that you think about what happened to New York. Decide for yourself if you want that to be this country’s fate.”

She pictured a mushroom cloud towering over the ruins of Manhattan. In her dreams from before the team and from before New York and Kansas City, when she had still been able to sleep and have dreams that were not nightmares, she had seen the city alive and full of activity. Those were the images she had held onto during the grueling training missions when her body hurt to move and when she was too tired to even eat or drink. They were the goal at the end of the tunnel: a world restored to what life had been like before the outbreaks, a world she knew only from movies and pictures and vague memories. Now that goal was slipping away.

She started to answer but something made her hesitate: the tiny voice, the voice of Nicole Serrano, speaking in the back of her mind, Quid pro quo, girl. Don’t give it up for nothing. Alex smiled in spite of herself.

“I’ll help you. But there’s something I want, too.”

“Oh?” President Resnick said with surprise. “Go on.”