Chapter 3 Continued 2

“Dude, you OK ” Erik’s voice calls from downstairs. “Yeah, just give me a sec” I take one last look at Matthew, and then go downstairs.

The movie is running the credits by now, but Erik isn’t watching it. The door to another room is open, and I walk inside. This room is filled with computers. Erik sits at the center of 6 monitors, wires wrapping around his chair. He’s tapping away at 3 keyboards, headphones around his head. I walk over, amazed at this complex setup. “Welcome to the center of it all. Here, all communication is monitored, radio frequency’s tagged, and disturbances noticed. I got security feed from all active cameras in the building and in the entire town” “how many is that?” I say, examining one of the massive servers in the back “oh, about 7” “really?” “Yeah. After the world went there, no one maintained anything. A few streets collapsed into rivers, sewage flooded the football stadium. Nature is taking control again of this city. That’s why I carry a rifle with me. A few weeks ago, I nearly got trampled to death by deer. It’s important to hold on to anything that can protect us. I’m running low on supplies, so we’ll make a run today. You up to the challenge?” “Sure, why not, what’s to lose” “great. You’ll need a gun. Let’s get you armed. You’ll need it in this city”