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to leave the city was shot on sight. Shortly after the massacre on the Brooklyn Bridge—hundreds of citizens mowed down by machine gun fire for attempting to leave the city—a citywide media blackout had occurred. Somehow, the government had cut off all communication to the outside world, including cell phone , internet , and radio transmissions. Electricity was still running, at least for the time being, and Manhattan was on its own. 
    The bunker where Jack was being held was built five stories below the streets of the city, and exactly below the apartment building that he and Jess had been living in. A team of scientists and armed, military-trained guards were at the doctor’s disposal. Since Derek Mayfield’s escape, the good doctor had tightened security, arming the guards with weapons from the bunker’s arsenal and deactivating the card readers at both exits. Only he and one other person, Guard Commander Roger Chambers, had the code to activate the doors leading to the outside world.
    The bunker was designed to be self-sustaining for a time of one year with the current staff, plus a few unforeseen extras like Jack. Non-perishable food and drink were kept in storage, along with a small armory of weapons, and antibiotics.
    Before the media blackout had occurred, Jack sat in his room watching the news, day and night, unable to do much of anything else , except to think about Jess, crying hysterically at times. He was the only non-employee in the bunker; everyone else was there to work, helping in one way or another to find a solution. He couldn’t believe the un dead were walking the streets, attacking people. Yet , the massacre on the Brooklyn Bridge was what made him literally puke. He had witnessed the event on live television, the scene replaying itself in his mind for days afterward , even in his dreams.
    Before the blackout, people were told to stay in their homes and wait until the situation could be resolved, yet food drops were scheduled throughout the city. Riots broke out as people fought over food and water. The number of undead grew, patrolling the streets like untiring guards. People no longer wanted to leave their homes, and the food that was dropped went to waste. The few that did try for the rations, usually wound up as a meal for the undead.
    To Jack, the world looked as if it had ended.

Chapter 6
     
    When Jack wasn’t learning about the bots, the city’s condition, or plans on possible solutions, he spent most of his time alone in his room. A few of the guards acted decent to him, giving him the time of day and chatting about life. Kevin Meyers, a twenty-three year old kid, was one of Jack’s favorites. Hardened in battle, the kid was still human, and seemed much more apprehensive about his stay in the lab than the other guards. Bottom line: he was worried.
    “We’re all scared, Kevin,” Jack told him, during breakfast.
    “I’m really glad you’re here, Mr. Warren.” The kid leaned in, whispering. “These other guys, they’re real hard asses. Made for this shit. It’s good to have someone I can talk with .”
    Jack smiled. “Same here, Kevin. I’m no warrior; never served in the armed forces. And I hated science in college. All I have is downtime. I can get into a good book or movie, but it only lasts so long. I feel alone here. Reynolds has been great, but he’s under a lot of pressure, busy all the time. It really is good talking with you. And if you ever have any problems or concerns, or you’re afraid to talk to anyone, please come to me.”
    “I will, Mr. Warren.”
    “Call me, Jack. Believe it or not, I’m not much older than you are . I’m 35, not 50.”
    “Okay, Jack,” the kid said, smiling.
    “You miss your family?”
    Kevin nodded.
    “Me too.”
    “Sorry about your wife.”
    “Thank you. I miss her every second of every day.”
    A few moments of awkward silence filled the air between them before Kevin spoke up.
    “Do you know about the plan to nuke the