Read The Legacy of Earth (Mandate Book 2) for Free Online Page A

worried, captain. And I’m not sure that was such a great idea right at this moment.”
    Reilly rolled her eyes. “So, you ready to go, Jazdie?”
    “Captain, let me go instead,” Locke said. “I have the training. I can—”
    “I know, Locke. You should be going. But I need you on the bridge!”
    “I’ll be fine!” Jazdie chimed, “I’ve logged dozens of hours in zero gee, helping my dad repair the old dome.”
    Reilly’s watch beeped. “That’s it, people, they’re approaching. Get into position.”
     

Chapter 4

Concerning Fallout
    I’m still in shock . Whatever just happened, my friend, Brad was there. I could tell from his voice that he was seeing something live, not just watching a screen.
    I raced home from downtown to find no one home. Cell towers jammed, couldn’t reach anyone—not Mom, Dad, Lena, Brad, or anyone at all. I’m not sure where Brad is now but he seemed to be near ground zero, based on his reaction over the phone. It didn’t sound like he was in Kansas City.
    Oh, right . . . tech conference. Said he was in San Jose. We haven’t hung out in a few weeks. That’s the first I’d heard from him since last month.
    I went by Lena’s place on the way—no one there, either.
    If I wasn’t worried before, I am worried now after that strange interview with the recruiter—Ortega. I stopped by my apartment but none of the usual gang—mutual friends on campus—were there. That surprised me. We usually had at least one bum crashed on the couch in our small but friendly apartment.
    I headed to the family home. When I arrived, there was a note on the fridge from Dad, saying he was going to the church for a vigil. Of course . But I can’t fault him for it, lots of people need him right now. At least I know where he is. As for Howie and Leslie, they could be anywhere, and I’m sure they weren’t in California since neither had any reason to be there. It would still be nice to know they’re okay, though.
    The cable news channels were more reliable than the wireless. Looked like the net was taking a hit.
    I dropped onto the couch and turned on the TV. Most of the news shows had talking heads going on about the nuke and about US military preparedness and probably retaliation. I guess I should take an interest in that now, even though I’m not supposed to ship out for a few weeks. If Ortega had his way, I’d be getting busy right now. But, that’s all changed . . . hasn’t it?
    I don’t know how I feel about being ordered to. . . .
    Oh man, will I ever be able to get Ortega out of my head? I mean next time. . . .
    I felt numb from the shock. Nothing had happened here in Kansas City, but I just couldn’t believe it. They kept showing the mushroom cloud over the bay area. Hundreds of people shot video of it from nearby cities, from highways, from ships. Ground zero seemed to be Palo Alto.
    I don’t get it—what’s there? Shouldn’t they hit—I mean, I’m playing the devil’s advocate here, of course—but if you’re going to get in a first strike, wouldn’t you try to cripple a nation with a strategic hit? Like a reactor or the capitol or a significant military base?
    It’s like the Ohio meteor all over again. Oh, I remember it alright. I was only three, but it’s all anyone talked about for years. The meteor that leveled a city. It might as well have been a nuke for all the damage it caused—and here we had seen just that today.
    This was unbelievable!
    San Francisco and San Jose will be hit with fallout. All those tech—
    Tech companies!
    “Oh, my god, that’s Silicon Valley!” I yelled out loud.
    I tried Lena’s number again, no answer—left another voicemail, tried not to sound too anxious. I needed her! It sucks being alone right now. I just might have to go to church to see Dad if I can’t reach anyone tonight. Does that sound terrible? Sorry, Dad, but I’m not in the mood for preaching. That’s a last resort.
    The phone rang.
    “Lena!”
    “No, it’s Mom.