“Mr. Roberts, sit the fuck down before I have my men restrain you,” Sergeant Overton bellowed, rising from his metal seat. “Sounds like it wasn’t the Chinese after all, Finley,” he said, shooting the young Marine a quick grin. “What we have on our hands here is an invasion. And what do Marines do during an invasion?”

“They fight, sir!” Bouma barked.

“Oorah,” Sergeant Overton replied, his rough voice echoing through the mess hall. “Dr. Winston, before the presentation you mentioned a plan. Now the way I see it, nothing short of the grace of God spared our asses. And after seeing what happened to the rest of the poor souls in Colorado Springs, I figure we lived for a reason. So whether it’s divine intervention or just a coincidence, you and I need to work together. With your scientific brain power and my”—he paused and looked at the archaic metal .45 hanging off his belt—“my firepower, if you’ll pardon the cliché, I believe we have a fighting chance at taking some of these alien bastards with us. We already know they don’t react well to rockets.”

Sophie took a deep breath, mulling over the Marine’s words before shrugging. “Doesn’t look like we have a choice, but let me be very clear.” She caught Overton’s gaze and held it, unwavering. “This is my facility, and I am in charge.”

Sergeant Overton waited a few seconds before responding. “Works for me, ma’am.”

“All right then. We have all had an extremely long day, so let’s get some rest. Sergeant, you and your men are free to sleep in Saafi’s room. I’ll have Holly bring you some extra bedding and pillows.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Bouma said.

“Get some sleep. We start at 0700,” Sophie said, returning to Emanuel. “Oh, and Sergeant,” she added, “one of you can take my room.”

Overton raised an eyebrow and then managed the first real smile that he could remember since this whole mess began. With a laugh, he pushed Finley and Bouma toward the private quarters. “Let’s go, you shitheads.”

Sophie motioned Emanuel toward the hallway. “I know I have some explaining to do. But before I do, please know I’m sorry. I had to keep the information about the solar storms from you for the sake of my career. For your career.”

“I know,” he said, looking up at her. He managed a smile. “Honestly, I understand. Besides you had no way of knowing what the magnetic disruption was. Or that it would lead to this.”

Sophie sighed and bent down to whisper into his ear. “It’s the end of the world. You know what that means?”

“You’re my new bunk mate?”

“You got it,” she said, wheeling him into the dark passage.

Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14