Andrea shook her head.  “Commander’s orders.  No contact with the outside world until he determines it’s safe, or he gets orders.   He’s down there as well.  They have surveillance systems with cameras, microphones, infrared, seismic, all kinds of sensors.  And access to whatever is left of the military network.  He will have been monitoring things topside.  I’m not sure why they haven’t opened up yet, things aren’t all that bad out here.”

Helen followed up. “Well, if they’re locked down, how do you plan to get us in?”

“I know the codes to open the doors.  Assuming they haven’t been changed.  And I know a pass-phrase that should get the commander to respond on the radio, at least.  Even if both fail, we might be able to gain access through ventilation and maintenance shafts.  But that would take some explosives and a week or two of hard work.”

“Then let’s hope they answer your radio call.  Or that your codes still work!” Allistor was back on his feet, excited at the prospect of claiming the base.  “Let’s get all you guys settled this afternoon, have a nice meal this evening – thank you, Dean, by the way. This was delicious! – and tomorrow we can go see if we can’t claim ourselves a missile base!”

It took a bit longer than expected for folks to gather up their things, but two hours later a small convoy of trucks passed through the Stronghold gate.  Allistor took some time to add the locals as well as his own people from the Warren to the authorized list as they all gathered outside the door.  With Fuzzy at his side, holding the green doll and somehow grinning at everyone at the same time, he called out, “Welcome to your new home!”

The gates behind him opened, and the survivors filed inside.  He’d chosen to bring them in the former food court entrance, reserving the big box store they had slept in the night before as his own quarters.  He was the only one authorized to enter there.

There were a few laughs and gasps of surprise as the group entered the mall.  They had, of course, all been there before, but it looked much different now.  A few moved to sit by the fountain, running their fingers through the water.  Others explored up and down the main concourse.  When they’d all had a good look, Allistor called them back together.  With the place so empty, his shout easily reached everyone.