The exiting Humvees split off, going in different directions and dropping off soldiers every two hundred yards along the perimeter fence. These men and women would inspect the grounds and the fence, making notes of any issues which needed immediate attention. As soon as this mission was complete, they would remain on guard until the intrusion detection system was operational again and all repairs had been made. The next step was for two Humvees to head out for the residential quarters outside the west entrance, where their crews would ensure the buildings were unoccupied. They had also been tasked with making preliminary reports regarding the structural integrity of the buildings to help determine what would be needed to make them habitable again.

The last two Humvees and their occupants were tasked with guarding the east and west gates. Immediately after they'd secured the gates, the guards retrieved collapsible poles from inside the Humvees and extended them to their full ten-foot length. The poles were clamped securely to the side of each gatehouse, and an American flag was raised on each.

Technically, there wasn't a US government anymore, and the act of raising the flag was strictly symbolic, but RJ had insisted on it, certain it would boost her team's morale.

Two hours later, Brad appeared at the door to RJ's office. “I got the report for you.”

“Good. What have they found?”

“There's minor damage to the perimeter fence which will be repaired by tonight. The intrusion detection system is functional, but it's been turned back off so the fence repairs can be made. I've got a team working on the perimeter cameras, they'll be online again tomorrow. We have communications with both guard posts, the one on the east end is in rough shape and needs some work. We can't get any power out there yet, but we'll move a small generator out there temporarily. Westside is in good shape, they've got phone and radio communications.”

“Sounds good. Actually, it's much better than I'd feared,” RJ admitted.

“I agree. I suspected it would be much worse. It looks like someone tried to gain access through the East tunnel doors after we were asleep. They dug their way in, to the doors and then tried to cut through.”

“Did they do much damage?”

“No. Only minor damage, nothing we need to worry about immediately. They were using saws to try to cut their way in, there was also the remains of an acetylene torch.”

“How about the residential quarters?” RJ asked.

“It looks like there has been no human or animal habitation. They'll need some work. Early reports estimate only ten percent of the rooms are currently habitable,” Brad explained. “I have a repair team on the way out to see what will be needed and estimate a time frame.”

“Excellent. When will we be ready to move beyond the perimeter?”

“Hopefully, after lunch. We're getting the equipment checked out now. Have you gotten anything from communications yet?”