Twilight Earth by Ben Winston Page A

last night.” Marcy concluded.
    “A thousand gravities? That means we’re either being invaded by bacteria, or they have artificial gravity,” Jon added quietly.
    “I’ve heard of artificial gravity on some TV shows and books and stuff, but I never really understood what the big deal about it was,” one of the twins, Olivia, said from beside Kaitlin.
    “Think of it this way, Sweetheart; at one gravity, like we are now, you weigh one-hundred-twenty pounds. Those ships are decelerating so fast, that if you were on one, you would weigh one-hundred-twenty thousand pounds. Basically, your own body weight would shatter your bones and crush you into a reddish goo,” Jon replied.
    “Gross!” Persephone, the other twin replied. “Nice visual, Dad!”
    Marcy smiled at the girl. “He is, unfortunately, correct. The ‘big deal’ is that somehow, these aliens have figured out how to artificially create and regulate the forces of gravity on objects that have mass. Like faster-than-light travel, it’s supposed to be physically impossible. I should mention though that researchers in certain secret government facilities have supposedly made a break-through in artificial gravity. There is also a rumor that NASA and JPL had a working theory on faster than light travel too. However, there is no official proof of any of that."
    “I hate to point this out, but I don’t think they took physics,” Olivia said.
    “At least not at any of our schools.” Persephone added.
    “Are you still with us, Bob?” Ben asked since they couldn’t actually see him.
    “Yes I am, I just had my microphone muted. I’ve been acting on Marcy’s information and made a few discoveries of my own. First of all, if Marcy is trying to get more images out of the Hubble, she should probably stop trying; it’s been destroyed along with most of the satellites in orbit. CNN is completely off the air. It looks like the attack started about an hour ago,” Bob said sadly. "Orbital bombardment started in Asia. All the major cities have been hit with high-yield nuclear weapons and some sort of beam weapon fired from orbit. Millions of people have already died."
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    The quiet discussion was interrupted by the sustained irritating noise of the National Emergency Broadcast System or NEBS. “Ladies and Gentleman, this is not a test, I repeat this is not a test. By order of the President of the United States, The National Emergency Broadcast System has been activated. At this time, you are advised to proceed immediately to the nearest Civil Defense Bunker. Leave immediately, the nation is under attack. I say again, leave now. Get to the nearest Civil Defense Shelter and prepare for nuclear attack. Remember, if you see a detonation, immediately take cover and shield your eyes...”
    Ben muted the terminal. “Idiots, that detonation will be the last thing you’ll ever see.”
    “I guess that answers the question about their intentions,” Deirdre said. “Now what’re we going to do?”
    “Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Carla and the kids are freaking out and calling for me. I’m gonna go try to calm them down. Remember, we’re as safe as we can be down here. Talk to ya later,” Bob said.
    Ben nodded and said ‘Take care’ as the call ended.
    A warning chime was heard, and the border of the terminal screen flashed yellow. The words ‘Condition Two’ scrolled across the bottom of the screen. The whole room lurched slightly and a hum could be heard from all around.
    “The pod is being lowered!” Jorga cried.
    ––––––––

S urvival Pod 0001a
    Fulton's Prairie, Missouri
    United States
    ––––––––
    M arcy sat down and started typing very quickly. “I’m asking why the pod is being lowered prior to Condition Three.”
    NBC Protocols now in effect.
    Nuke: zero-one.
    Bio: zero-one, alpha.
    Chem: zero-two.
    Status: Condition two NBC
    Marcy typed again; Define condition two NBC.
    Condition Two