"Our biggest immediate concern is food and drink and general supplies, and whilst we have got as much as we could from the first floor, we need to be careful with what few supplies we do have. I will, therefore, be getting all the supplies accounted for and they will be stored securely. We will look to see if they need rationing, and if they do, this will be in all our interests. At the moment, I think I'm right in saying that we still have running water and electricity."
"We do, Andy," Mick confirms.
"Thanks, Mick. We need to store as much water as we can, as we don’t know how long we will have it and as a precaution, I think the water should be boiled just in case this virus has somehow got into the supply.
“As I have said, we are safe up here. I also realise that you will all have questions but unfortunately, I don’t have any answers for you at present. Take it that the situation is as you see it. Shortly, I will be going up to the seventh floor to try and get more information and to try to work out options to get us all through this. As soon as I have more information, I will tell you, so please bear with me.
“Now, I don’t want you to worry unnecessarily but we need to keep an eye on each other in case any of us have somehow caught this virus, infection or whatever it is. I’m sure that we are all clear but just as a precaution, please keep an eye on each other, or if anyone is feeling unwell, make us aware. This is for the good of us all, so if you do feel unwell, we can put you somewhere safe until we know what it is. Should anyone be concerned—about yourself or someone else—inform us so we can make sure we are all safe, okay?”
Just about everyone in the room starts to look around at each other, as if looking for signs of infection. A situation like this can quickly turn aggressive, people turning on each other if they believe someone threatens the wellbeing of the rest. I realise what I have said might not have been the most sensible thing, and quickly try to move their thoughts on.
“Dan will be giving out tasks that need doing and after that, he will come upstairs to help me work through this. If any of you need anything, please speak to Mick who is that strapping chap over there, in case you don’t know him. Okay, Mick?" I say, pointing at Mick who raises his hand.
"Yes, no worries," Mick replies.
"If Mick can't help you, he will radio to me and if I can, I will sort you out. Thank you, everyone, I will see you shortly."
As soon as I finish, chatter starts between everybody.
I ask Dan to get things sorted down here as quickly as he can and to make securing all the weapons and ammo a priority, as we don’t want them floating around.
Dan goes about arranging things and I head over to the lift up to the seventh floor, finding the holdall I packed on the way and putting it over my shoulder. The lift is still down on the first floor so before I press the button, I radio to Stan and ask him the check the camera inside. One of the Rabids could have inadvertently hit the button and opened the lift, and I don’t want any nasty surprises when it arrives. Stan informs me the lift is clear.
I am eager to see Emily, but my head is filled with working on different options to see us through this shit on the short journey to floor seven.
On exiting into reception, I take out the box that Jill was carrying and leave it on the floor against the wall.
Turning, I come to a stop and just stand there taking a minute, admitting to myself that I’m pretty tired. I’m certainly not the hardened combat soldier I used to be, even though I make full use of the company’s on-site gym to keep in shape. Nothing keeps you in shape like the army, and although I don’t like to admit it, I’m not as young as I used to be. I’m 43 now, and at this moment, I feel every one of those years.
Pulling myself together, I go and use the gents’ toilet off reception, to make myself as presentable as I can before I see Emily. As I exit, I put my M4 back over my head but hang the rifle on my back and pull the strap tight, so it is secured there. I can’t hide my rifle from Emily; she is going to have to get used to it, but it doesn’t have to be the first thing she sees when we meet again or when she inevitably jumps into my arms.
Going through the security door and leaving reception behind, I pass Stan who is in the Tactical Room. I put my head in say hi and tell him I’ll be back to see him shortly.
I reach the lounge area which is almost deserted. Catherine is nowhere to be seen but Stacey and Lindsay are seated on one of the leather couches with their backs to me. In front of them, BBC News is playing on the large TV screen. Emily is also nowhere to be seen and I can only assume she is with Catherine, wherever that is?
Walking over to the two girls sitting down, there is still no sign of Emily or Catherine; they are not in the kitchen area, but this doesn’t worry me as they can’t be far. I am just anxious to see them both. Lindsay on the
