The young analyst, he could tell from the monitor, had a funny look on his face, obvious even through his scraggly beard. But he was cool.
WHO ARE YOU? came back the answer.
TEN. The reply appeared. BUT I THINK ONE WAS KILLED.
Plus those who came in on the Sikorsky this morning, Vance thought. Looked like another three. Then he typed in another question.
DON'T KNOW. MAYBE USE VEHICLES. The typing was quick and experienced. THEY SAY FACILITY TO KEEP OPERATING NORMALLY.
WHERE IS BATES? Vance typed back. IS HE OKAY?
That's a relief, he thought. Guess Bill's still got some hostage value to them.
The answer came back. WHO ARE YOU? I'M SCARED. THEY KILLED CHRIS.
I SAW IT. BUT THAT'S PROBABLY ALL FOR A WHILE. STANDARD TERROR TACTICS. NOW ERASE THIS CONVERSATION.
Something was typed on the screen and their words immediately all disappeared. And just in time…