Caldera 11: All Good Things by Stallcup Heath

Author:Stallcup, Heath [Stallcup, Heath]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: DevilDogPress

Andre jerked his hand away, stumbling backward and splaying on the hard concrete floor. Captain Hilliard, President Walters, and Vice President Harrison all burst into laughter.

“What a card, Bill!” President Walter’s guffawed. “I think you scared the piss out of him.”

The Vice President held his hand out, offering to help Andre to his feet. “I’m sorry, doc. I had to.” He was still laughing as Andre pushed his hand away and came slowly to his feet.

“That wasn’t funny,” Carol berated as she knelt next to him, pulling him from the floor. “If you had any idea what we’ve been through…”

“I really am sorry,” Harrison repeated as he wiped the tears from his face. “I was just commenting to Jim how it…” He stood upright and sighed. “I guess it sounded funnier in my head.”

“There, there now doctor,” President Walters softly chided. “It’s all in jest. Bill has always been a bit of a practical joker.”

“Excuse me if I don’t see eye to eye with his humor,” Andre mumbled as he swiped dirt from his lab coat. He stood and rubbed at his shoulder. “I’m glad that you’re feeling better.” He gazed towards Carol then turned back to the men. “If you’ll excuse us, we have a lot of work to do.”

“Dr. Broussard,” President Walters began, stepping closer and draping an arm over the man’s shoulders. “I can’t tell you how much we appreciate your efforts.”

Andre opened his mouth to explain how he understood that they had little choice in the matter. Instead, he opted for diplomacy. “We look forward to continuing the same quality service in Colorado.”

“About that…” Walters lowered his voice and turned away from the other two men who took the cue to step away. “We are working on a little project near Omaha. We’re actually going to be moving a lot of civilians into the military housing at an Air Force base there.”

“I think I may have heard rumors of such a project.”

Walters raised his brows. “Really?” He glanced back at General Green and shook his head. “So much for secrecy,” he mumbled. He turned back to Andre. “We’d really like it if you and your people joined us out there.”

Andre stiffened slightly and let his breath out slowly. “Sir, with all due respect, it would take us much more time to convert a usable space for the work we do…it would be so much more expedient to clean up Fort Collins and go to work right away.”

The president seemed to pause for a moment then slowly shook his head. “The biggest problem for us will be logistics. Fort Collins is just so far away.”

Andre smiled. “We’ll establish radio communications, sir. And I’m told that we’ll even have our own military presence to help maintain the power and provide security.” He gave the man a patronizing smile. “I’m sure we’ll be just fine there.”

“I really think—”

“Excuse me, sir?” Carol interrupted. “If I may be so bold…”

“Carol,” Andre cautioned.

She held a hand up to stop him. “We’d rather work in Colorado.

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