Empty Cities: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller (Minus America Book 2) by EE Isherwood

Author:EE Isherwood [Isherwood, EE]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Isherwood Media, LLC
Published: 2019-09-11T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

Poor Sisters Convent, Oakville, MO

Sister Rose sat in the front seat of the van, unsure what to do. The floating machine had asked for her name, but she didn’t feel comfortable interacting with such an unusual piece of technology. It could be dangerous.

“Are people still alive?” she asked it. “Can we get to safety?” She’d considered that after listening to Tabby swear how help was out there and took off to go find it, but Rose didn’t believe it was true. Couldn’t believe it. Now there was potentially a second source who could confirm it.

“Please state your name,” the machine requested.

Rose glanced over at Deogee. She had her head cocked to one side with an ear perked up. The dog seemed to be confused as to whether this was a threat or not.

“I’m Sister Rose,” she said in a mouse-like squeak.

“Please increase volume when speaking.”

It was the oddest feeling for Rose. It was like talking to the order-takers in a fast-food drive-through, but this time, there was no human being around. Was it really a computer or were people somewhere nearby? She had to know.

“Can you tell me where you are?” she asked it.

“This is the Poor Sisters Convent, in Oakville, Missouri.” The machine gave her the address and included what it called GPS coordinates. It appeared to be very thorough about listing every detail for her location. She figured out during this data dump the white copter was responding with precision to the question she’d asked.

“Please state your name,” the computer said in the same patient tone as before.

“Sister Rose. My given name is Becky Hatcher. I’m a novitiate nun in the convent. Who are you?” She kept her voice pleasant and courteous. Whatever it was, it would do no good to be rude to it or whoever controlled it.

“Please confirm social security number,” the box requested.

She hesitated for twenty or thirty seconds because she’d always been taught not to give out that information for anyone unless you were sure it wouldn’t be used for identity theft. This strange device could be controlled by criminals.

“I’m afraid I only give that out over the phone.”

The floating box spun around, but the orb underneath remained stationary from her perspective. It was almost impossible to read the mood of the little aircraft, but she imagined it was upset with her.

“This area has been designated as inhospitable due to an industrial accident. Social security ident requested to ensure proper dispatch of emergency services extraction vehicle. Please confirm social security number to ensure speedy recovery.”

The voice showed no signs of impatience or anxiety, but she began to feel both. If someone was coming to rescue her, that would be wonderful, but talking to the computer woman didn’t make her feel comfortable about it.

Deogee seemed to pick up on her emotions, because she got up on her seat and walked in a circle. Then she sat on her haunches while facing the menacing box floating outside.

With great reluctance, she gave her social to the computer woman.

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