Stay tune
Who: Jilleen Simmons, others TBD Where: On a back road heading to Glenrock. When: Day after crash landing on Aerilon.
She pressed the scan button again on the in-dash wireless and watched as the digits on the LCD monitor skipped to find the next available broadcast station. The search ended, “... are rising east of Antigo military complex. Those in the immediate path of the fallout unable to leave the area should seek shelter indoors, close all doors, seal all windows and vents...” Jilleen pressed scan again, hoping the wireless would pick up a new station. She watched as the channels cycled again and return to the only station broadcasting “...stay tune for additional information and guidance on this broadcast channel. Emergency Action Alert remains in effect for -- Entire Colony.” The annoying attention signal played for a few seconds before the recorded messages started again. The same recordings which had played ever since the wireless picked up the station’s broadcast on this journey.
No one said a word to complain when Jilleen turn down the volume. If it was not important they monitor the station for any possible change or live broadcast, she would have turned the wireless completely off. At this point she was numbed to the recordings of the emergency broadcast. It was just background noise like the wheels made as they crushed the ice and snow beneath the SUV.
She set her eyes on the vehicle ahead of them which followed a green tractor with a snow plow clearing the road in front of them to make it possible for them to travel. The most difficult part of the road over the mountain pass was behind them and they were making good time now. The plan was to get to the town of Glenrock to refuel and to learn any news, then continue to the Colonial Forces base outside of New Ostia.
Not driving she had the luxury of not having to pay close attention to the road, but it did come at a price. Her mind could not escape from worry for those closest to her not here with her. She had no real confirmation of any of their deaths but was certain not all would make it. The first strikes were against the capitals of every colony which meant that many she grew up with on Aerilon were likely gone. She dare not think of James if it was true about Avalon’s destruction or of her father and older brother who would have been there at ground zero. It was enough to break her heart into a million pieces. Instead she thought of her sister’s last text message. It at least gave her hope.