"After the attack on the capitol yesterday there has been an explosion in Northern New York. Two cars exploded near an old building in Plattsburgh New York. The shock from the explosion caused an old abandoned building to fall. The blast combined with the collapse of the building led to the deaths of 40 people and the injury of dozens more. Questions have arisen about whether these two events are linked..."

Darnell shut off his radio as the group approached Dhruv's house. The house was nice and clearly well kept, but not excessively large. Outside there were well pruned bushes lining the front of the house. Large trees stood on both sides and a tire swing hung from one of the trees. The house was two stories high and had pristine white vinyl siding. The roof had solar shingles, as was the case for many newer houses. Presumably inside the garage housed battery. The newer batteries were no larger than a helium canister, but could store far more energy than batteries had been able to 20 years ago.

All occupants of the vehicle, with the exception of Martin, got out to head for the house, with Dhruv leading the way. He was walking at a fast pace, wanting to get this out of the way quickly. Dhruv loved his children and wife dearly. He hated the idea of doing something dangerous, something that might take him away from them. But then again he also hated the idea of them dying in a nuclear winter. He wanted to do his part. The thing that he hated the most about this moment was that he knew he would have to lie to his wife, because she would never let him do something so foolish.

"Honey shouldn't you be at the hospital now? I heard there was an explosion up in Plattsburgh! It is all over the news. They think it might have been a terrorist attack. Are you all right?" Dhruv's wife asked with clearly scattered thoughts.

"I am fine Jenny. The attack was awful. I understand there are many injured, which is why I will be heading to the hospital. Don't expect me home tonight, I imagine I will be working all night. But I need to give you all a hug and kiss!" Dhruv stated. He really needed to be with his family in that moment.

"Who are these people?" Jenny wondered.

"Oh I am sorry Jenny. This is Qi Lian, Clayton Johnson, Darnell Johnson, Jeffrey Hinkle, Nia Johnson and you know Noah Thomas." Dhruv replied pointing to each one in turn.

"Yes of course I know Noah." she said, stepping over to give him a hug. "But the rest of these people I do not."

"Well Jeffrey and Qi Lian are with the military, I needed to treat her with wounds she received during the terrorist attacks. Clayton is with the NSA but he had to hurry here and he brought his family with him. That is why we are here though, Clayton would like to leave his daughter in a safe place. I didn't think you would mind dear." Dhruv said.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Of course not honey. Why one of our daughters is about your age. How old are you?" Jenny asked Nia.

"I am 10." Nia replied shyly.

"Well our daughter Layla is 12, I bet the two of you will hit it right off. Jessica is 7, but she loves playing with older girls so I bet you could even have two playmates." Jenny told Nia.

"I am greatly appreciative of you taking my daughter. Thank you so much." Clayton said to Jenny.

Clayton grabbed Nia before she walked off and whispered in her ear, "You will be OK baby girl, but please don't tell them about what you know. It will cause a panic." Nia shook her head to let him know that she understood.

"Not a problem, I hope you folks catch those terrorists. What they did was terrible. And I know my Dhruv will work hard to help those who were injured to heal. He is a great doctor you know." Jenny beamed proudly.

"I am well aware, from experience. Your husband has my unending gratitude." Qi Lian said. This caused Jenny to smile even wider.

"Dear we have to get going now. I should be home by tomorrow." Dhruv explained.

"And I will be back to pick up my daughter as soon as possible. But thank you again so much for looking after her." Clayton said.

"No problem Clayton, you go catch them for us." Jenny replied.

Dhruv grabbed ahold of his wife and gave here a big kiss.

"Kids come give me a hug quick, I am going to be gone for a while." Dhruv yelled.

All four of Dhruv's children quickly came and they all started giving their father hugs and kisses. The children ranged in age from 4 to 12. He held them all close to him for a moment and then released them.

"Goodbye, I will see you all tomorrow." Dhruv said as he walked out the door, with the rest of the group following. In that moment Dhruv truly hoped what he said was true.

The group all walked back out and got in the car.

"So what is your plan Qi Lian." Clayton asked.

"I am still formulating it in my head. But one thing that is for certain is that we need a fully coordinated assault on Han Xin. We can't have separate attacks going at the same time, or at different times for that matter. Jeffrey are you able to get ahold of the President?" Qi Lian requested.

"I am not able to directly contact him, but I can talk to the general who is aiding him." Jeffrey said.

"OK please ask them to hold off on engaging Han Xin. I believe that will be a grave error and Han Xin will come out on top in that case. I imagine he will have plenty of reinforcements any time now."

"Yes ma'am Qi Lian. I am on it now." Jeffrey replied.

"We will need to all gather together in Plattsburgh so that we can fully hatch out our plan of attack together. Han Xin will be dangerous, and he will be looking for places to optimize his chances of winning. But we are going to prevail. Clayton do you still have your sniper rifle?" Qi Lian wondered.

"No, I left it in the SUV at the health center." Clayton answered.

"Then that is where we will go first." Qi Lian stated.

Qi Lian set the directions and the car headed off toward the health center.