1st-person POV, scene 1

I hung up with Jaime, his voice still echoing in my ear. He'd warned me about the outbreak, how it was spreading like wildfire. He sounded worried, but I had my doubts. Until I saw something real, it was business as usual.

I sat down at my laptop, opening my email. Scanning through the clutter, one message caught my eye – my commanding officer's email. I clicked it open.

Mountain Warriors,

Many of you are enjoying well-deserved post-deployment leave, but unfortunately, all leaves and passes must be hereby canceled. Though I cannot discuss details on unclassified e-mail, events are rapidly developing which require our attention. All members of the Division are directed to report to their battalion areas by 12:30 today. 43rd Special Troops Battalion is to report to Alexander Air Station, a commercial air field in Lincoln County. Call your Battalion duty for details. DO NOT REPLY to this e-mail. Communication by civilian e-mail regarding this matter is not authorized. Good luck and Godspeed. Your country needs you now more than ever.

Colonel John Faulkner

So much for well-deserved leave. I rubbed my temples, the weight of duty settling on my shoulders again.

The door creaked open, and Lucas walked in, his glasses crooked as usual. Max sprinted to him, tail wagging furiously. Lucas laughed, a sound that always brought a smile to my face. He led the German Shepherd into the kitchen and rummaged in the cupboard for a treat.

Lucas turned to me, holding a biscuit just out of Max's reach. "Uncle Alex, can I ask you something? I like being here and all, but when am I going back home to Mom?"

Max snapped up the treat, his tail still wagging. Lucas patted his head and looked up at me, his goofy grin replaced by a serious expression. "Is something wrong with her?"