Chapter 2: THE PHILADELPHIA EXPLOSION...

In the streets of Philadelphia, numerous citizens gathered at different points to watch the president's speech on national news . More citizens crept out of their homes to cuddle closer to each other. The fear in the atmosphere of the country had become very high.

" Everyday in this country has become a day to hear a new heart breaking story. " A man said, sorrowfully. " We are not even sure of our own lives anymore. "

" Just look at what is on the national news. " A lady chipped in. " Why is everything this way? Even the president is about to die. If the president can't even be too sure of his own life, what will become of us?"

" I'm so scared right now. " An old woman spoke. " It will be better to just die tonight than to live for more years having this kind of experience on a daily basis. It does not make any sense to me. " Tears could be seen dropping from her eyes. A good percentage of the gathered people were on the floor shedding tears. Comfort was coming. Everyone hoped to hear something really encouraging from the president. But it appeared the little hope they had left was being snatched away.

" Good evening good citizens of this Land. " A very loud speaker echoed in the gathering. Everyone looked up to see who came to address them. The governor had come and stood right in their middle. Governor Tom Wilson , a democrat, was one of the best governors the citizens ever witnessed.

" Even a man with a blurred vision can see the burdens in your heart. The cries of your hearts have become heavy with unbearable sorrows. And I apologize for everything. For having let you people pass through this, the government of the United States of America sincerely apologizes. Believe this, it is more difficult on our part than it is on your part. In the midst of losing many of our colleagues mysteriously, we still have to render our duties perfectly to you, the masses. Therefore, I encourage all of us . I encourage everyone listening to or watching this including myself to never lose hope. Not in a time like this. " He paused. Then continued. " I know that tonight is really a heartbreaking night. You expected to hear something really positive from the president. You hoped your strength would be filled again. But then, it's the opposite. It is not a reason to be sad or bitter. Rather, it's  more reason for you to find strength from yourselves. Tonight, the president of the United States of America has suffered a great blow. Whatever is wrong with him has not been figured out yet. All we know is that his health is a million times worse than that of you people. You are not in this alone. If the president can be struck this badly, then who are we to stay safe. This is a challenge to all of us. And we must embrace it with full strength. I lack the proper words tonight. But—..."  

The remaining words could not make it beyond his lips. The gaze of everyone traveled up. They all saw it coming. A big object descended at full speed. There is no way it is a rocket.

" Whoa!!!"

" Everybody run! Everybody run!!" The security personnels that were around screamed . But it was already late. The object landed and blew up in a tumultuous explosion. The screams of pain from helpless citizens traveled through the fire and went up high into the atmosphere accompanied by the thick smoke from the explosion.

Mike was very positive he heard a sound.

" What was that?" He asked the man serving him.

" I can't really say. " The man replied.

The table vibrated and the black cherry wishniak which was just served to him slid off and shattered as it collided with the floor.

"  Did you by any means touch the drink?" The man asked.

" You and I know I have not touched it. "

" So, what was that?"

" Fire! " Someone shouted outside. " It is a fire!!"

Everyone rushed out. It was obvious they all battled with the same questions he was asking.

" There is fire over there!"

Mike hastened out with the man.

" No. This is not just a fire. " A man spoke in the midst of them. " It is beyond it. Who didn't notice the vibration?"

No one spoke.

" I think the United States of America has suffered another blow. " The man paused. Then continued. " There has been an explosion. A missile hit us. "

The words traveled through Mike's ears . The echoes continued only in his head. An explosion in Philadelphia. He looked at the direction the smoke rose from and his eyes dilated.

In the main floor of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, people moved helter-skelter. The computer screens were all displaying the same image. Thick smoke was rising above the nation into the sky from a location. Kane walked in gently and was about to go his way when he saw the display on the screens. He paused. 

" No way. " He muttered and headed to a lady before a computer . " Don't tell this smoke is coming from this country. " He said, standing behind the lady. 

" Where have you been, Kane?" The lady asked. " The United States of America just suffered another blow. "

" What? "

" An explosion had happened in Center City, Philadelphia. "

" How bad is it?"

" From what we know for the time being, it has injured a lot of people and claimed many lives. " She paused. " Including that of the governor of Philly. "

" What? Governor of Philadelphia? You mean Tom Wilson? Tom Wilson is dead?"

" That's what it appears to be. Right now, we are trying to locate the possible source of the missile. "

" I will get to work I'm mediately. Let's see if my magic hands can perform any magic. " He smiled and headed his way. Behind him, the lady smiled. With Kane in the picture, hope had been revived. 

Inside a dark space in the Federal Bureau of Investigations, a hand hit a button and everything about the source was erased from their main database.