CHAPTER 2

There was a constant hum of noise within the evacuation center as more and more people were being brought in. There were about 200,000 people in this bunker alone, all talking to each other about how they got here, if there was any trouble on the way here, and what they were doing at the time of the evacuation. No one seemed to quite understand why they were ordered to leave their homes and proceed to the nearest security bunker. There were no impending storms, no known natural disasters occurring or about to occur, so why all the commotion over what seemed to be nothing? No one could quite understand and they wanted answers fast.

They got the answer quick enough when there was pounding and scraping on the outer door of the bunker, which had been sealed by the military forces helping the evacuation process. Panic spread throughout the citizens. What was breaking through? Why would someone try to bypass the guards at the door? Would this unknown force break through? All these questions were running through the minds of the people, looking desperately to the soldiers inside the bunker for answers. That's when the noises stopped and the faint sound of footsteps could be heard moving away from the door. The feeling of panic subsided to a point but paranoia still plagued the evacuees. One of the calmer people was a young woman by the name of Camilla Hawke.

Camilla had been at home when the evacuation started. She spent a lot of time at home since it was difficult to keep a job given the current economic crisis facing the nation. Her thoughts wandered to the other parts of the country and she was curious if other parts of the nation or even the world were facing the same issue as they were in New York. Last she heard was most of the northeast United States and parts of Canada had been evacuated to bunkers like this or the people fled to other states. Dismissing the thoughts from her head she looked back out the small window where her bed was set-up.

The night sky seemed so lit up by the stars. This was a rare sight since the city lights usually prevented any sight of the celestial wonders. Camilla looked for as many constellations as she could spot, something she used to do when she was a child, about 20 years in her past. She saw Orion's belt, which led to the sighting of the rest of the Orion constellation, the Big and Little Dippers and then a different looking star. She focused in on this one as close as possible. She thought the light was playing tricks on her eyes for a moment but then she saw the star was moving, actually moving in what looked like an orbit. It looked so out of place too since it gave off more of a green hue then anything else, fairly easy to spot amongst a sea of white stars.

Then there were several bursts of light that emanated from the "star", all which seemed like they were heading down to the city. She knew something wasn't right. The falling dots of light finally came in contact with the buildings and her fear was confirmed. The buildings all gave off a reddish-yellow light in the eruptions of fire. Smaller buildings collapsed quickly while some of the taller ones stayed up for a longer time but not much longer. By now just about everyone in the bunker had found a window and was watching the horror unfold before them. They all watched on as the place they called home for so many years burned before them and there was nothing anyone could do about it. Camilla sat on her bed in complete shock. She didn't think this ordeal was as serious as everyone was making it and now she realizes its worse then everyone made it out to be.

Who could be responsible for this attack? Is it more terrorist attacks? The technology seemed too advanced to be anything like that, Camilla thought to herself. She looked back at the burning city and saw the odd star was gone. She could do nothing now but just lie down and try to get to sleep.

The Enterprise remained in orbit of Saturn, close to the rings so the energy signatures could be masked in case anything showed up. The unfortunate thing was that the sensors of the Enterprise were also impaired. "Sir," called Worf from the tactical station, "Engineering states they're ready to test the shields." Jim sighed in relief.

"Finally some good news," he said getting up from his chair. "Mr. Crusher, take us up and out."

"Aye sir" replied the navigator. He keyed commands on the console and the ship began a steady ascent out of the rings and cleared them fully in a few seconds. Crusher turned back to Bullock, "We're clear of the rings sir," he reported.

"Good. Mr. Worf, shields up." Jim sat back down and awaited the report from his tactical officer. After a few seconds Worf looked up from his console, "Shields are up and operating at 87% efficiency."

"It's progress. Bullock to Engineering," called out the captain. LaForge replied. "Engineering here, captain."

"Geordi, great work on getting the shields back up. Lets try to get to 93% efficiency and then begin work on the warp drive."

"Aye sir, LaForge out."

Jim was happy to hear the ship was on its way to full power and operation. It didn't last long though due to Data's next report.

"Captain, long range sensors picking up an unknown vessel in orbit of Earth. I can't get a clear fix on it though since there's still some minor interference." Jim didn't like the sound of "an unknown vessel in orbit of Earth".

"Understood, Mr. Crusher, set course, best possible speed."

"Aye, sir". The Enterprise came about and began on its way towards Earth, while the crew hoped they wouldn't be facing what they feared most.