chapter 66
Kate Lockley analyzed the situation. Based on what Nancy had told them Sarah and her fanatical followers were in possession of canisters of nerve gas. They were planning an attack within the next few days. If they were targeting any individuals, it was likely presidential candidate Richard Wilkins. For whatever reason they believed that Wilkins was the anti-christ. Wilkins would be in California on the 25th. A breakfast at a church-group, a get out the vote rally at UC Santa Cruz, and a radio interview during rush hour. Wilkins wasn't coming to Sunnydale, but secret service had been alerted about Sarah. There weren't many places they could cause massive deaths. Nancy said she saw six cannisters. Getting her or Charles Gunn back into the militia was impossible. Kate understood why they'd done this, but still lamented their strategic loss. According to their scientists Sarah's group could release the nerve gas at a gas distribution center, a dam, or a water-purification plant. Any of these places could theoretically cause maximum casualties in California, possibly killing Wilkins if he was still in the state. Gunn said Sarah believed this would help bring about the great conflict eventually resulting in the end of the world. The scientists said if they were going to release the nerve gas in the likely targets they would need to reduce pressure by 50%. The targets were all warned, security increased. Working with FEMA Kate Lockley observed the centers pressure, all had over 90%. Sarah's group would do this soon, force the technicians to lower pressure at gunpoint. Being on the run with fairly limited weapons they had little choice but to do this quickly. When one center's pressure lowered dramatically they would have to be ready. But with limited resources it seemed entirely possible they wouldn't reach the target in time. Yet as many as 100'000 lives were in the balance.