Abruptly, the projector light dimmed, the action slowed. All lights went out. They heard a dull, booming roar in the distance, a staccato rattling of shots. Feet pounded along the corridor outside the room.
Francine sat in stunned silence.
Ohashi said: "Stay here, please. I will have a look around to see what...."
The door banged open and a flashlight beam stabbed into the room, momentarily blinding them.
"Everything all right in here?" boomed a masculine voice.
They made out a white MP helmet visible behind the light.
"Yes," said Ohashi. "What is happening?"
"Somebody blew up a tower to the main transmission line from McNary Dam. Then there was an attempt to breach our security blockade on the south. Everything will be back to normal shortly." The light turned away.
"Who?" asked Francine.
"Some crazy civilians," said the MP. "We'll have the emergency power on in a minute. Just stay in this room until we give the all clear." He left, closing the door.