Then a message came back. As Tam began translating for us, though, a strange look was spreading across her face.
Operations already suspended as of 2:57 NY time per security-link instructions. Staff leave of absence. Is this confirmation? Repeat. Is this confirmation?
"What in hell." Henderson stared at Tam, then me. "Whose damned instructions?"
"Matt, what do you think's going on?" Tarn's fingers were still poised above the keyboard. "Why on earth would DNI Kyoto order a shutdown here?"
"That's a big question." One that had no answer. "Better just fake it, and fast."
"What else can we do?" She revolved back around to the keyboard and began to type.
Confirmation. What personnel remain?
Back came Tanaka's reply: As instructed, security personnel only.
"Tam, get off the line. This feels wrong."
She wheeled back again. Transmission concluded. Standby for further instruction.