Digital Fortress Chapter 1

They were in the smoky mountains at their favorite bed-and-breakfast. David was smiling down at her. What do you say, gorgeous? get married me?Looking up from their canopy bed, she knew he was the one. For ever so. As she stared into his deep-green eyes, somewhere in the distance a deafening bell began to ring. It was pulling him away. She reached for him, but her build up clutched empty air.It was the sound of the environ that fully awoke Susan Fletcher from her dream. She gasped, sit down up in bed, and fumbled for the receiver. Hello?Susan, its David. Did I wake you?She smiled, rolling over in bed. I was just dreaming of you. Come over and play.He laughed. Its good-tempered lowering out.Mmm. She moaned sensuously. Then definitely come over and play. We can sleep in before we head north.David let out a frustrated sigh. Thats why Im calling. Its about our trip. Ive got to postpone.Susan was suddenly wide awake. WhatIm sorry. Ive got to leave town. Ill be back by tomorrow. We c an head up first thing in the morning. Well still have two days.But I made reservations, Susan said, hurt. I got our experienced room at Stone Manor.I know, but-Tonight was supposed to be special-to celebrate six months. You do remember were engaged, dont you?Susan. He sighed. I in reality cant go into it now, theyve got a car waiting. Ill call you from the plane and explain everything. weather sheet? she repeated. Whats going on? Why would the university?Its not the university. Ill phone and explain later. Ive rightfully got to go theyre calling for me. Ill be in touch. I promise.David she cried. Whats-But it was excessively late. David had hung up.Susan Fletcher lay awake for hours waiting for him to call back. The phone never rang. subsequently that afternoon Susan sat dejected in the tub. She submerged herself in the saponaceous water and tried to forget Stone Manor and the Smoky Mountains. Where could he be? she wondered. Why hasnt he called?Gradually the water around her went from het to lukewarm and finally to cold. She was about to get out when her cordless phone buzzed to life. Susan bolted upright, sloshing water on the floor as she grappled for the receiver shed left on the sink.David?Its Strathmore, the voice replied.Susan slumped. Oh. She was unable to hide her disappointment. Good afternoon, Com publicder.Hoping for a younger man? The voice chuckled.No, sir, Susan said, embarrassed. Its not how it-Sure it is. He laughed. David Beckers a good man. Dont ever lose him.Thank you, sir.The commanders voice turned suddenly stern. Susan, Im calling because I need you in here. Pronto.She tried to focus. Its Saturday, sir. We dont usually-I know, he said calmly. Its an tweak.Susan sat up. Emergency? She had never heard the word cross Commander Strathmores lips. An parking brake? In Crypto? She couldnt imagine. Y-yes, sir. She paused. Ill be there as soon as I can.Make it sooner. Strathmore hung up.Susan Fletcher stood wrapped in a towel and dripped on the neatly folded clothes shed set out the night before-hiking shorts, a sweater for the poise mountain evenings, and the new lingerie shed bought for the nights. Depressed, she went to her closet for a clean blouse and skirt. An emergency? In Crypto?As she went downstairs, Susan wondered how the day could get much worse.She was about to regulate out.