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Week 3 posts / The Fog: 3rd Draft (CP Comments Incorporated)
« on: July 30, 2021, 06:24:54 PM »
My critique partners gave me a few suggestions for small but important details, and then I did a little bit of tweaking (because I can't help myself 
) but overall, it's largely unchanged from the last draft. Just a bit more polished 
"Chuck, I need those new images, and I need them now!" Amanda shouted from her office.
Tensions were high at the Department of Fog Investigation, Control, and Eradication (FICE) headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. Scientists and engineers typed away furiously while the phones rang off the hook.
Chuck turned from his monitor with wide eyes and a forehead beaded in sweat. "I'm pulling them up on the main screen."
The Fog was back. Years had passed since its last occurrence, and many at FICE hoped it was a false alarm, but once cell phone footage started spreading, panic set in.
There was no mistaking the Fog. It moved in intricate, whirling patterns that were part dancer and part predator. The mist enveloped its victims' faces and forced itself inside any open cavity. The transformation into a homicidal extension of the Fog was immediate.
Amanda entered the control room and studied the live satellite feed. '"It doesn't seem to be spreading."
"Correct," another woman answered as she joined Amanda. "The Fog is concentrated in Baltimore's inner harbor area."
Amanda sighed and pinched her nose. "It would choose a tourist destination. One can only hope the hotels are properly equipped for the situation."
"I've been in contact with field offices across the country, and there are no other reported sightings."
Amanda studied the newcomer. "And you are?"
"Jeannette, ma'am. Jeannette Miller. I lead the Eradication Prototype Team."
"Ah," Amanda said with a little laugh. "Of course. You've been working on a laser gun or something, yes?"
Jeannette pursed her lips. "It's more than that. We've built portable machines that mimic the sun's rays and tropical storm force wind."
"Ma'am," Chuck said as he looked up from his monitor. "I have the FICE Special Forces strike team leader on a secured video line."
Amanda jutted her chin toward the screen and a grainy video with an officer in fatigues appeared. She looked to be in the thick of it.
"Captain Meagan Wilson reporting, ma'am. We evacuated the area and formed a quarter-mile perimeter, but require orders for our next steps. A few units attempted engaging with the Fog, but they were quickly overcome."
Meagan had a grim look as she shook her head. "It's like the person in there is gone. No one should have to put down their own unit members. Their friends."
Everyone in the control room grew quiet at this sobering information.
Amanda cleared her throat. "We are looking at our options, but for now-"
"Send in my team," said Jeannette.
Startled at the interruption, Amanda turned to face her. "You can't be serious."
"We've made some important discoveries recently, and-"
Amanda let out a derisive snort.
Jeannette squared her shoulders. "What are your options? Normal fog needs heat to dissipate, but whatever makes up this Fog can keep its temperature close enough to the dew point to stay around for as long as it likes. Do you want to hide, or do you want to fight back?"
Amanda held her gaze and Jeannette did not flinch.
Amanda turned back to the screen. "Wilson, what are your thoughts?"
"Well, it's like she said, ma'am. We don't have many options," Meagan replied with a shrug. "Send them out and I'll supply backup."
Amanda looked to the ceiling and sighed. "You have ten minutes to get your team and your laser guns on the helipad."
"Thank you, ma'am," Jeannette said as she broke into a wide grin. "But they aren't-"
Amanda waved her hands as she stormed back into her office. "I don't care what they are. Go kill that thing."
Thirty minutes later, Jeannette-with her team of four and their machines in tow-were in a military vehicle driving down an empty sidewalk toward the Fog. It had gone back over the water, whether to draw up more moisture to multiply, or to store up enough for traveling further inland, they couldn't be sure.
Jeannette turned to her team when the vehicle stopped. "We need to surround the Fog. Robert and Sandra will take boats out into the harbor while the rest of us spread out along the shoreline."
Everyone nodded their assent, checked the signals on their radios, and went their separate ways.
Jeannette set up on a nearby pier. The machine's power was stable, and the current readings were strong. It was eerily quiet without the regular foot traffic. She looked out at the thick cloud of mist and shivered. It seemed to be pacing the harbor, as if stalking prey.
The machines had never been tested on a real specimen, so there was no guarantee they would work. Did I just send my team to their deaths? Jeannette asked herself as her stomach roiled.
Her radio came to life.
"Come in, Jeannette. We are ready."
"10-4. On my mark. Three, two, one, GO!"
Five intense beams of light and heat shot out in all directions at the Fog. The effect was swift, and the Fog twisted this way and that, as if in pain.
Holes developed in the large mass, and a cheer rang out from the nearby troops, but the Fog reformed. It swooped down and shrouded Robert's boat. Gunshots and screams could be heard as those aboard were overtaken.
"No!" Jeannette cried out, tears streaming down her face.
"Add the wind," Sandra called through the radio.
Jeannette came back to her senses long enough to switch on the wind function.
Between the heat and constant gusts, the Fog could not keep its form. Little by little, the harbor cleared.
Jeannette splayed out on the pavement and let out a long, shuddering breath.
A soldier shouted, "It's still out there. Look!"
Jeannette sat up and spotted a few remaining wisps. They merged and sped out of the harbor before her team could regroup.
She tracked the Fog until it was out of sight, her mouth set in a thin line. "We'll be ready next time."
) but overall, it's largely unchanged from the last draft. Just a bit more polished "Chuck, I need those new images, and I need them now!" Amanda shouted from her office.
Tensions were high at the Department of Fog Investigation, Control, and Eradication (FICE) headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. Scientists and engineers typed away furiously while the phones rang off the hook.
Chuck turned from his monitor with wide eyes and a forehead beaded in sweat. "I'm pulling them up on the main screen."
The Fog was back. Years had passed since its last occurrence, and many at FICE hoped it was a false alarm, but once cell phone footage started spreading, panic set in.
There was no mistaking the Fog. It moved in intricate, whirling patterns that were part dancer and part predator. The mist enveloped its victims' faces and forced itself inside any open cavity. The transformation into a homicidal extension of the Fog was immediate.
Amanda entered the control room and studied the live satellite feed. '"It doesn't seem to be spreading."
"Correct," another woman answered as she joined Amanda. "The Fog is concentrated in Baltimore's inner harbor area."
Amanda sighed and pinched her nose. "It would choose a tourist destination. One can only hope the hotels are properly equipped for the situation."
"I've been in contact with field offices across the country, and there are no other reported sightings."
Amanda studied the newcomer. "And you are?"
"Jeannette, ma'am. Jeannette Miller. I lead the Eradication Prototype Team."
"Ah," Amanda said with a little laugh. "Of course. You've been working on a laser gun or something, yes?"
Jeannette pursed her lips. "It's more than that. We've built portable machines that mimic the sun's rays and tropical storm force wind."
"Ma'am," Chuck said as he looked up from his monitor. "I have the FICE Special Forces strike team leader on a secured video line."
Amanda jutted her chin toward the screen and a grainy video with an officer in fatigues appeared. She looked to be in the thick of it.
"Captain Meagan Wilson reporting, ma'am. We evacuated the area and formed a quarter-mile perimeter, but require orders for our next steps. A few units attempted engaging with the Fog, but they were quickly overcome."
Meagan had a grim look as she shook her head. "It's like the person in there is gone. No one should have to put down their own unit members. Their friends."
Everyone in the control room grew quiet at this sobering information.
Amanda cleared her throat. "We are looking at our options, but for now-"
"Send in my team," said Jeannette.
Startled at the interruption, Amanda turned to face her. "You can't be serious."
"We've made some important discoveries recently, and-"
Amanda let out a derisive snort.
Jeannette squared her shoulders. "What are your options? Normal fog needs heat to dissipate, but whatever makes up this Fog can keep its temperature close enough to the dew point to stay around for as long as it likes. Do you want to hide, or do you want to fight back?"
Amanda held her gaze and Jeannette did not flinch.
Amanda turned back to the screen. "Wilson, what are your thoughts?"
"Well, it's like she said, ma'am. We don't have many options," Meagan replied with a shrug. "Send them out and I'll supply backup."
Amanda looked to the ceiling and sighed. "You have ten minutes to get your team and your laser guns on the helipad."
"Thank you, ma'am," Jeannette said as she broke into a wide grin. "But they aren't-"
Amanda waved her hands as she stormed back into her office. "I don't care what they are. Go kill that thing."
***
Thirty minutes later, Jeannette-with her team of four and their machines in tow-were in a military vehicle driving down an empty sidewalk toward the Fog. It had gone back over the water, whether to draw up more moisture to multiply, or to store up enough for traveling further inland, they couldn't be sure.
Jeannette turned to her team when the vehicle stopped. "We need to surround the Fog. Robert and Sandra will take boats out into the harbor while the rest of us spread out along the shoreline."
Everyone nodded their assent, checked the signals on their radios, and went their separate ways.
Jeannette set up on a nearby pier. The machine's power was stable, and the current readings were strong. It was eerily quiet without the regular foot traffic. She looked out at the thick cloud of mist and shivered. It seemed to be pacing the harbor, as if stalking prey.
The machines had never been tested on a real specimen, so there was no guarantee they would work. Did I just send my team to their deaths? Jeannette asked herself as her stomach roiled.
Her radio came to life.
"Come in, Jeannette. We are ready."
"10-4. On my mark. Three, two, one, GO!"
Five intense beams of light and heat shot out in all directions at the Fog. The effect was swift, and the Fog twisted this way and that, as if in pain.
Holes developed in the large mass, and a cheer rang out from the nearby troops, but the Fog reformed. It swooped down and shrouded Robert's boat. Gunshots and screams could be heard as those aboard were overtaken.
"No!" Jeannette cried out, tears streaming down her face.
"Add the wind," Sandra called through the radio.
Jeannette came back to her senses long enough to switch on the wind function.
Between the heat and constant gusts, the Fog could not keep its form. Little by little, the harbor cleared.
Jeannette splayed out on the pavement and let out a long, shuddering breath.
A soldier shouted, "It's still out there. Look!"
Jeannette sat up and spotted a few remaining wisps. They merged and sped out of the harbor before her team could regroup.
She tracked the Fog until it was out of sight, her mouth set in a thin line. "We'll be ready next time."
2
Week 2 posts / THE FOG: Second Draft
« on: July 22, 2021, 08:32:05 PM »
"Chuck, I need those new images, and I need them now!" Amanda Barlow shouted from her office.
Tensions were high at the National Association of Fog Investigation, Control, and Eradication (NAFICE) headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. Scientists and engineers typed away furiously while the phones rang off the hook.
Chuck turned from his monitor with wide eyes and a forehead beaded in sweat. "I'm pulling them up on the main screen."
The Fog was back. Years had passed since its last occurrence, and many at NAFICE hoped it was a false alarm, but once cell phone footage started spreading across media outlets, panic set in.
There was no mistaking the Fog. It moved in intricate, whirling patterns that were part dancer and part predator. The mist enveloped its victims' faces and forced itself inside any open cavity. The transformation into homicidal extensions of the Fog was immediate.
Amanda entered the control room and studied the live satellite feed. "It doesn't seem to be spreading."
"Correct," another woman answered as she joined Amanda. "The Fog is concentrated in Baltimore's inner harbor area."
Amanda sighed and pinched her nose. "It would choose a tourist destination. One can only hope the hotels are properly equipped for the situation."
"I've been in contact with field offices across the country, and there are no other reported sightings."
Amanda studied the newcomer. "And you are?"
"Jeannette, ma'am. Jeannette Miller. I lead the Eradication Prototype Team."
"Ah," Amanda said with a little laugh. "Of course. You've been working on a laser gun or something, yes?"
Jeannette pursed her lips. "It's more than that. We've built portable machines that mimic the sun's rays and tropical storm force wind."
"Ma'am," Chuck said as he looked up from his monitor. "I have the NAFICE Special Forces strike team leader on a secured video line."
Amanda jutted her chin toward the screen and a grainy video with an officer in fatigues appeared. She looked to be in the thick of it.
"Meagan Wilson reporting, ma'am. We evacuated the area and formed a quarter-mile perimeter, but require orders for our next steps. A few units attempted engaging with the Fog, but they were quickly overcome."
Meagan had a grim look as she shook her head. "It's like the person in there is gone. No one should have to put down their own unit members. Their friends."
Everyone in the control room grew quiet at this sobering information.
Amanda cleared her throat. "We are looking at our options, but for now-"
"Send in my team," said Jeannette.
Startled at the interruption, Amanda turned to face her. "You can't be serious."
"My team has made some important discoveries recently, and-"
Amanda let out a derisive snort.
Jeannette squared her shoulders. "What are your options? Normal fog needs heat to dissipate, but whatever makes up this Fog can keep its temperature close enough to the dew point to stay around for as long as it likes. Do you want to hide, or do you want to fight back?"
Amanda held her gaze and Jeannette did not flinch.
Amanda turned back to the screen. "Wilson, what are your thoughts?"
"Well, it's like she said. We don't have many options," the officer replied with a shrug. "Send them out and I'll supply backup."
Amanda looked to the ceiling and sighed. "You have ten minutes to get your team and your laser guns on the helipad."
"Thank you, ma'am," Jeannette said as she broke into a wide grin. "But they aren't-"
Amanda waved her hands as she stormed back into her office. "I don't care what they are. Go kill that thing."
Thirty minutes later, Jeannette-with her team of four and their machines in tow-were in a military vehicle driving down an empty sidewalk toward the Fog. It had gone back over the water, whether to draw up more moisture to multiply, or to store up enough for traveling further inland, they couldn't be sure.
Jeannette turned to her team when the vehicle stopped. "We need to surround the Fog. Robert and Sandra will take boats out into the harbor while the rest of us spread along the shoreline."
Everyone nodded in agreement, checked the signals on their radios, and went their separate ways.
Jeannette set up on a nearby pier. The machine's power was stable, and the current readings were strong. It was eerily quiet without the regular tourist foot traffic.
She shivered as she looked out at the thick cloud of mist. It seemed to be pacing the harbor, as if stalking prey. The machines had never been tested on a real specimen, so she couldn't guarantee they would work.
"Did I just send my team to their deaths?" she asked herself as her stomach roiled.
Her radio came to life.
"Come in, Jeannette. We are ready."
"10-4. On my mark. Three, two, one, GO!"
Five intense beams of light and heat shot out in all directions at the Fog. The effect was immediate, and the Fog twisted this way and that, as if in pain.
Holes developed in the large mass, and a cheer rang out from the nearby troops, but the Fog reformed. It swooped down and shrouded Robert's boat. Gunshots and screams could be heard as the Fog overtook the passengers aboard.
"No!" Jeannette cried out as tears streamed down her face.
"Add the wind," Sandra called through the radio.
Jeannette came back to her senses long enough to switch on the wind function.
Between the heat and constant gusts, the Fog could not keep its form. Little by little, the harbor cleared.
Jeannette splayed out on the pavement and let out a long, shuddering breath.
A soldier shouted, "It's still out there. Look!"
Jeannette sat up and saw a few remaining wisps merge, then move out of the harbor at a quick pace. She followed the Fog until it was out of sight, her mouth set in a thin line.
"We'll be ready next time."
Tensions were high at the National Association of Fog Investigation, Control, and Eradication (NAFICE) headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. Scientists and engineers typed away furiously while the phones rang off the hook.
Chuck turned from his monitor with wide eyes and a forehead beaded in sweat. "I'm pulling them up on the main screen."
The Fog was back. Years had passed since its last occurrence, and many at NAFICE hoped it was a false alarm, but once cell phone footage started spreading across media outlets, panic set in.
There was no mistaking the Fog. It moved in intricate, whirling patterns that were part dancer and part predator. The mist enveloped its victims' faces and forced itself inside any open cavity. The transformation into homicidal extensions of the Fog was immediate.
Amanda entered the control room and studied the live satellite feed. "It doesn't seem to be spreading."
"Correct," another woman answered as she joined Amanda. "The Fog is concentrated in Baltimore's inner harbor area."
Amanda sighed and pinched her nose. "It would choose a tourist destination. One can only hope the hotels are properly equipped for the situation."
"I've been in contact with field offices across the country, and there are no other reported sightings."
Amanda studied the newcomer. "And you are?"
"Jeannette, ma'am. Jeannette Miller. I lead the Eradication Prototype Team."
"Ah," Amanda said with a little laugh. "Of course. You've been working on a laser gun or something, yes?"
Jeannette pursed her lips. "It's more than that. We've built portable machines that mimic the sun's rays and tropical storm force wind."
"Ma'am," Chuck said as he looked up from his monitor. "I have the NAFICE Special Forces strike team leader on a secured video line."
Amanda jutted her chin toward the screen and a grainy video with an officer in fatigues appeared. She looked to be in the thick of it.
"Meagan Wilson reporting, ma'am. We evacuated the area and formed a quarter-mile perimeter, but require orders for our next steps. A few units attempted engaging with the Fog, but they were quickly overcome."
Meagan had a grim look as she shook her head. "It's like the person in there is gone. No one should have to put down their own unit members. Their friends."
Everyone in the control room grew quiet at this sobering information.
Amanda cleared her throat. "We are looking at our options, but for now-"
"Send in my team," said Jeannette.
Startled at the interruption, Amanda turned to face her. "You can't be serious."
"My team has made some important discoveries recently, and-"
Amanda let out a derisive snort.
Jeannette squared her shoulders. "What are your options? Normal fog needs heat to dissipate, but whatever makes up this Fog can keep its temperature close enough to the dew point to stay around for as long as it likes. Do you want to hide, or do you want to fight back?"
Amanda held her gaze and Jeannette did not flinch.
Amanda turned back to the screen. "Wilson, what are your thoughts?"
"Well, it's like she said. We don't have many options," the officer replied with a shrug. "Send them out and I'll supply backup."
Amanda looked to the ceiling and sighed. "You have ten minutes to get your team and your laser guns on the helipad."
"Thank you, ma'am," Jeannette said as she broke into a wide grin. "But they aren't-"
Amanda waved her hands as she stormed back into her office. "I don't care what they are. Go kill that thing."
***
Thirty minutes later, Jeannette-with her team of four and their machines in tow-were in a military vehicle driving down an empty sidewalk toward the Fog. It had gone back over the water, whether to draw up more moisture to multiply, or to store up enough for traveling further inland, they couldn't be sure.
Jeannette turned to her team when the vehicle stopped. "We need to surround the Fog. Robert and Sandra will take boats out into the harbor while the rest of us spread along the shoreline."
Everyone nodded in agreement, checked the signals on their radios, and went their separate ways.
Jeannette set up on a nearby pier. The machine's power was stable, and the current readings were strong. It was eerily quiet without the regular tourist foot traffic.
She shivered as she looked out at the thick cloud of mist. It seemed to be pacing the harbor, as if stalking prey. The machines had never been tested on a real specimen, so she couldn't guarantee they would work.
"Did I just send my team to their deaths?" she asked herself as her stomach roiled.
Her radio came to life.
"Come in, Jeannette. We are ready."
"10-4. On my mark. Three, two, one, GO!"
Five intense beams of light and heat shot out in all directions at the Fog. The effect was immediate, and the Fog twisted this way and that, as if in pain.
Holes developed in the large mass, and a cheer rang out from the nearby troops, but the Fog reformed. It swooped down and shrouded Robert's boat. Gunshots and screams could be heard as the Fog overtook the passengers aboard.
"No!" Jeannette cried out as tears streamed down her face.
"Add the wind," Sandra called through the radio.
Jeannette came back to her senses long enough to switch on the wind function.
Between the heat and constant gusts, the Fog could not keep its form. Little by little, the harbor cleared.
Jeannette splayed out on the pavement and let out a long, shuddering breath.
A soldier shouted, "It's still out there. Look!"
Jeannette sat up and saw a few remaining wisps merge, then move out of the harbor at a quick pace. She followed the Fog until it was out of sight, her mouth set in a thin line.
"We'll be ready next time."
3
Week 1 posts / First Draft: The Fog
« on: July 16, 2021, 02:01:02 AM »
I went a little out of my comfort zone and wrote a scifi story instead of my usual fantasy. I'm already itching to condense a bunch of my word vomit so I can hopefully have a less rushed/more satisfying ending.
The Fog was back. Years had passed since its last occurrence, and many held on to the hope it was a false alarm. A trick of the light, or a simple morning mist.
It wasn?t until cell phone footage started spreading across social media that panic set in. There was no mistaking the way the Fog moved?part dancer, part predator. It put its victims into a trance with its intricate whirling patterns, then enveloped their faces and entered any cavity it could find. The transformation took but a few moments. The transfixed morphed into violent homicidal extensions of the fog.
Sirens began to wail, with intermittent announcements stating, ?Please remain calm and return to your homes immediately. Secure all doors and windows. Cover all vents with NAFICE-approved filters."
As people swarmed the roads for the safety of their homes, activity ramped up at the National Association of Fog Investigation, Control, and Eradication (NAFICE) headquarters.
?Chuck, I need those new images, and I need them now!? Amanda Barlow yelled from her office as scientists and engineers typed furiously away at computers and the phones rang off the hook.
Chuck turned from his monitor with wide eyes. His breathing was erratic, and his forehead beaded with sweat. ?I?m pulling them up on the main screen now.?
Amanda walked out of her office and into the control room at a brisk pace. Arms crossed, she began tapping her foot, which only seemed to fluster Chuck more.
?Any second now,? Chuck said with a shaky voice. When the images began to load on the twelve-foot-wide screens, he let out a sigh of relief.
Amanda studied the live satellite images. ?It doesn?t seem to be spreading.?
?That is correct,? another woman said as she joined Amanda. ?The Fog is concentrated in Baltimore?s inner harbor area.?
Amanda sighed and pinched her nose. ?It would choose a tourist destination. One can only hope the hotels are properly equipped for the situation.?
?I?ve been in contact with field offices across the country and there are currently no other reported sightings.?
Amanda studied the newcomer. Her dark hair was pulled back from her face, and she wore jeans and a white polo with the NAFICE logo. She pushed black framed glasses up her nose as she continued to watch the satellite footage.
?And you are??
The woman turned to Amanda. ?Jeannette, ma?am. Jeannette Miller. I lead the Eradication Prototype Team.?
?Ah,? Amanda said with a little laugh. ?Of course. You?ve been working on a laser gun or something, yes??
Jeannette pursed her lips. ?No. We are building portable machines that exude heat rays and wind.?
Amanda shrugged her shoulders and turned her attention back to an unsuspecting Chuck.
?Chuck! Where are we with evacuations? Are there boots on the ground??
He let out a small squeak and typed away furiously. ?NAFICE Special Forces are on scene but need orders on how to proceed. I have Meagan Wilson on video, she is leading the strike team.?
?Send her to my personal screen.?
Amanda began walking back to her office, and realized Jeannette was following. She stopped abruptly and turned.
?Can I help you??
Jeannette squared her shoulders. ?I need to be part of this meeting.?
?Is that so??
?Yes. My team has made some important discoveries over the past few years, and??
A video feed with an officer in fatigues appeared on Amanda?s screen. She let out a small, exasperated sound. ?Fine, but close the door behind you.?
The officer looked to be in the thick of it. ?Meagan Wilson reporting in, ma?am. We?ve evacuated the area and have formed a quarter-mile perimeter, but are unsure of our next steps. A few squadrons have attempted engaging with the Fog, but they were quickly overcome and most of our nearby troops are dealing with tranquilizing them before they hurt anyone.?
?Send my team in,? said Jeannette.
Amanda swiveled in her chair. ?You can?t be serious.?
?What are your options? Normal fog needs heat to dissipate, and we know whatever this Fog is can keep its temperature close enough to the dew point to stay for around for as long as it wants. Do you want to continue waiting it out, or do you want to fight back??
Amanda steepled her fingers as she held Jeannette?s gaze. ?Wilson, what are your thoughts??
?Well, like she said. We don?t have many options,? Meagan said as she shrugged. ?Send her out and I?ll supply backup.?
Amanda looked to the ceiling and sighed. ?You have ten minutes to get your team and your laser guns on the helipad.?
Jeannette jumped up. ?Thank you, ma?am. They aren?t lasers, they?re??
Amanda waved her away as she picked up her phone. ?I don?t care what they are. Go kill this thing.?
Thirty minutes later, Jeannette and her team of four were in a military vehicle driving down an empty sidewalk toward the Fog. It had gone back over the water, whether to draw up more moisture, or to travel to another area, they couldn?t be sure.
Jeannette turned to her team when the vehicle stopped. ?We need to try to get the machines all around the Fog. Robert and Sandra will take boats out into the harbor while we set up on land.?
Everyone nodded in agreement, checked the signals on their radios, and went their separate way.
Jeannette set up her machine near the water?s edge and beside the historic USS Constellation. It was eerily quiet without the regular tourist traffic, and the air was thick with anticipation.
She looked out at the whirling thick cloud of mist as it turned this way and that. Her radio came to life.
?Jeannette?come in?we are set and ready.?
?10-4. On my mark. Three, two, one, GO!?
Five intense beams of light shot out in all directions toward the floating mass. Their effect was immediate, and the Fog began to break apart. A cheer came up from the nearby troops, but the Fog reformed and shot down to Robert?s boat. Jeannette heard the screams through his radio.
?Add the wind,? Jeannette radioed to the team.
Soon, between the heat and strong wind from all directions, the Fog could not keep its form. Little by little the harbor cleared.
Jeannette let out a sigh of relief, but a young soldier ran up and said, ?There?s still a small part left. Look!?
Sure enough, a few wisps had reformed and were moving out of the harbor at a quick pace.
Jeannette followed its movement until it was out of eyesight. ?We?ll be prepared for next time.?
It wasn?t until cell phone footage started spreading across social media that panic set in. There was no mistaking the way the Fog moved?part dancer, part predator. It put its victims into a trance with its intricate whirling patterns, then enveloped their faces and entered any cavity it could find. The transformation took but a few moments. The transfixed morphed into violent homicidal extensions of the fog.
Sirens began to wail, with intermittent announcements stating, ?Please remain calm and return to your homes immediately. Secure all doors and windows. Cover all vents with NAFICE-approved filters."
As people swarmed the roads for the safety of their homes, activity ramped up at the National Association of Fog Investigation, Control, and Eradication (NAFICE) headquarters.
?Chuck, I need those new images, and I need them now!? Amanda Barlow yelled from her office as scientists and engineers typed furiously away at computers and the phones rang off the hook.
Chuck turned from his monitor with wide eyes. His breathing was erratic, and his forehead beaded with sweat. ?I?m pulling them up on the main screen now.?
Amanda walked out of her office and into the control room at a brisk pace. Arms crossed, she began tapping her foot, which only seemed to fluster Chuck more.
?Any second now,? Chuck said with a shaky voice. When the images began to load on the twelve-foot-wide screens, he let out a sigh of relief.
Amanda studied the live satellite images. ?It doesn?t seem to be spreading.?
?That is correct,? another woman said as she joined Amanda. ?The Fog is concentrated in Baltimore?s inner harbor area.?
Amanda sighed and pinched her nose. ?It would choose a tourist destination. One can only hope the hotels are properly equipped for the situation.?
?I?ve been in contact with field offices across the country and there are currently no other reported sightings.?
Amanda studied the newcomer. Her dark hair was pulled back from her face, and she wore jeans and a white polo with the NAFICE logo. She pushed black framed glasses up her nose as she continued to watch the satellite footage.
?And you are??
The woman turned to Amanda. ?Jeannette, ma?am. Jeannette Miller. I lead the Eradication Prototype Team.?
?Ah,? Amanda said with a little laugh. ?Of course. You?ve been working on a laser gun or something, yes??
Jeannette pursed her lips. ?No. We are building portable machines that exude heat rays and wind.?
Amanda shrugged her shoulders and turned her attention back to an unsuspecting Chuck.
?Chuck! Where are we with evacuations? Are there boots on the ground??
He let out a small squeak and typed away furiously. ?NAFICE Special Forces are on scene but need orders on how to proceed. I have Meagan Wilson on video, she is leading the strike team.?
?Send her to my personal screen.?
Amanda began walking back to her office, and realized Jeannette was following. She stopped abruptly and turned.
?Can I help you??
Jeannette squared her shoulders. ?I need to be part of this meeting.?
?Is that so??
?Yes. My team has made some important discoveries over the past few years, and??
A video feed with an officer in fatigues appeared on Amanda?s screen. She let out a small, exasperated sound. ?Fine, but close the door behind you.?
The officer looked to be in the thick of it. ?Meagan Wilson reporting in, ma?am. We?ve evacuated the area and have formed a quarter-mile perimeter, but are unsure of our next steps. A few squadrons have attempted engaging with the Fog, but they were quickly overcome and most of our nearby troops are dealing with tranquilizing them before they hurt anyone.?
?Send my team in,? said Jeannette.
Amanda swiveled in her chair. ?You can?t be serious.?
?What are your options? Normal fog needs heat to dissipate, and we know whatever this Fog is can keep its temperature close enough to the dew point to stay for around for as long as it wants. Do you want to continue waiting it out, or do you want to fight back??
Amanda steepled her fingers as she held Jeannette?s gaze. ?Wilson, what are your thoughts??
?Well, like she said. We don?t have many options,? Meagan said as she shrugged. ?Send her out and I?ll supply backup.?
Amanda looked to the ceiling and sighed. ?You have ten minutes to get your team and your laser guns on the helipad.?
Jeannette jumped up. ?Thank you, ma?am. They aren?t lasers, they?re??
Amanda waved her away as she picked up her phone. ?I don?t care what they are. Go kill this thing.?
***
Thirty minutes later, Jeannette and her team of four were in a military vehicle driving down an empty sidewalk toward the Fog. It had gone back over the water, whether to draw up more moisture, or to travel to another area, they couldn?t be sure.
Jeannette turned to her team when the vehicle stopped. ?We need to try to get the machines all around the Fog. Robert and Sandra will take boats out into the harbor while we set up on land.?
Everyone nodded in agreement, checked the signals on their radios, and went their separate way.
Jeannette set up her machine near the water?s edge and beside the historic USS Constellation. It was eerily quiet without the regular tourist traffic, and the air was thick with anticipation.
She looked out at the whirling thick cloud of mist as it turned this way and that. Her radio came to life.
?Jeannette?come in?we are set and ready.?
?10-4. On my mark. Three, two, one, GO!?
Five intense beams of light shot out in all directions toward the floating mass. Their effect was immediate, and the Fog began to break apart. A cheer came up from the nearby troops, but the Fog reformed and shot down to Robert?s boat. Jeannette heard the screams through his radio.
?Add the wind,? Jeannette radioed to the team.
Soon, between the heat and strong wind from all directions, the Fog could not keep its form. Little by little the harbor cleared.
Jeannette let out a sigh of relief, but a young soldier ran up and said, ?There?s still a small part left. Look!?
Sure enough, a few wisps had reformed and were moving out of the harbor at a quick pace.
Jeannette followed its movement until it was out of eyesight. ?We?ll be prepared for next time.?
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