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, beautiful? Marry me?Looking up from their canopy bed, she knew he was the one. Forever. 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 weaponry clutched empty air.It was the sound of the phone that fully awoke Susan Fletcher from her dream. She gasped, sat up in bed, and fumbled for the receiver. Hello?Susan, its David. Did I wake you?She smiled, rolling over in bed. I was tho dreaming of you. Come over and play.He laughed. Its still dark out.Mmm. She moaned sensuously. Then definitely come over and play. We can sleep in before we period 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 can head up first thing in the morning. Well still have two days. just now I made reservations, Susan said, hurt. I got our old 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 really cant go into it now, theyve got a car waiting. Ill call you from the piece of paper and explain everything.Plane? she repeated. Whats going on? Why would the university?Its not the university. Ill phone and explain later. Ive really got to go theyre calling for me. Ill be in touch. I promise.David she cried. Whats-But it was too late. David had hung up.Susan Fletcher lay awake for hours waiting for him to call back. The phone never rang.Later 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 hot to warm and finally to cold. She was about t o 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 articulatio replied.Susan slumped. Oh. She was futile to hide her disappointment. Good afternoon, Commander.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 emergency.Susan sat up. Emergency? She had never heard the term cross Commander Strathmores lips. An emergency? 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 wipe and dripped on the neatly folded clothes shed set out the night before- hiking shorts, a sweater for the cool mountain evenings, and the new lingerie shed bought for the nights. Depressed, she went to her closet for a tasteful blouse and skirt. An emergency? In Crypto?As she went downstairs, Susan wondered how the day could get much worse.She was about to find out.