Kate stood at the outskirts of an American city. It seemed empty, in a post-clean-apocalyptic sort of way. It was clear to her that people were around; it was just a matter of fining them. In something approaching a panic, she checked several places that came to mind for friends and family.

"Kate, stop. This isn't getting us anywhere. Think for a moment."

"For what it's worth, there are definitely people around, but they don't seem friendly. Too many signs of combat, ambush, too much blue along the paths."

"And therefore, our fears that Third Impact or something related may have occurred are likely groundless."

Kate breathed. 'OK. So what do we do?'