How does this thing work anyway? Huh? What? This button? I already pressed it. TAP! TAP! No, the panel's broken. I don't see any – wait! See that databank there? The wheels are spinning. Yeah, better prop it up so it doesn't fall down like the others. But I think you're right. The transponder seems be operational.

Hello? Citizens? Well, of course you're not going to answer me back. The sign outside the door says Today's Edition. This is a one-way transmission. Anyway, citizens, I'm going to keep this snappy. It's not good to be caught in tight spaces with only one exit. If you're still breathing, you know the drill.

All the staff here is dead or deserted. This office is in shambles. I'd say there was a firefight. Everybody knows the traitors came out of the walls as soon as the electricity went out and the lights stopped working. They were everywhere! Still are, too.

So look, I'm doing my patriotic duty and took a lot of risks just to let you flapheads wandering around out there in the dark in on what's been going on. At least, what I've seen. And I've seen a lot. Me and my wife and two kids have travelled through most of T-12 sector scrounging for food and – uh, weapons. That's right! I'm not cleared to have them and neither are you, but in these dire circumstances, grab one if you can! No one is going to hold it against you.

The most important thing to know – if you don't know already – is that the boys over at Control are still in charge. That's right! Best news I've had all weekstretch. Whatever hit us knocked us pretty hard, but depending on where you are, some places got socked worse than others. Some departments have been able to restore power, or never lost it. That's where Control – supported by contingents from Homeland Security, of course – has been most active. Crews are being organized to fix the place up. The most effective ones have Thought Leaders embedded to speed up the work and coordinate with the other teams. It's impressive how quickly they are making progress.

Remember: out there in the dark, your PA is your best friend – but also your worst enemy. Fluctuating electric and magnetic fields can cause charges to build up in circuitry or on the surface of metallic objects. The results can be devastating – and deadly. If you're lucky enough to find one, make sure you're wearing a Faraday suit before operating any powered device or touching anything metal. These charges can build up at any time, so watch out! But on the flip side, if you happen to tap into an operating server on one of the subnets, you'll find it a whole lot easier to make your way in out of the dark. I never thought I'd be saying it, but the slop never tasted so good, especially when you've been starving, believe me.

Also, avoid cybots at all costs, even the cleanbots. A lot of them got fried, and those that withstood the voltage are likely to be behaving strangely. And by that I mean dangerously! Or maybe they are just leaning on the chaos and destruction as an excuse to take revenge on us poor organics? Anyway, my advice is don't try and find out. Leave that to the experts over at Homeland Security.

Let's see, what else? Be careful crossing puddles and pools of water, especially if you're thirsty! I've seen more than one –

What, honey? Someone's by the door?

Oh shit! Jean, where's your gun. Fritz, behind me. Behind me! Did you hear what I –

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Interested readers can find out more about the Bunker in my sci-fi adventure novels, Thank You For Your Cooperation and Your Call Is Important To Us.