"Jesus" was all the major could utter in response.

"Altogether there are one hundred and fifty levels, equaling four thousand and some change in feet. Yes, sir, quite a ways. The main levels below were excavated from a natural cave formation similar to Carlsbad, only these caves weren't discovered till 1906." The sergeant paused, then quoted from memory, "'This is the second facility for the Group; the original was in-Virginia. But this particular complex was built during the Second World War as part of the expansion under President Roosevelt.' "He smiled again. "I guess it was a little easier to hide the cost back then. It was designed by the same people who drew up the plans for the Pentagon."

"What does the Group do here?" Collins asked, eyeing the indicators.

"Again, sir, the most important questions you have will be answered by people other than me."

The elevator came to a soft halt with only a soft and minute bounce. Mendenhall retrieved the major's bag as the doors slid open. Collins stepped out into what appeared to be a quiet, well-appointed, and normal reception area.

"Major, enjoy your tour of the Group. And hearing of your reputation, I believe I'll like being a part of your team, sir," the black sergeant said as he placed the bag down. Then he leaned back into the elevator and the doors closed. Collins didn't even have time to say thank-you before he was left looking at the "up" arrow above the doors.

Collins surveyed the reception area. Three desks were arrayed at different corners of the plush, hunter-green-carpeted room. At two of the desks sat men, busily working at computers. At the center-most station, an older woman sat. Her desk was the largest of the three, and it was this woman who stood, smiled, and walked around her desk. She stepped forward and extended a hand.

"Major Collins, I presume?"