“This is my show,” Bussard announced. In the cavernous space his voice rang with a hollow echo. Maddy assumed he had saved the reading of his riot act for this moment, when his voice would be most imposing. “You are not to discuss your work with anyone, either civilian or military. I am your sole confidant in all matters concerning this facility. Any comments or questions are to be directed to me, and me alone.”
Somehow, Maddy couldn’t imagine discussing anything with her superior, but she nodded and said, “Yes, sir. Could you please advise me on the nature of this facility?”
The general shot her a freezing glance. “Information is on a need-to-know basis.”
Why was she not surprised? Bussard strode toward the open vault door with Maddy a pace behind. “You’ll find this a very cushy assignment if you take to it with the proper enthusiasm,” Bussard told her. “Plenty of downtime. But, like everyone else, you’ll have to spend it within the gates of the plant. I’m sure you’ll find yourself some recreational activities.”
Maddy followed him up to the open door but couldn’t quite make herself move beyond the threshold.
Bussard asked, “Is there a problem, Lieutenant?”
He stood in a door frame that was five feet deep, layered in lead and concrete. Beyond the extended threshold lay darkness. Maddy hesitated, and cursed herself for her failure of nerve. She took a breath to keep herself from stammering. “With your permission, sir, I request a verbal briefing to prepare me for whatever I am about to see.”
The general chuckled, showing a set of perfect teeth. " ‘Verbal briefing?’ " He stepped up to her. “Where did you spend the night after arriving in Michigan, Lieutenant Haas?”