Darkness on a Pale Blue Stone Read Online Free

window. Nothing seemed out of place, except for their neighbors who were coming outside to investigate.
    The Case family stepped out into the rain and onto their front lawn. Michael went over and talked with some of the others who had gathered on the street, all gathering under umbrellas. After getting no useful information, he returned and shrugged.
    "The Jackson's said they already called the police, but the lines were busy. I'm thinking it was some kind of industrial accident," he said.
    "We should check the TV," Alice said and the family went back inside.
    Before they could reach the television, however, a loud shockwave hit the house. The family fell to the ground and Marie let out a shriek. This was followed immediately by small explosions throughout the house as everything went dark. The television gave a loud " pop!" as its holographic projector shot sparks. Several light fixtures exploded. The stereo speakers, once hidden in the walls, burnt through the paint to expose themselves as darkened holes.
    One moment later, there was complete silence. For the next few seconds, the huddled Case family heard only the rain outside. No sirens or alarms. No beeps, honks, buzzes, or hums.
    Those few seconds ended as screams and cries rolled in from outside.
    "Is everyone..." Michael said, then looked around the dark room for a moment. "Is everyone alright?"
    They all slowly stood up, none of them entirely sure if they were. The only light came from outside. They all cautiously went out the front door. There was light coming from the moon, vaguely visibly among storm clouds. They could only see the vague silhouettes of their neighbors, all making their way indoors.
    Alice looked toward the city and gasped. The always brightly-lit skyline had been replaced with towering infernos. The limited viewpoint from their lawn gave her little detail as to what was happening, but it was clear that downtown New York City was the last place anyone wanted to be at the moment.
    "Okay. Let's go inside and get some flashlights," Michael said, horrified at the scene. The Cases went inside, all in a state of shock. Michael found a flashlight in a closet, but it failed to turn on. He replaced the batteries and tried again. Still no luck. He checked his mini-comp in his pocket and found it destroyed.
    "Flashlight isn't working. Do we have candles somewhere?" Michael asked. Adam and Alice managed to find candles in the dark and lit them on the kitchen counter.
    "Whoa! Watch your step," Alice said when she saw the kitchen floor. The dish washing machine had partially exploded and scattered broken dishes across the room.
    Michael saw that Marie was close to hyperventilating. He grabbed a cup and tried to get water from the sink, but nothing came out. He opened the now-defunct refrigerator, found a water bottle, and handed to her. He put his arm around her shoulder as she shakily drank.
    The family all eventually sat at the table to catch their breath. No one spoke for several minutes. Only the sound of rain and the muffled sounds of those outside could be heard. But the apparent calm was soon interrupted when they heard three loud knocks on the front door.
     

Chapter 3
     
    Staten Island - August 3, 2072
     
    Before anyone could get up to answer, the front door swung open. In the door way stood a tall man wearing a drenched overcoat and wielding a pistol. With no pause, Gresson walked toward the table.
    Michael and Alice leapt up.
    "Who the hell are you?" Michael yelled. He was answered with a pistol against his forehead.
    "Are you Michael Case?" Gresson asked.
    "Oh my god. Please, I..." Michael stammered.
    "Answer the question."
    "Yes. Please don't hurt us. I beg you."
    Gresson lowered his gun.
    "Listen Michael, I don't really have the time to explain, but I need you to come with me now."
    Michael looked up at Gresson's face. He couldn't make out much in the dark, except for the gleaming wound below his right eye.
    Alice stood behind Michael, holding