Octopocalypse Read Online Free Page A

the octopus was reportedly perched in the
sand.
    “We’re also investigating recent
reports of a pair of missing jetskiers from out of town and a couple whose tent
was found abandoned on the beach.”
    Before the major could ask another
question, he queried, “Anything on your end?”
    Her eyes flicking through the tent
flap, she stated flatly, “The pier has become a hotspot of unrest with the
protestors. They keep trying to push through our barricades to get access to
the pier. Their efforts are largely a symbolic gesture, but nonetheless, it
keeps far too many of my men tied down here when they could be patrolling higher-risk
areas and allaying citizen concerns.”
    He answered positively. “Hopefully
the Highway Patrol will be able to relieve some of that burden.”
    She gestured along the coast at
the map. “We’ve already shut down major coastal access points along the PCH.
However, our efforts are porous at best, because the area between Oceanview and
its nearest neighbors to the north and south is far too broad to effectively
seal. And given its economic significance, particularly with tourists, the governor
has asked that we not close the Pacific Coast Highway. I will continue to argue
that its closure will not only make our jobs easier but the situation far safer
for all parties concerned.”
    The sheriff nodded. “I’ll lend my
support. Tourists can use the inland highways. The last thing we need is unsuspecting
innocents showing up without a clue as to what’s happening.”
    With a motion of her head toward
the tent’s exterior, indicating all the news crews, Major Ganlin replied, “I
don’t know how long that will be the case. But the danger remains real whether
people know about it or not.”
    “Anything else?”
    “Nothing for now. I plan on
patrolling with my men as soon as we finish the press conference here. They
could use as much help as they can get. I’ll let you know as soon as the governor’s
position changes.”
    He liked her confidence.
    They would need it.
    “Ready to go talk to some
reporters?” he asked.
    She snorted, her hard exterior
breaking for just a brief moment. “Why don’t I let you do the talking? I’ll
stand in the background and look authoritative.”
    He laughed. “Done!”
    Holding back the tent flap, he let
Major Ganlin and her assistants precede him out into the noise and confusion of
the awaiting mob.
     
    His hands gripped the podium so
tightly that his knuckles were white. His palms were sweating.
    He hated speaking before groups.
    Especially when they were actually
listening to him.
    Yelling for order or to give
directions was an entirely different matter.
    As he cleared his throat, the multicolored
array of microphones attached to the stand responded with a healthy whine of
feedback.
    “Thank you all for coming.”
    He wasn’t thankful.
    Far from it.
    Although their jobs were
important, the media merely complicated his job. They were very good at getting
in the way.
    “This is a difficult time for
everyone.”
    It would be a bit less difficult
if all these people would go home…
    He needed to focus and take
control. Leverage what he could to turn the situation around as much as
possible.
    And quit grumbling.
    “We have faced one tragedy after
another. One impossibly improbable situation after another.
    “We now border an alien world. One
we don’t really understand and cannot yet risk exploring.
    “Please respect this danger.
    “It is real.
    “We have already lost more than
enough.”
    Indicating Major Ganlin with a
wave of his arm, he said, “With Major Ganlin’s help and her able troops, we are
attempting to secure the beachfront. The CHP will be assisting in this effort. Your
help in avoiding the coast, as difficult and inconvenient as this may be, is
much appreciated.
    “Major beach access points are
closed.
    “The beach is off-limits.
    “Please let us get the situation
under control and understood before venturing out or pushing the