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Laying a hand on one of the coluh his body as if he’d become a part of the circuit It wasn’t painful like electricity and didn’t round and electrocute hihtly dizzy, even a bit euphoric

“It’s co,” he whispered

“What’s coeneral asked

Watterson looked back “The return”

Cortland waited a few seconds before scowling “You scientists are like barkers at a carnival: you think if you say soin to believe it But I don’t hear any—”

The general sed his words as the deep ruh the cavern low around the towers intensified, pulsing andthe sound waves identically

This time, when the waves faded, everyone held still They aiting for more Forty seconds later they were rewarded A third wave ca by It shook the cave underfoot and brought the swirl of lightning back to the polished surface of the do the pillars,

Watterson pulled back, stepping away froer zone

Moed into the cavern The coluht ju Dust and tiny bits of stone rained down fro for cover

Watterson caught sight of General Cortland bathed in the light and grinning manically Their roles had reversed Noas Cortland looking satisfied as Watterson began to worry The scientist stepped toward the panel, slid his glasses back on, and studied the display He couldn’t account for the vibration

Before he could deter, a fifth wave hit The vibration and the artificial lightning grew so intense, even the general see?”

Watterson could barely hear hies — all but deadtoward their redlines

A brief respite gave way to a sixth harmonic return, and the needles went off the scales The shuddering was unbearable Rocks were falling fro its way across the reinforced wall of the cave where the arrip the panel to stop fro down

“What’s happening?” the general repeated Watterson wasn’t sure, but it couldn’t be good

“Get everybody out of here,” he yelled “Get them out — now!”