Chapter 40

"Then why don't you try calling them," suggested the general office worker, their tone bordering on dismissive.

"Wait, phones work here!" exclaimed Helen.

She was startled by the sudden realization. Both she and Daniel had been fruitlessly attempting to use their phones to reach out to their relatives and family, but they couldn't establish a single network connection and somehow misplaced their devices in the process.

"They worked everywhere in the base," remarked the general office worker.

"Could you please lend me a phone to make a call?" pleaded Helen.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can't. Besides, phone calls aren't allowed here," replied the general office worker, his voice firm yet sympathetic.

"Wait please just one call I need to - " Helen's plea was abruptly cut off by the stern office worker. "I am sorry ma'am, I can't help you with that, and look behind you, can't you see the line? They are waiting for you," he pointed out.