For the next hour, the four met and went over everything they could, questions being answered, more questions being asked, then answered. Dwyer gave the three plenty of material to take back with them to look over and go from there.
“Where is the best areas to really do underground bunkers? I mean this is San Diego and with the beaches and stuff like that, wouldn’t it make it hard to do underground bunkers around here?” Pratt asked, looking at a map that was hanging in Dwyer’s office.
“Depending on how it’s made. It can be made to withstand heavy storms and such from hurricanes and tides that come on if a typhoon was to ever hit. The bunkers are created to withstand pretty much anything if built right.” Dwyer said as he looked at the map with Pratt.
“Anything?” Brocard asked, curiously.
“Yes, original bunkers, as I said earlier were created when the world panicked in fear of the ‘red dawn’ during the cold war with Russia. Through the years they’ve improved drastically. Built with steel, concrete, the proper ventilation, water system, the whole nine yards, underground bunkers can withstand a nuclear blast and years underground.”
“How many years can one survive in the bunker if they have all the proper stuff?” Dominick asked, writing notes down.
“Decades really. In fact, some places are looking at creating cities of underground bunkers, with stores and hospitals all together. Bunkers can cost anywhere from thirty grand for a simple bunker to almost twenty million or more with added amenities and luxury.” Dwyer said, pointing at one of the pamphlets that he handed them with layouts on the front.
“Do you know if they can prevent signals from being found?” Pratt asked, looking over at Dwyer.
“What do you mean by signals? Like jammers?”
“Let’s say I have a chip on me for someone to track. I go to one of the underground bunkers, can they still track me or is the signal lost?” Pratt explained further.
“Well, if the bunker is one of the more luxurious ones made of steel and concrete, then yes, they are created that way to protect those in case we ever get invaded. We don’t want the enemy to find them if they are looking for signals.” Dwyer confirmed.
“How would they communicate with each other if they didn’t want signals to be available for those up top?” Dominick asked, confused.
“Old style radios like CBs for now, radio type things. We are actually working on a contract with the military and the Pentagon to work on communications systems that would actually work yet not give away positions for underground bunkers. But, unfortunately it’s still a work in progress at the moment.”
“Thank you so much for helping us with this information. You’ve truly helped us more than you realize. If we have any more questions, we will call ahead this time. Unfortunately for us right now, it’s a time sensitive situation and we needed to get an idea of what we’re dealing with.” Brocard said, shaking Dwyer’s hand as she stood up.
“Actually, I have one more, what about entrances and exits? Is there usually just one way or can there be more than one?” Pratt asked, tilting her head to the side as she looked at a photo on Dwyer’s wall of a layout complete with underground diagram.
“Well, the cheaper ones would have just the one way in and out. Your more luxurious ones would probably have at least two ways in and out. I have had some request it with the thought of having one as an escape route if they were ever discovered. Those are usually your dooms day preppers or rich paranoid customers.” Dwyer answered with a chuckle and shake of his head.
“Is there any way to find out where some are here or are those considered private due to their nature? Wouldn’t they need a permit to do something like this?” Dominick asked, after a thought popped up in his mind from his sister’s question.
“All buildings, above and below ground have to have permits to be honest, especially for the sewage systems, ventilation systems that would be underground as well as the water systems.” Dwyer confirmed, curious at Dominick’s train of thought.
“Holy shit, if that’s the case, then that information would be available in public records.” Pratt said, looking over at her brother wide-eyed.
“Unless they are of the rich background, then they would be able to pay the big money to keep their blue-prints private.” Brocard reminded Pratt.
“Yeah, but I’m sure we can get Alex to get a warrant if we need to.” Pratt shrugged, mind already racing.
“Let’s let Tex do some digging before we go that route. Let’s get back to HQ and share what we’ve found out, see what they’ve found out and then talk with Tex and see what he can find.” Brocard suggested as they headed out the door.
“Good plan.” Pratt and Dominick said at the same time.
Chapter 9
When both groups returned to the Alpha Squad office, everyone met up in the conference room. Eddie brought back the sketch that was done from Sheila’s description. Wolf and the others were already looking at it when Sgt Brocard, Pratt and Dominick entered the conference room.
“She looks somewhat familiar.” Diesel commented as she looked at the sketch of the woman.
“So, it’s not just me who thinks she looks familiar then.” Cortez said, agreeing with Diesel.
“What are you guys looking at?” Brocard asked as they walked into the room.
“The sketch that was done by the sketch artist. Eddie took her over to Wolf and Caroline’s place to have Sheila tell her what she remembered of the woman’s face. This is what she came up with. The face looks so familiar.” York answered, looking over Diesel’s shoulder.
“Let me see it.” Pratt said as she walked over to Diesel’s seat.
