The other three nodded as Cliff answered simply, "Yes."
"Don't touch the fence. It's electrified," the man warned. "How did you manage to avoid dreamland?"
"We got wise to it early and ditched our cell phones and former viewing habits."
"Smart move, but I'm afraid that won't improve your situation any. In fact they," he motioned to the crowd represented by all ages, from toddlers to seniors, "might be better off than we are. At least they don't know what's happening."
"And what is that?" April insisted.
"We haven't eaten or drunk a thing in almost two full days. Some of the oldest and youngest could use some medical attention, and there's no reason to think ONDAG or any of his staff is inclined to provide any. Oh . . . and . . . do you smell that? Take a wild guess."
As if on cue, an
