"What I'm telling you is, this is temporary. Okay? Believe me. I may not be a scientist but I can tell you that. It's temporary. In the meantime we got the best armed forces and police responders in the world keeping us safe. These guys, right here," He indicated the soldiers. "Aren't they great? Great guys."

"But, sir?" Elliott appeared starstruck as he stepped forward. "I mean, Mr. President. Isn't it true that CNN was reporting that most of our military had simply disappeared? How do you account for that?"

"Fake news," said Tucker, and pointed at Carson, who had taken off his MAGA hat and raised his hand. "You. Your hat was fine, by the way."

Laughter.

"Sir, I just wanted to know what you intend to do next; and what your thoughts are on the situation right here. Right now. We've got dead needing to be buried, for one—or at least moved to where those things can't, well, you know, scavenge off—"

"Like the head laying against the limo's front tire," said Rory.

They all glanced out the windows—and at the little girl standing in front of them, who was looking out at the thing. She must have saw their reflections because she turned to face them as they watched.

"It keeps staring at me," she said—prompting Tess to hurry toward her, cajoling her, before quickly ushering her away.

Everyone just looked at each other. "I'll, ah—I'll sit down and take your answer," said Carson.