Page 23 of Sixty Meters Under
“This young woman has come from New York, and she has been a police officer for almost four years.” The crowd started murmuring.
“The challenges we may face are unknown,” Hugo added. “This is one of the reasons we chose Officer Jackson–her adaptability and fresh perspective represent the future, the resilience we need to not simply survive, but to build a community down here.”
As he finished, the murmur subsided.
“This team will be responsible for our safety and wellbeing, and also for maintaining order. Remember these faces well.There will be a weekly update on the information board outside the canteen in the hall, of who is on duty on any particular day. They will be available to you in pairs and work in shifts both day and night. Along with them, you also have other numbers stored, four doctors of various specialties and two psychologists. The medical team will also be working in shifts.” Hugo raised his head and looked at the team. “You can go back to your seats. We will be going through the bunker rules now.”
Hugo shuffled his papers, while the team of four scattered around the room.
“I’ll now summarize our rules and all necessary information. Brace yourselves, because we have a long list ahead. You will receive a copy of this list at the end of this meeting so you can study it fully,” Hugo said and looked up again before diving into reading. “Let’s start with meals. I think all of us will be curious about the food.” He tried to make a little joke to lighten the atmosphere; most of the residents smiled, but they listened with curiosity.
“Here we will have scheduled mealtimes. Three meals a day: breakfast will be available between 7:00 - 9:30. Lunch between 12:00 - 14:30 and dinner between 18:00 - 20:30. As in every sector, we have workers who will ensure the food is fairly rationed on the plates. The staff has a list of all allergens.”
“Next: showers. Water will be restricted to ten minutes maximum in each room. There is a digital clock under each shower head so you can see how much you have left. Also, report any plumbing problems or leaks immediately. We will send a repairman right away.”
The crowd murmured, and Hugo looked up. When the voices subsided, he continued to read. “Air filtration checks are conducted daily. Do not tamper with filtration equipment. Same with water filtration. Energy and all sources of power will be checked on a daily basis.”
Hugo took a deep breath before he continued. “All waste should be sorted into designated bins: recyclables, compost, non-recyclables. Every bin is marked with a corresponding symbol along with the day of the week it will be collected.”
“A high-tech waste disposal system efficiently handles human waste, with minimal impact on the environment within the bunker. If you experience any issues, report it right away.”
“Noise-restriction hours. There are designated quiet areas such as the library and floors with private rooms. Quiet hours in the library must be strictly observed. Other areas have designated social times.”
“A mandatory health check for all residents will be in the next three days, then after six months if required. Report any illness, no matter how minor, to the medical team. As we entered this bunker, ten of our residents were placed in isolation as a precaution. We need to be cautious to not spread illnesses.” Hugo looked up to check if everyone was listening, but hearing murmurs intensify again, he concluded that they indeed heard what he said.
“Now, mental health support. Professional therapists are available for individual and group sessions to address the psychological challenges of confined living.”
“There is a storage room with medicines. Some medicines are only available on a doctor’s prescription, and those that do not need to be prescribed will be issued by a pharmacist.”
Hugo then covered the instructions related to waste disposal, laundry, and personal space.
When he read all the rules he raised his head: “Are there any questions?”
A lot of yeses came his way accompanied by raised up hands.
“Yes, young lady? Could you please introduce yourself too?” Hugo pointed at black-haired woman in one of the front rows. She stood up. “Thank you. Yes. My name is Hanna, and… well… What I’m mostly curious about is– how will we decide when to leave? Are there any plans? Since you didn’t mention anything.”
“But we just arrived here,” Hugo said with a smile. She seemed to become uncomfortable, as some of the residents released muffled laughs. Hugo interrupted quickly, “Joking aside. There is no concrete rule about this, but we will monitor the situation on a daily basis. Depending on that assessment, we will decide whether it is safe to leave the bunker. Next question?”
Another man stood up. “Mike here.” He raised his hand in greeting and looked back at Hugo. “What happens if you, the leader, become unable to lead? Is there any agreed plan to select your replacement?”
Hugo was a little bit taken aback with this question, but assumed it was raised because of his age. “In that case we will decide together on another resident who is suited for this role.But only time will show. More questions? Young lady?” Hugo gave word to the blonde-haired woman at the table to his left.
“Hi all! I’m Iris. So… What if one of the women gets pregnant?” She asked, a tell-tale blush heating her cheeks. “Are there doctors to check on their condition and help during their pregnancy?”
Hugo nodded. “Yes, we thought about this too. Well, the most ideal scenario would be that no one gets pregnant. Birth control is available in the pharmacy and some of it is stored in private rooms. But if, despite all precautions, one of our residents becomes pregnant, it will be up to her to decide whether to keep the baby or not. We have specialists who will be able to perform the procedure but also midwives and obstetricians. Though it’s best to keep in mind that milk formulas are available only in limited amounts.”
The woman thanked him shyly and sat back in her seat.
“Next question… young man?”
“What are the punishments for breaking the rules?”
Hugo raised his eyebrows and took a deep breath. “Let’s speak about this in detail: For minor infractions or first time offenses it may be as simple as a verbal warning on future conduct. Depending on the severity of the situation and broken rules, or violence, following may also apply, reducing food, water, or other essential supplies–this could be temporary or long term. Also, loss of privileges in case of repeated violations of the rules: restricting access to communal areas, entertainment, or certain comforts within the bunker. Enforced assignment to less desirable tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, or other manuallabor. Isolation in a designated area of the bunker, limiting social interaction or freedom of movement. In exceptional circumstances: the forced removal from the bunker, potentially leaving the person to face the dangers outside. But let’s hope that no one will violate our rules to such extremes.”
As Hugo finished, even more hands were raised. He took another deep breath, ready to give an answer where he could. At this point, he knew that their meeting would last longer than anticipated.
Chapter 9
