Grimes reaches into his shirt pocket, pulls out a cigar, and pats it into Robertson’s jacket pocket.
“No,” says Grimes, “but I’ll get you an appointment.”
The scene moves to the April Senate hearing. A map of Nevada is displayed on a paste board.
“By whose decision, General, was the site for Wildfire chosen?” asks Senator MacKenzie.
“Largely, Doctor Stone’s,” says General Sparks. “It seemed ideal to him because of its remoteness. There is no inhabited area near Wildfire for a radius of one hundred and twelve miles.”
“Las Vegas is to the north, Phoenix to the south, Los Angeles, west. Weren’t you worried the infection might spread to them?” asks Senator MacKenzie.
“Yes, sir, I was,” replies General Sparks, “but Doctor Stone and Doctor Robertson assured the President Wildfire was foolproof because of its device for atomic self-destruct. The military had to take a back seat.”
The scene shifts to a dirt road on an endless stretch of empty desert. A Plymouth Valiant approaches from the distance.
TITLE: “FLATROCK COUNTY, NEVADA… 11:55 A.M.”
Dutton and Leavitt are in the car. Dutton is driving.
“At least they could have sent a licensed driver to meet me at that crummy airstrip,” says Leavitt.
“They keep personnel to a minimum, for obvious reasons,” replies Dutton.
Leavitt looks around, then finally says, “You’re lost!”