If Torsten had known more of the facts, he likely would have at least deduced that an Electromagnetic Pulse had occurred. He had trained in the Finnish Army for years for that eventuality. It was always surmised that the Russians would one day cross the Finnish frontier in an attempt to outflank NATO forces to the north through Norway. It was also surmised that they wouldn't get far in Finland, like they had done in the Winter War. They’d resort to EMP and tactical nuclear weapons to get their point across. Torsten would have been one of the few to cross the Russian border to stop these nuclear arms from being taken to the front.

Instead, he was in Oregon talking to a pretty woman on his doorstep. As far as he knew, another computer hacker had twisted the megabits, or whatever they were called, in some far-flung code. His parents would have known what it was, if they were still alive. He listened to the woman, giving an understanding nod. “Of course. These roads are usually this dark at night. Hard to find your way. You came through on Washington Route-503, correct? If you continue down it, I promise that you’ll reach Portland.”

He was at least smart around the woman. He kept a pleasant smile on his face and made sure that his hands were always where she could see them. He stayed in the light and kept his mitts off the rifle that was leaning against the doorway. Not that it seemed like he would need it, but the man appeared to be a gentle giant. It was true, at least. Torsten had seen war, violence and death – he most certainly did not want to see it again. 

He motioned with his hand towards the south. Little did he know that anarchy was beginning to take over in Portland. Little by little, the static was reaching its apex. Those without power had slowly begun to realize that their flashlights and their lighters were not working. Panic was beginning to sink in. Mouths would turn dry and stomachs would churn with anticipation. Not so much in the mountains, where it was still a beautiful night. “They’re having a power outage, I think,” he waved his hand again. “Would you like me to walk you back to your car? Bear are plentiful this time of year. They’re starting to fatten up for the coming winter, so they’re out at all hours.”