TEOTWAWKI

Frank and Emma investigate a survivalist group worried about the Y2K bug.

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FRANK AND EMMA SEARCH FOR ANSWERS WHEN A GUNMAN FIRES UPON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

Students gather inside the gymnasium of Redland High School to celebrate the school’s victory at the state academic championships. Amongst the student body are cheerleaders Tammy Meador and Kathy McNew, who encourage their classmates to join them in some rousing cheers. Watching Tammy from afar is Carlton King, an odd, gawky teenager. Carlton lays a book near Tammy’s pom poms, then walks towards some nearby doors. Shortly thereafter, Brant Carmody, another student reluctant to join in the celebration, exits the gymnasium. As the school principal announces that ComLogic Computers has donated a system worth over two million dollars, gunfire rings out. Three students, including Tammy Meador, are killed in the melee.

Agents Baldwin and Hollis are assigned to investigate the case. They meet with Giebelhouse, who is still a detective working for the Seattle Police Department. Giebelhouse explains that the shooter, whose identity is still unknown, opened fire from underneath the bleachers. As the murder weapon was recovered, it is hoped that the registration number will provide clues. While searching the gym, Emma comes upon the book that Carlton left near Tammy’s pom poms. She decides not to tell the other investigators about the discovery. Later, Giebelhouse contacts McClaren and requests Frank’s assistance.

Emma tells Baldwin that other students described Brant Carmody as non-communicative. A record check also reveals that Brant was twice arrested for assault and battery. And it is also determined that the teenager is the son of a very wealthy computer executive. When the agents arrive at the Carmody’s front door, shots ring out. Brant’s father, Chris, announces that his son shot himself. The agents are unable to revive the boy. Back at Quantico, Baldwin concludes that Brant fired upon his classmates and then committed suicide. But Frank has his doubts. He points out several holes in Baldwin’s investigation, including his failure to test either of Brant’s parents for powder burns. After the meeting, Frank asks McClaren to send him to the high school so he can perform some detective work of his own. As Frank packs his suitcase, he receives a surprise visit from Emma. She shows him the book she discovered at the gym. The book contains prayers from the Dark Ages, and is inscribed with the name „Skylark.” Frank realizes the shooter left it behind as a warning to Tammy Meador.

Meanwhile, Chris Carmody, computer technology czar Jock Hauser, Principal Kalmer and Carlton King’s father, Gary, meet in a field in the countryside, where they practice firing their guns at figures of human beings. Jock accuses Chris of telling his son about the group’s secret. Chris admits to this, stating that he did so at the insistence of his wife.

Frank and Emma question cheerleader Kathy McNew, who had been dating Brant Carmody. She explains that Brant spoke often of the end of the world, and how society will collapse come the year 2000. Later, as Frank inspects the room where Brant’s body was found, he is struck by a series of internal visions. He concludes that Brant was the shooter inside the gymnasium. But he also believes that Brant’s death was not a suicide.

Emma searches Brant’s computer files and discovers a threatening email message composed by Skylark. Emma contacts an Internet service provider to determine Skylark’s real identity. Shortly thereafter, Kalmer, Jock Hauser and Gary King meet at a rural warehouse when they learn that the FBI has identified Skylark as Carlton King.

Emma, Frank and Geibelhouse search the King family’s credit card records. They discover purchases for such items as gas generators and non-perishable food, along with assault rifles. They also determine that Gary King co-owns 14,000 acres of desert land in eastern Washington State. Frank concludes that the group to which Gary belongs is preparing for complete technology failure in…