Scorch Marks

"This morning Killer Company was sitting down for a round table meeting when the flat, low crunch of a distant explosion rumbled over the command post. The ugly sound stripped the air of any sonic rival - leaving a grim stillness in its wake. There followed a pregnant pause, as if some stranger had intruded into a private conversation between friends and suddenly silenced the group. The conversation finally sputtered back to life like a doddering car lurching into gear. And not a word was spoken about our ill favored guest."
365 and a Wakeup