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I wrote this to aldersprig's eighth prompt, "Planning for something that didn't come."

“Twenty years of supplies,” Grantham said moodily, “gathered at untold cost. To say nothing of the seed stocks, hydroponic equipment and breeding animals.”

“We could hold a fire sale when we open up the bunkers,” suggested his assistant, Hymie.

“And that’s another thing,” went on Grantham, “all those people who paid for places in the bunkers are going to want their money back and the ones the government forced into the them are going to sue.”

“Well, we did believe that comet was going to be a direct hit, and so did they. Give everyone who paid for a place their share of the supplies and let them deal with transport and disposal,” offered Hymie.

“That could work,” acknowledged Grantham, “and it was sold on the basis that it was a non-profit venture…”

They were interrupted by a smart rap on the door.

“Come in!” Grantham was pleased to see it was one of his female staff, probably overqualified for her job but frankly picked for her breeding potential and capability. “Yes Janet?”

“Sir, you asked Door Control to crack the seal but they’re reporting an apparent malfunction. That or the doors are being blocked on the outside.” Janet waited for his response.

“Just what we don’t need. Tell them they have authority to dismantle or cut their way through the doors if they have to.” Grantham sighed as Harper, an eager beaver from Communications and IT, bobbed into sight behind Janet. “Yes Harper?”

“Sir, you need to come and hear this.” Harper was both worried and bouncing.

“Hear what?”

“The debate in the United Nations by the reconstituted Assembly and Security Council.”

“They can’t do that,” said Grantham tiredly. “The UN was closed down so everyone could go home before impact.”

“None of the ambassadors are in our bunkers, sir,” came Hymie’s helpful reminder.

“Well apparently they reopened it when there wasn’t an impact,” said Harper impatiently. “Now, do you want to come and hear this, because I want to get back and hear what they decide.”

“What are they debating that’s so interesting?” Grantham had so many issues already on his desk…

“Whether or not they should let us out.”