7 Zeitoun’s heart was thrumming. They saw no civilians, no hospital or humanitarian-aid workers, as had been common in areas like the Napoleon–St. Charles staging ground. This was different. This was entirely martial, and the mood was tense. Zeitoun is considering


the geography of the flood-ravaged city.
the neighbors he should enlist for help.
the hostile nature of his internment.
the lack of resources available for flood victims.