Chapter 253: Escalating Threats

“Viewers, this is a report from CMM TV’s frontline reporter Hanson. At 8:52 AM, Pacific Time, a catastrophic 8.5 magnitude earthquake struck downtown Los Angeles, California. The epicenter was located 8 kilometers beneath the surface, about 9 kilometers north of the city center, essentially within the city limits.

Currently, the number of casualties cannot be assessed, but multiple fires have broken out across the city, with some areas at risk of spreading…”

Inside the Presidential Office’s conference room,

National Security Advisor Hilary froze the television broadcast and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve invited Professor David Andreas, a long-standing geological expert monitoring the San Andreas Fault, to join us via video to share his expertise.”

She switched the view to a video call with David.

“Good morning, Professor Andreas. The President wishes to hear your views and recommendations.”

On screen, a middle-aged man with a grave expression nodded and said, “I’ll get straight to the point. Two days ago, we noticed increased activity along the San Andreas Fault.

Based on seismic waves detected at several observation points, we preliminarily concluded that a major earthquake of magnitude six or above was likely to occur soon.

This morning, the fault exhibited new activity, prompting me to issue an earthquake warning to the National Emergency Center.

Sadly, we managed to provide less than a minute’s notice, and it took the Emergency Center less than 20 seconds to broadcast the alert to the public.”

President Radack responded with approval, “Professor Andreas, we are very grateful for your efforts; those 20 seconds have already saved many lives.”

David shook his head and said, “The problem now is the magnitude of the risk this earthquake poses.”

Radack, concerned, quickly asked, “What risk?”

David explained, “Last Saturday, early in the morning, an 8.2 magnitude earthquake occurred to the northwest of Las Vegas, which influenced the San Andreas Fault and led to today’s severe quake.

After the two events, the entire fault is fracturing more rapidly, and the resonance effects within it are intensifying. I fear…”

David hesitated.

President Radack understood that the earthquake David referred to as happening last Saturday was actually a cover story to mask the seismic disturbance resulting from a nuclear explosion in Area 51 and an attack from Dream Technology’s space-based kinetic energy weapon.

“Professor Andreas, don’t hold back—tell us what consequences you foresee,” encouraged Radack.

With a swallow, David divulged, “If my predictions are correct, the San Andreas Fault might collapse, causing the North American and Pacific plates to separate.

In essence, the entire fault line could sink, creating a gap allowing seawater to pour in, potentially severing western California from the North American mainland, and possibly turning it into a large island.

If this occurs, the inhabitants, especially those in Los Angeles and San Francisco, might face catastrophic destruction.”

Hissed whispers filled the conference room as attendees were shocked by Professor Andreas’ words.

Everyone knew that the infamous fault was a friction point between two major tectonic plates, but no one had anticipated such a severe outcome.

Radack asked David sternly, “Professor, according to your calculations, how much time do we have before the collapse might occur?”

David responded with difficulty, “Roughly… perhaps… about 48 hours.”

“A mere two days!” someone exclaimed in shock.

“Hilary, I want you to take full responsibility for managing this situation. I am authorizing you to establish a central evacuation command capable of deploying all resources to evacuate everyone from the affected areas within 48 hours!”

With time of the essence, the President, from his military background, issued orders without delay.

Speaker Lancer hesitated before asking, “Mr. President, should we perhaps consider additional expert opinions…?”

Radack cut him short, “There’s no need. We can’t afford to doubt and waste time deliberating any potential occurrence.”

Turning to the video, he addressed David, “Professor, I appoint you as the head advisor for this evacuation effort. Please assist Hilary with this massive operation.”

David nodded in agreement, “Certainly, I will continuously update advisor Hilary on the fault’s status.”

“Curtis, join the evacuation command as well. Mobilize the corresponding military forces immediately to aid in the evacuation and maintain order throughout the process.”

“Yes, sir.”

The U.S. sprang into action as President Radack delivered a televised address, announcing a national state of emergency and a commitment to evacuate the populace at all costs.

He also called on citizens to obey military directives and evacuate in an orderly manner.

The recent earthquake in Los Angeles had already alarmed the world, with casualty figures still unaccounted for, and now the U.S. President announced this profound decision.

The region housed at least twenty million people, who could be evacuated within 48 hours if things went smoothly.

The crux of the matter was whether the San Andreas Fault would indeed collapse.

Some American geologists voiced their skepticism on TV and the internet, suggesting the government unnecessarily heeded the advice of certain experts, resulting in a disruptive and costly operation.

With the U.S. renowned for free speech, remarks from these self-proclaimed geologists lent credibility to the skepticism and fueled a divided public response, with some rushing to escape and others remaining complacent.

Especially for those who had lived in the area for generations, they regarded the frequent minor earthquakes as the norm and didn’t believe in the possibility of a massive collapse.

Although the recent earthquake was strong, the local buildings were seismically designed, and the casualty toll wasn’t severe. To them, the government’s response seemed exaggerated.

The U.S.’s emergency state captured global attention, prompting geologists worldwide to share their view on the fault’s potential collapse, inciting heated debate.

It was unfathomable for human society, which had not experienced such geological shifts in thousands of years, to suddenly accept such a likelihood.

The locals in Los Angeles felt neglected in disaster relief, questioning why roads, water, and electrical services hadn’t been promptly restored, instead focusing on mass evacuations.

Some were even entrapped awaiting rescue, but as the evacuation continued, they faced impending doom.

Amidst the chaos, rumors abounded, and doomsday cultists proclaimed it an apocalyptic sign.

With American characteristic resourcefulness, crime surged, but police were too preoccupied with enforcing evacuations to respond.

California slipped into a vortex of panic and disorder until nearby military units intervened, restoring a semblance of order.

Yet with the exodus under military facilitation, congested roads became inevitable.

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In Tanga Federation’s Dream Technology Industrial Park, Walkerson and Leader Wolf had succumbed to deep slumber. In their bedrooms, the ceiling suddenly stirred.

A mechanical arm descended lightly, injecting Walkerson’s arm before extending a finer needle towards his head.

The needle deftly adjusted its aim right above Walkerson’s supine form as he lay in complete ignorance.

It penetrated a precise spot on his scalp, retracting after mere seconds, and the arm retracted into the darkness above. Leader Wolf was met with the same procedure.

Night hastened as Walkerson awoke, invigorated as though in his zenith.

“Hi, it’s been ages since I’ve had such restful sleep. Who’d have thought that I’d actually have a delightful night here of all places?”

Leader Wolf also rose; the two freshened up as the butler timely served a hearty breakfast, followed by Imanka’s arrival.

Escorting them, they exited towards another building—a modest five-story structure—to what seemed like a conference room where they were asked to sit briefly.

Not long after, the sound of footsteps approached, and the man entering through the doorway stopped Walkerson in his tracks.

“Du Qiu? You’re the boss of Dream Technology?” a startled Walkerson blurted out.

“Surprised, aren’t you? I never imagined our meeting would be under these circumstances. Please sit, don’t be formal. Let’s discuss what’s on your mind openly.”