Chapter 260: Agent of Chaos

Three days later, at the Earth Union’s headquarters in the circular conference hall, leaders from various nations had assembled. Beside them, the emergency invitation from Trust read, “Humanity on Earth faces an imminent disaster. Your attendance is earnestly requested!” It resonated with a sense of urgency palpable to all leaders present.

In reality, major countries had already carried out geological simulations based on the Great Fracture disclosed by Dream Technology, and nations lying on seismic belts were understandably anxious.

After all, in just over ten days, the California region experienced over a dozen earthquakes exceeding magnitude seven, with Mexico witnessing two as well. It appeared as if the Earth’s seismic belts were activated, with frequent minor tremors becoming increasingly common.

However, the possible consequences of the Great Fracture’s extension caused by these significant earthquakes were unknown, and the mere frequency of these earthquakes was already quite unsettling.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your presence here is highly appreciated. I believe this may well be the most significant meeting in the history of humankind,” Trust began the session, cutting right to the chase after his opening remarks. “We are gathered here because the Geological Research Institute under Dream Technology has identified a potential greater disaster while tracking the extension of the fracture caused by the California earthquakes.”

“Now, please welcome Mr. Rukovsky to explain the nature of this greater catastrophe.”

Rukovsky rose from his designated seat, bowed to the leaders, and began his narration. The assembled leaders were not only shocked by the mention of a major glacial period but were also staggered by the highly detailed holographic images that materialized in the center of the hall as Rukovsky spoke. The life-like images brought his narration to startling life.

President Radack’s expression darkened. The technological capabilities of Dream Technology were indeed comprehensive. If their technology wasn’t provided by extraterrestrials, how could it be so advanced?

He had formulated a beggar-thy-neighbor plan to foster a new tech industry with the domestic market of the United States and that of its allies to ensure support from the financial conglomerates. During this period, by leveraging the secret technologies derived from the extraterrestrial spacecraft, he planned to rearm the U.S. Military before launching a comprehensive strike on Dream Technology.

Unexpectedly, Dream Technology’s space-based kinetic strike on Area 51 triggered the massive California earthquake, almost causing half of California to separate from the North American continent through the collapse of the San Andreas Fault.

Three days earlier, a nuclear blast initiated by the U.S. Military over the fracture’s inevitable path towards the north had stopped the extension. The back flooding water had only managed to reach inside Fresno County’s territory, sparing the northern California region.

And now, this so-called geological expert from Dream Technology brazenly proclaimed at the Earth Union that the Great Fracture would plunge the world into another Ice Age. Was this some kind of deception? Was there a hidden agenda or despicable purpose behind this?

No, Radack thought, this meeting had to be sabotaged.

The more Radack contemplated it, the more he believed it to be a conspiracy. Eventually, he switched on his microphone to speak.

“This expert’s presentation implied that if a Great Fracture extended at least 6000 kilometers and another occurred spanning over 4000 kilometers, Earth would enter an ice age, correct?”

Rukovsky affirmed, “Precisely, this is the conclusion I’ve reached based on my years of studying prehistoric geology in the tropical regions.”

Radack looked around at his fellow heads of state and declared, “I’ll share a fact with you all. Regardless of the correctness of this Dream Technology geologist’s theory, his hypothesis will not materialize.

Three days ago, my nation successfully halted the northward extension of the fracture. We are currently in urgent discussions with Mexico and will soon use the same method to halt the fracture’s spread on their territory. With no titanic fractures being created, the Ice Age scenario presented by the geologist is circumvented.”

As he spoke, he then directly addressed Rukovsky, questioning pointedly, “Am I correct?”

Rukovsky paused, taken aback, before replying, “Are you quite certain that the extension of the fracture has been halted?”

“I am,” affirmed Radack confidently. “Your company’s space weapons are quite formidable, so I assume your satellite technology is equally proficient. It must have captured the current state of northern California. Originally, it was meant to detach from the continent along with the fracturing, but it remains intact.”

As Radack spoke, Rukovsky heard Du Qiu’s voice in his ear, “You can present a live holographic display of the northern California region. Our holographic equipment can link to our satellite, and the real-time imagery can be relayed to you for direct presentation.”

Heeding Du Qiu’s advice, Rukovsky promptly offered, “President Radack, since you admire our satellite technology, let us together review the current situation in northern California.”

As he finished, the central holographic image transformed, displaying an aerial snapshot of the ground below. The clarity of trees, houses, roads, and more was exceptionally vivid.

Radack was infuriated by what felt like an overt infringement on U.S. sovereignty. Still, satellite imagery of the Earth’s surface was a privilege reserved for major spacefaring nations, given the absence of borders in space.

The United States had frequently engaged in such surveillance, with even commercial satellites often publishing high-resolution photos of foreign military bases and ports online. Of course, U.S. bases were not exempt from such exposure.

At that moment, the British Prime Minister spoke up,

“The satellite imagery indeed confirms no new fracture has appeared. The ground is intact, and northern California has been spared. This demonstrates that fractures can be halted.”

Radack gratefully glanced at the Prime Minister for the support and added, “Exactly. It’s evident the halting was successful. Do you still believe the Earth will enter an ice age?”

Turning to Trust, he then proclaimed, “Mr. Secretary-General, if what Dream Technology claims is true, then the United States has saved the world. This is the spirit of our nation – as long as the United States exists, it can protect the world.”

Emperor of Rus country scoffed disdainfully, “If the world were under the protection of U.S. soldiers, it might become as chaotic as the Middle Eastern countries – embroiled in wars and the people unable to live in peace.”

Radack retorted, “But the people there are freer than before.”

President of Syria mocked, “Then I hope for the people of the United States to have that kind of ‘freedom,’ too.”

Suddenly, the discourse between these adversarial leaders degraded into a verbal duel, derailing the topic of the meeting entirely.

Trust, finding himself between amusement and despair at the scuffle before him, mused on how world leaders could engage in such petty squabbles so unbecomingly.

In truth, even top leaders, when their stances and principles came into play, had to ensure their points were thoroughly made, complete with sly digs and insinuations.

Seeing the meeting veer off course, a frustrated Trust banged on the microphone a few times. The buzzing that ensued through the speakers finally quieted the debating leaders as well as those who had been sidetracked.

Trust declared, “Ladies and gentlemen, our meeting’s purpose is to discuss a potential glacial period crisis facing Earth. Please, stay on topic.”

He then turned to Rukovsky, “If the United States can halt the fracture, does it mean the glacial period will not happen?”

Rukovsky shook his head, “Although the fracture’s extension in northern California is halted, it does not mean that the fracture extending towards Central America can be prevented.”

Just as promptly, President Radack interjected, “The United States assures that it can halt the fracture in Mexico using the same methods. Your assertion no longer holds.”