Crash!
A red brick, hurled by an unknown hand, smashed into the glass door of a supermarket, shattering it and creating a large gap. The sound of breaking glass was piercing.
Inside the supermarket, it was pitch black and empty. Outside, dozens of masked individuals stood by. One of them, a black man, stepped forward, reached through the gap, and unlocked the door.
"Hurry! There's food in there, grab it!" someone shouted.
"Haha, there's so much to eat!" another voice chimed in.
As the door was unlocked, the crowd outside rushed in, grabbing whatever food and supplies they could find.
On the streets outside, similar scenes were unfolding across the nation. People were looting stores and shops, driven by desperation and anger. If shop owners tried to stop them, they were knocked to the ground and beaten.
Ever since the news had revealed the truth, American society had plunged into chaos. People were outraged by the government's cold-heartedness—instead of working on a vaccine, they were killing their people. There were loud demands for the release of the brave news anchor who had spoken the truth.
In the days that followed, under the leadership of certain individuals, major cities across the country began a new round of protests. People demanded the dismantling of the bureaucratic system and called for truly capable leaders to take charge.
Those who had no food left took this opportunity to raid supermarkets and food stores, stockpiling supplies to ensure they wouldn't go hungry. Others targeted gun stores, knowing that with enough weapons, they could get whatever they wanted. Food would be plentiful once they had the means to protect themselves.
In the shadow of the apocalypse, gold, cash, and jewelry lost their luster. People realized that only food and weapons were the keys to survival.
Despite the chaos outside, the White House remained eerily silent, allowing the angry crowds to vent their frustrations. The government focused on deploying the military to secure industrial zones, building high walls around them, and protecting the factories at all costs. Anyone caught sabotaging the facilities was shot on the spot.
In Dallas, Brian sat in the RV, watching the chaos unfold on the streets. Since the news broke, the military had stopped distributing supplies, forcing survivors to fend for themselves. The city's chaos made Brian hesitant to seek out Arman, fearing he might bring trouble to him.
Finally, on the fifth day of the nationwide turmoil, the government responded. They announced a press conference scheduled for noon on September 22, 2013, promising to give the American people a satisfactory answer.
...
"Good afternoon, everyone. I am Robert, the director of the Federal Disaster Relief Agency."
As the days passed, the temperature in the city dropped. People bundled up in whatever clothes they had, either prepared or looted, to fend off the cold. Even the warm midday sun, peeking through the clouds, couldn't dispel the chill in people's hearts.
The streets were unusually quiet today, a stark contrast to the chaos of the past few days. People either stayed at home in front of their TVs or gathered around the large screens in the squares, waiting for an answer.
On the screen, a podium was set up, flanked by American flags. A middle-aged man with flaxen hair walked up to the podium. He straightened his crisp suit, adjusted the microphone, and smiled politely as he introduced himself before getting down to business.
"Regarding the news content mentioned by Ms. Theresa, the news anchor from XX station, a few days ago, I am here today to give everyone a definitive response. After a thorough investigation by our relevant departments, I can confirm that everything she said is true."
As soon as he spoke these words, an uproar erupted. The crowd in front of the TV and outside began to stir. Even though many had suspected the truth, hearing it confirmed by the government still stirred up a wave of anger. However, after days of venting, people managed to keep their emotions in check for the moment.
Once the crowd settled down, Director Robert continued, "We have arrested the individuals responsible for issuing the orders and are imposing the strictest punishments. But now, the Cordyceps Brain Infection (CBI) virus poses a grave threat to humanity. The Federal Disaster Relief Agency believes that the White House's sluggish bureaucratic system cannot truly help humanity navigate this apocalyptic environment. Therefore, in consultation with the military, we have decided to formally dismantle the traditional bureaucratic system. A new America will be established, composed of the Federal Disaster Relief Agency, the military, and the judiciary, to help humanity overcome the threat of CBI!"
"Yeah!"
"Finally, it's about time!"
The crowd erupted in applause, and soon the entire room was filled with cheers. Although many were still confused about the details, they joined in the clapping, sensing a glimmer of hope.
After a moment, Director Robert raised his hands slightly to quiet the crowd. Brian, sitting in front of the TV, leaned forward, eager to hear what came next. He knew the real message was about to be delivered.
"Given that the global infection rate of CBI is nearing 60% and is no longer controllable, the Federal Disaster Relief Agency and the military have decided to implement the Quarantine Zone Act. We will temporarily halt all vaccine research, abandon rescue efforts in infected zones, and recall all military forces. We will devote all our resources to building quarantine zones in cities of all sizes, where strict military management will be enforced. We believe that by keeping CBI at bay with high walls, we will eventually reclaim the land that once belonged to us!"
After speaking these words, Director Robert's expression became visibly strained, as if he had made this decision with great difficulty. He then looked up and shouted into the camera, "God bless America!"
The TV signal was cut off once again, but this time, it marked the birth of a new national government and the fate of humanity living within quarantine zones for the next few decades.
After the press conference, the military began to restore order in the city and no longer concealed the construction of high walls. Thanks to thorough preparations, the military announced through city-wide broadcasts that the basic outer walls of the quarantine zones would be completed within a week.
As the evening curfew began, they used loudspeakers to broadcast the basic rules that needed to be followed once inside the quarantine zones. For example, all food and weapons would be confiscated upon entry, and supplies would be distributed uniformly. Another rule was that the quarantine zones would not support idleness; everyone would be required to work to help humanity overcome this crisis.
After listing the regulations, the announcer emphasized, "Due to the limited planning area of the quarantine zones, entry is entirely voluntary. If the zones reach capacity, excess individuals will be relocated to other quarantine zones. No survivors will be accepted into the zones unless there is a special reason."
"For citizens who do not wish to enter the quarantine zones, the military will open a dedicated exit route. Applications can be made within the next week, and individuals can choose to leave the city at any time. The military will provide basic supplies and survival support, but all materials obtained within the city must be left behind."
Each piece of information hit the hearts of everyone in the city, leaving them stunned and speechless.
"Th-this..." Osborne, listening to the broadcast, was at a loss for words. He felt that something was wrong with the whole situation. From the bold truth-telling of the news anchor, to the looting by survivors in the city, to the content of today's press conference and the regulations within the quarantine zones, everything seemed to be premeditated, as if an invisible hand was controlling the entire course of events.
Osborne turned to Brian, who was also deep in thought. Although he looked like just a kid, Osborne knew from their interactions over the past few days that this boy was far smarter than he appeared. He hoped to get an answer from him, to see if his suspicions were correct.
Sensing Osborne's gaze, Brian glanced over at his puzzled eyes. He looked around to make sure no one was nearby, then whispered, "No need to guess. This is a power grab orchestrated by the Federal Disaster Relief Agency and the military."