Chapter 100: Chapter 100

Spark, Fort Roberts (3)

"Anyway, I'll decline."

Gyeo-ul declined both sides cleanly. Yet, the regimental commander couldn't seem to let go of his attachment. After stroking his chin for a moment, he let out a sigh.

"When I was a rookie second lieutenant, I wanted to be like you. As I served as a company commander, then a battalion commander, I wished for subordinates like you. In fact, until I came here, I thought the same. But now that I've watched you under me, my thoughts have changed."

"What do you mean by that, sir?"

"Hmm... Perhaps because you're the type to choose difficult paths over easy ones, I'll be honest. A subordinate like you... is quite burdensome to a commander. This doesn't mean I dislike you. Please don't misunderstand."

The regimental commander probed further.

"Can you guess how far this issue has escalated?"

"Well, I'm not quite sure."

"You returned yesterday afternoon, correct? The Ministry of Defense's Public Affairs Office is quite interested in your movements, so before officially reporting to command, I sent them a copy of the combat report. This morning, there was a direct call from the Presidential Office, inquiring about your condition. They wanted confirmation for their report."

"I understand. Their role is to manage public opinion, after all. It's important to keep the public calm. Rear stability allows the frontlines to fight without worry. But consider my position. Even though you're a war hero, you're still my subordinate. It's awkward for a commander when my subordinate's well-being is of concern to the White House."

"I understand now why you said it's burdensome. Thank you for being honest, sir."

"Thank you. Truth is, it's wrong for me to discuss this with you. A soldier just needs to do their best on the battlefield. There's no need to worry about anything else. That's for people like me to handle. Still, there's a reason I've brought this up."

The colonel gestured toward himself.

"I'm concerned I might unconsciously treat you unfairly. You know, unconscious discrimination, whether it's positive or negative."

"Just by addressing it, I feel there's no need for concern."

In the dim room, the regimental commander's dark skin blended almost seamlessly with the surrounding shadows, but his white eyes stood out.

"I'm black. In the army, there are only two of us black colonels serving in combat units. It means I've faced my share of unfair treatment. Though it was never overt racism. Every bias had its 'rational' reasoning."

The responsibility for a war hero's demise could be another rational excuse. Winter, after a brief contemplation, perceived the other's attitude with 「Perception」 and analyzed it directly.

"In truth, you're worried that you might face unjust treatment yourself, aren't you, sir?"

"Poking right at it, huh?"

The dark-skinned colonel displayed mild displeasure, a social irritation that could easily fly away.

"In this world, I still selfishly wish to wear stars. But I'm not fond of stories where the victim becomes the perpetrator. If this was a genuine worry, I wouldn't have confided . This conversation is a kind of resolve for me. Do you get the meaning?"

Being under scrutiny can help one be cautious. That was the essence.

"Good. Then you'll continue to be my subordinate. I'll report that above."

"Despite everything, I look forward to working together."

Gyeo-ul nodded lightly. The colonel leaned forward across the table, patting the young officer's shoulder before reclining back into his seat in a more relaxed manner.

"If you ever change your mind, let me know. I'll send you off with mixed feelings. They're waiting up there."

"Apologies, I doubt that will happen anytime soon."

"Before you get back into the field, one more thing. Please be a bit more cautious. People live on hope, and you've already become the life for many."

Gyeo-ul took the closing words poetically.

The regimental commander pulled a new document from his desk. It was an operational report drafted under Gyeo-ul's name. Offering it wordlessly, Gyeo-ul studied it quietly before quickly nodding.

"Am I just supposed to make corrections?"

Colonel Laflin was pleased.

"You catch on quickly."

"It's not a pleasant incident. You mentioned there might be a regime change. If it happens, the next one will likely target us. Shouldn't the records be left carefully?"

The colonel gave a light exclamation and queried back.

"Is there anything you would change?"

Gyeo-ul recalled the darkly ominous Black Mountain. To the left of the road, a grayish white body was sunk into a puddle. It was a mutant that had deliberately gone dormant, waking when roused by the boy's hand, only to die soon after.

"I'd like to make one suggestion to higher-ups."

"Go ahead. Let's hear it."

"Although infected mutants can't cross water, they can suppress their metabolism to delay drowning. From my recorded footage, you'd know I'm concerned mutants might use metabolic suppression as a means to cross water. If that happens, maritime refuges will face primary threats, while places like San Diego's North Island, relying on water barriers, could become vulnerable."

"You make a valid point. But there's no need to add it."

"The Department of Defense isn't idly sitting by. A staff member raised the same point as you earlier. Haven't you heard? There's a unit dedicated to considering all possibilities. It's likely already been communicated to maritime refuges. There's an upcoming briefing from our side about it."

"That's reassuring. I was worried for nothing."

"In these times, there's no such thing as needless worry. Never skip submitting your opinions."

The rest of the report was adequate. There were traces showing attempts to filter out provocative expressions. Yet, there were no factual inconsistencies. Likely anticipating verification. After reading it thoroughly once and quickly skimming it again, Gyeo-ul set the report down on the table.

"I've fully understood the contents I need to draft."

"... Honestly, aren't you overly mature for your age?"

The colonel folded the report and placed it in an envelope.

Gyeo-ul decided to ask something.

"Colonel, may I ask a question?"

"What happened to the special mutant Hernandez's squad and I last killed?"

"Ah, that one. We intended to address that in the regular briefing... but being directly involved in the hunt, curiosity got you?"

The colonel casually continued.

"The mutant code assigned by the Department of Defense is 'Humpback'. Unfortunately, you weren't the first discoverer. A few sightings had been reported before your report. Since it always seemed to travel with massive mutant groups, they couldn't be sure. But yours is the first recorded kill."

"It's not definitive, then."

"Unfortunately. Due to the recent consecutive typhoons, there are outposts we struggle to communicate with. Some Rangers involved in infected area reconnaissance decided to track the Humpback and are still unaccounted for. These guys are muscle-brained even to their heads. One platoon reportedly broke communication, claiming they couldn't hear the recall."

Gyeo-ul thought of the Santa Maria Ranger platoon. Upon spotting civilians, they'd leap into action. Permission was secondary. Could it be the same platoon again? Gyeo-ul chose a neutral tone for comment.

"Perhaps they are driven by a mix of pride and duty as Rangers."

"Gathering data on new mutants is crucial, yes. However..."

From the regimental commander's standpoint, it would understandably be hard to feel favorable toward them.

Nonetheless, the U. S. military tended to respect a field commander's judgment. Contravening orders to advance was better than retreating against orders.

"Above all, well-trained officers know when to break orders and when not to."

This was feasible when each soldier fully grasped operational objectives. The Marines, famous for defiantly resisting orders to retreat, shouting 'Retreat? Hell!', exemplified this spirit. They assessed their odds and chose meaningful assaults.

The conversation had wandered. Gyeo-ul steered it back on track.

"Have the contents of the yellow fluid been identified? Soldiers were worried it might be a biochemical attack."

"Haha. You're hasty. It's only been a day since the Health Services Corps retrieved the carcass. There's no way results are out yet."

"Rumors could spiral from witnesses."

"They've already been cautioned. It won't be foolproof, but seeing as we've threatened to scrutinize everyone involved if word leaks, they'll stay cautious."

Will that level of precaution be enough? Gyeo-ul was certain the substance wasn't toxic. However, the soldiers would hardly be reassured. Especially since the Salinas River was Camp Roberts' water source. The filthy liquid broadcasting down the slope had given ample memory to conjure disturbing hypotheses.

It was not a spot prone to river seepage, honestly. But considering it as a weapon, those suspicious would avoid drinking water for some time.

"By the way, there was an unusual report."

The regimental commander interlocked his fingers below his chin.

"The liquid you mentioned—when they checked, there was significantly less of it left compared to what was captured by your helmet camera. The recovery team requested to verify GPS coordinates."

"The spot was a slope where the creature died. Could it have flowed somewhere?"

"Who knows? From what I reviewed in the footage, it seemed quite viscous. Even if it did flow, there should be significant traces. Did it evaporate? It's truly a mystery."

Gyeo-ul couldn't speculate further.

Time had flown by unnoticed.

"It'll be dinner soon. Let's quickly wrap up the remaining matters."

Matters? Were there still more? Puzzled, Gyeo-ul eyed the regimental commander as he pushed another document envelope over.

"This is a recommendation letter for a civil affairs committee from the Military Governance Office. Normally, it'd go to the camp commander, but you're better at picking people from among the refugees than I am."

At first glance, it was not merely an act of kindness. The benefits and drawbacks of this responsibility would also fall on Gyeo-ul. While empowering him, it would also...

'I'll be the one bearing the blame from those thinking it's unfair.'

It wouldn't be easy keeping election backgrounds a secret, wouldn't it? Even by surveying the chosen individuals alone, they could "Percept" it. Despite this, Gyeo-ul accepted the envelope without resistance. The advantages tipped the scales. The regimental commander remarked.

"Doesn't seem to delight you."

"Rights come with responsibilities, sir."

"Is that so? Many call you mature beyond your years. I felt it was true from our conversation today. I'm glad to know more about you personally."

"Was this something you decided, sir?"

Was it the commander, or a higher directive? The regimental commander answered readily.

"Of course not. American foreign policy always favors backing one reliable leader decisively. We bled a lot in Afghanistan choosing the wrong people. But since you're already a U. S. citizen, the higher-ups wouldn't feel too burdened."

Gyeo-ul recalled dealing with related material, likely from an early journal entry.

Colonel Laflin added as a note.

"Had you accepted the inspector position, the recommendation wouldn't have followed. Staying on the frontlines itself is seen as a testament to your purity. This was the higher ups's guidance."

Such revelations were acts of trust coming from the colonel. Gyeo-ul chose a conventional and neutral reply.

"I'll strive not to betray expectations."

"Amazing. Is there room for more effort?"

The regimental commander faintly smiled and shifted his posture slightly.

"Now for the final note. This is an order from above."

Gyeo-ul slightly tilted his head.

"I told you it wasn't from the outset."

The colonel swiftly denied and carried on.

"A family member of one of the soldiers killed in this operation is staying in the civilian zone of this base. They would like you to attend the funeral and fold the flag."

Here, the flag covered the casket of the fallen soldier. In a U. S. military funeral, it was traditionally handed to the bereaved family. Gyeo-ul inquired.

"Isn't that the chaplain's role?"

"The commanding officer sometimes carries it out."

The regimental commander's answer was insufficient. Gyeo-ul challenged again.

"I heard that procedure contains religious significance. I don't believe in God. It might not be respectful to the deceased and could hurt the family."

"Don't worry. The chaplain will accompany you. The family agreed too, and I don't think the deceased Private Paige harbored any dislike for you."

Gyeo-ul seemed to understand.

"So it's going to be broadcasted, too."

"Wouldn't they want both you and the Stars and Stripes in the same frame? Because you're known to assist the refugees, some idiots claim you're a fake American. Please understand. We must ensure the embers don't die out on harsh days."

Anyhow, orders left no room for objection. Gyeo-ul merely posed the question.

"I'll need practice beforehand. Who should I learn from?"

"The chaplain will contact you."

The colonel rose from his seat.

"That concludes the briefing. Long conversation, well endured. Shall we head out? If you're free, how about joining me for a meal?"

Packing the documents, Gyeo-ul left the command post alongside the regimental commander.

No rain greeted them on their way out. Yet the sky retained a damp grayness.

The wind grew brutal once more.

---------------------------= Author's Note ---------------------------=

There have been numerous speculations about the author. To commemorate the 100th installment, let me address the claims with true or false replies.

- They must be a KATUSA or former U. S. military personnel.

False. I'm actually from the much-discussed and controversial 22nd Division. The comments suspecting I'm KATUSA stem from the extensive research I've done, making me pleased.

- They live in the United States.

False. The furthest the author has flown is to Jeju Island...which is sad...

- They must be popular with women.

False. Are you looking to get scolded?

- They belong to the 486 generation.(...)

False... Do I seem fifty-ish? I've just turned 30...

- They are a user of Ilbe.(...)

False. I dislike controversy, hence I partake in neither SNS nor community activities.

Q from hendell: The protagonist introduces their age using the Korean age system to Principal Hamill. Was this an oversight? And what are the other special forces doing besides the Rangers?

A: They simply stated being 17, without citing the Korean age system, didn't they?

Regarding other special forces... well...

Q from rumen: If economic and social activities halt, harmful and toxic substances go uncontrolled and spread worldwide. Factories, power plants, and others discharge chemicals... How do we resolve those issues?

A: Some places handled it properly during withdrawal, others didn't and turned into contaminated zones.

#Firebrand, Fort Roberts (3)

"I'll have to decline, in any case."

Gyeo-ul refused both options cleanly. Yet, the regimental commander couldn't seem to let it go. Stroking his chin, he sighed after a brief moment.

"When I was a newly commissioned second lieutenant, I wanted to be just like you. As I later held company and battalion commands, I wished for subordinates like you. Honestly, up until I came here, I thought the same way, but after having you under me, my thoughts have changed."

"What do you mean by that, sir?"

"Hmm... Since you're the kind who chooses the harder path over the easier one, I'll be honest with you. A subordinate like you... is a burden for a commander. That doesn't mean I dislike you. Please don't misunderstand."

The colonel added further explanation to his question.

"Can you guess how far this incident has reached up the chain?"

"I'm not sure, sir. I honestly don't know."

"You returned just yesterday afternoon, right? The Ministry of Defense's Public Affairs Office takes great interest in your whereabouts, so before formally reporting to Headquarters, I first sent them a copy of the battle records. Then this morning, the President's Chief of Staff called directly to ask about your condition. They wanted a report after confirmation."

"I understand. That office is effectively the control tower for public opinion management. Keeping the public calm is important, and rear stability is necessary for those at the front to fight with peace of mind. But look at it from my position. You may be a war hero, but you're still my subordinate. Yet the White House is worried about my subordinate's well-being. As a commander, it's a tricky position to be in."

"I understand why you said I'm a burden. Thank you for being candid with me, sir."

"No need to thank me. Honestly, even saying this to you is a mistake. A soldier's job is to do their best on the battlefield. There's no reason to worry about anything beyond that. That's the job for people like me. Still, there's a reason I'm bringing it up."

The colonel pointed to himself.

"I'm worried I might end up treating you unfairly at some point. How should I put this... you know, that unconscious kind of discrimination. Whether in a good way or a bad way."

"Just the fact that you're saying this makes me feel I have no reason to worry, sir."

"No, that's not it. Look at me."

In the dim room, the regimental commander's dark skin blended into the surrounding shadows, with only the whites of his eyes standing out.

"I'm Black. There are only two Black colonels serving in Army combat units, including myself. What that means is, I've experienced my share of unfair treatment. Of course, there wasn't any blatant discrimination. There was always some reasonable explanation for every bit of it."

Command responsibility for letting a war hero die could become another one of those "reasonable explanations."

After a moment's thought, Gyeo-ul used Perception on his counterpart, analyzed, and spoke directly.

"To be honest, sir, it sounds like you're worried you yourself might end up being treated unfairly because of me."

"You're cutting straight through to the point, aren't you?"

The dark-skinned colonel expressed his dissatisfaction, though it was of the light, sociable kind that quickly blew away.

"I'm still an ambitious man who wants to pin a star on his collar, even in a world . But I don't like stories where the victim turns into the perpetrator. If it were a graver concern than this, I wouldn't even be able to confide it. This conversation is my way of showing my own resolve. Do you get what I mean?"

Being mindful of other people's eyes helps temper oneself. That was what he meant.

"Alright, you'll continue under my command, then. I'll report it that way to the higher-ups."

"Again, I'm in your care, sir."

Gyeo-ul bowed slightly. The colonel leaned forward over the table, patted the boy officer's shoulder, and then leaned back against the chair, clearly relaxing more than before.

"If you ever change your mind, just let me know. I'll send you off with mixed feelings but no regrets. The brass will be waiting as well."

"I'm sorry, but I doubt that'll happen anytime soon, sir."

"Let me give you one more piece of advice before you get back to work. Be a little more cautious. When people say they live for hope, you already are the hope that many people live for."

Gyeo-ul felt a poetic ring in those words.

The regimental commander pulled a new file from his desk: an operation report written in Gyeo-ul's name. He passed it over wordlessly. Gyeo-ul read it quietly and quickly agreed.

"So, my job is just to edit this, sir?"

Colonel Laughlin looked satisfied.

"I like how quick on the uptake you are."

"It wasn't a happy incident, though. You've mentioned the administration could change. Since there's a good chance we'll be blamed by the next government, shouldn't we be extra careful in keeping records?"

The colonel gave a brief chuckle and retorted.

"Is there anything you'd like to amend?"

Gyeo-ul recalled crossing the dark Black Mountain. On the left side of the road, a grayish body had fallen into a ditch. A mutant, feigning sleep, had awakened at the boy's touch, flailed, and died.

"I'd like to make one suggestion to headquarters."

"Mutant infectees can't cross water, but by suppressing metabolism, they can delay drowning. You can see it in my combat footage: I worried the mutants might use metabolism suppression to cross water. In that case, first the maritime refugees, and then places like San Diego's North Island, which block mutant access with water barriers, will be at risk."

"You're right, but there's nothing to write down separately about that."

"The Ministry of Defense isn't sitting idle. Another staff officer flagged your exact concern a bit earlier. Haven't you heard? There's a special department that reviews all possibilities. The word's already out among the maritime refugees. Our side will cover it in a regular briefing soon, too."

"I'm glad to hear it. I was just worrying for nothing, then."

"No line of worry is 'nothing' in these times. Never neglect to submit your opinions."

"Yes, sir. Understood."

The rest of the report was adequate. He saw signs that evocative language had been filtered out at the word level, but there was nothing contrary to the truth. It seemed even verification had been considered. Gyeo-ul read it through once carefully, skimmed it a second time, then placed the report back on the table.

"I've thoroughly reviewed what I wrote."

"... You really are mature beyond your years, aren't you?"

The colonel folded the report and slipped it into an envelope.

Gyeo-ul decided to ask something.

"Colonel. May I ask a question?"

"What became of the special mutant that Hernandez's squad and I killed last?"

"Oh, right. I was going to include that in the next regular briefing too... but since you hunted it personally, I get why you're curious."

The colonel continued in his usual way.

"The code the Ministry of Defense gave that mutant is 'Humpback.' Unfortunately, you weren't the first to spot it. There were a few other sighting reports before yours. It always traveled with a large group of mutants, so confirmation was difficult. But as for the kill record, this was the first."

"So it's not fully confirmed, then."

"It can't be helped. With the recent string of typhoons, there are posts we can't contact. Some Rangers deployed on mutant reconnaissance went after a Humpback and haven't reported in. These guys' brains are all muscle—they're just too fearless. One platoon was told to pull out, but cut communications, saying reception was bad. Who knows if that was true."

Gyeo-ul recalled the Santa Maria Ranger platoon; upon seeing civilians, they immediately breached. Permission came after. Could it be them again? Gyeo-ul chose a neutral answer.

"It must be that Ranger pride combined with a sense of duty."

"Gathering intel on new mutants is important, sure. Still..."

From the regimental commander's standpoint, it was a questionable practice.

Nonetheless, the US military generally respected the judgment of field commanders. Disobeying a command to advance was considered less severe than disobeying a command to retreat.

'More than anything, well-trained officers know when it's okay to disobey an order and when it isn't.'

That was only possible if even the lowest soldiers understood the operational objective. For example, the Marine Corps might famously shout "Retreat my ass! URA!" and charge rather than withdraw when forced by the enemy, but they did so when they saw victory was possible and an attack would be meaningful.

He had digressed; Gyeo-ul brought the conversation back to the topic.

"Has the composition of the yellow bodily fluid been determined yet? Some soldiers are worried about biological or chemical attacks."

"Hahaha, you're impatient. The health services unit only recovered the carcass yesterday. Of course there's no result yet."

"Rumors from witnesses might start spreading, sir."

"I've already warned everyone about that. It won't be perfect, but I've threatened to question every participant in the operation if any leaks occur, so people should be cautious."

Would that be enough? Gyeo-ul was convinced the substance was not toxic. Still, the soldiers would not be reassured, especially considering the Salinas River was Fort Roberts's water source. The filthy liquid running down the slope would leave a vivid, unpleasant impression.

Of course, the site in question wasn't at a point where direct river contamination was likely. But if mutants used it as a weapon, those suspicious might avoid drinking water for some time.

"Come to think of it, I heard something odd."

The regimental commander laced his fingers under his chin.

"They said when they got to the site, there was much less fluid left than what you saw. Compared to the huge amount captured on your helmet cam, that is. The retrieval team double-checked the GPS coordinates."

"It was on a slope where we killed it. Couldn't it have flowed off somewhere?"

"That's the thing. From reviewing the footage, the viscosity seemed pretty high, so if it had flowed, there should have been noticeable traces. Did it evaporate? Truly strange."

Gyeo-ul had no idea either.

Time had passed before they knew it.

"It'll be dinner time soon. Let's wrap up the last few remaining matters quickly."

What "matters"? There were still more? Wondering, Gyeo-ul received an envelope the colonel slid across the table.

"This is the Civil Affairs Committee recommendation from the military government I mentioned earlier. Normally, the base commander would do it, but I figured you'd be better at picking someone from among the refugees."

On first assessment, it wasn't purely an act of goodwill. Gyeo-ul would have to bear both the benefits and the drawbacks of exercising such power. It would empower him, but also...

'People who see it as unfair will resent me for it.' For more chapters visıt novel{f}ire.net

It would be hard to keep the selection process fully secret. Just seeing the committee's makeup would allow anyone with Perception to guess. Even so, Gyeo-ul accepted the envelope without resistance. The benefits outweighed the drawbacks. The colonel spoke.

"You don't look pleased."

"Responsibility comes with authority, sir."

"I see. Everyone says you're precocious, and today I've felt that several times. I'm glad to learn more about you personally."

"Did you make this decision yourself, sir?"

Was it the colonel or someone higher up? The colonel answered readily.

"Hardly. This is the American way of foreign policy: just fully back a single trusted leader. In Afghanistan, they bled heavily for picking the wrong man. But you're already an American citizen, so it's not so burdensome for the higher-ups."

Gyeo-ul recalled reading about related matters, probably in an early journal.

Colonel Laughlin added a comment.

"If you'd taken the inspector role, you wouldn't have gotten the recommendation letter. Staying on the front lines was taken as proof of your sincerity—that was the higher-ups' decision, too."

Telling him all this was probably the colonel's way of showing trust. Gyeo-ul gave a formal and safe reply.

"I'll do my best not to betray your expectations."

"Incredible. Did you have any 'best' left to give?"

The regimental commander grinned and adjusted his posture slightly.

"Now for the final message. This is also an order from above."

Gyeo-ul tilted his head slightly.

"Is it a combat order?"

"I told you from the start, it isn't."

The colonel quickly denied it and continued.

"One of the soldiers killed in the recent operation has family staying in the civilian area of this base. I want you to attend the funeral and fold the flag for them."

Here, "the flag" referred to the US flag draping the soldier's coffin, handed to the bereaved family after the funeral. Gyeo-ul asked,

"Isn't that the role of the chaplain?"

"Sometimes the commanding officer does it as well."

The commander's answer felt insufficient, so Gyeo-ul pressed the issue.

"I heard that ritual has religious significance. I don't believe in God. It wouldn't be respectful to the deceased or their family."

"Don't worry. The chaplain will be there with you. The family agreed, and I don't think the late Private Page would have disliked you."

"So, it's going to be broadcast, isn't it?"

"They want to film you and the Star-Spangled Banner in the same shot. Since you've worked for the refugees, there are idiots claiming you're a fake American. You get it. On dark days, we need to make sure the fire stays burning."

It was an order, so there was no way to refuse. Still, he asked,

"I should practice beforehand. Who can teach me?"

"The chaplain will be in touch."

The colonel stood up.

"Well, that's all the business—we're done here. Thanks for listening to this long conversation. Let's get going. If you don't have other plans, would you join me for dinner?"

Gyeo-ul gathered his papers and left the command post with the regiment commander.

There was no rain on their way out, but the sky was soddenly gray.

The wind was picking up again.

---------------------------= Author's Note ---------------------------=

There have been various theories about me, the author. In honor of the 100th episode, I'll answer them true/false.

—I must have served as a KATUSA or US soldier.

No, I'm from the notorious 22nd Division. Comments suspecting KATUSA—for realism—just mean my research shows, which makes me happy.

No. The furthest I've ever flown is Jeju Island... That's kinda sad...

Nope. Want to scold me?

—A member of the 486 generation.(...)

No... Do I seem fifty? I just turned thirty...

—A user of Ilbe.(...)

No way. I hate conflict so much I don't use any SNS or online communities.

Q. hendell: The protagonist gave their age to Principal Hamil in the Korean style—was that a mistake? And what are the other special forces (besides the Rangers) up to?

A. Gyeo-ul just said, "seventeen."

I don't remember specifying Korean-style age.

As for the other special forces... who knows...

Q. rumen: When economic and social activity stops, harmful and toxic substances spread globally since there's no control. Chemicals from factories, power plants, etc.—how's that managed here?

A. Some places managed an orderly withdrawal; others didn't and became contaminated zones.