Chapter 79: Chapter 79
# Hardened Ground, Camp Roberts (2)
At the end of January, a typhoon arrived. According to the warning details sent by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to various parts of California, category 4 Hurricane Carissa was expected to pass off the coast of San Diego and head toward Baja California, Mexico.
Carissa was the third typhoon of the year to form in the eastern Pacific Ocean and the first one to cancel all operations at Camp Roberts.
Previously, two typhoons, angelique and Beryl, had passed far from the coastline, having little impact on California.
In contrast, carissa was powerful and close enough to cause strong winds and heavy rain at Camp Roberts, which was 460 kilometers northwest of San Diego.
The National Hurricane Center also warned of the possibility of a new typhoon developing before Carissa dissipates.
Gyeo-ul recalled part of the advisory content.
「Formation chance through 48 hours...high...90 percent」
The expected location was 500 kilometers west of San Francisco, at 38°N latitude and 127°W longitude.
If another typhoon formed here, California would face an ordeal with overflowing rainfall and raging winds. Check latest chapters at novᴇlfire.net
As a result, disaster prevention works had become an urgent task at Camp Roberts.
They reinforced the tents with new hooks and ropes to prevent them from getting blown away and drove at least ten additional stakes per tent.
Meanwhile, sandbags were being piled up around the base exterior, and drainage ditches connecting to lowlands were being dug using heavy equipment.
This work had to be conducted simultaneously on both sides of the Salinas River to protect the makeshift airport and reserve vehicle storage area on the east bank.
The last time the Salinas River flooded was reportedly early 2006.
Since then, a record drought had persisted in California, lowering the likelihood of the dried-up river flooding.
However, colonel Gerald M. Laughlin, the commander of the fort, wanted to be prepared for any contingency.
"There is no such thing as being too prepared for a disaster."
Gyeo-ul agreed with his stance.
'And it's also better for me that way.'
Standing by the stormy riverside, the young officer watched the people battling against nature.
Under a dark sky on a sunless day, countless workers of various nationalities worked together with one heart and mind.
Gender and age didn't matter. It was a beautiful sight. Even if it was a fabricated reality, beauty has its own meaning.
Sporadic skirmishes might occur in the refugee zone starting now.
To minimize unnecessary casualties, as many people as possible needed to be away from the combat scene.
Thus, an opportunity like today might not come again.
Gyeo-ul pressed the transmission button on the work radio.
"Manager Yun-cheol. This is Winter. Do you hear me?"
[Yes, Captain! I hear you loud and clear! Go ahead!]
Though the sound of the wind on the radio was raucous, it didn't interfere much with the communication.
"It looks like I'll need to be away for a while. Can you oversee the allies on your own?"
[Uh...yes. There are other supervisors here, so it shouldn't be too difficult. I don't know what it is, but please go with peace of mind.]
Originally, there were two managers on-site. However, Gyeo-ul had sent Manager Min Wan-gi away earlier. The middle-aged scholar was somewhat frail due to his age, taking a long time to recover from even a cold, even when medicine was obtained. He was an important cadre.
Above all, someone needed to manage the commotion in the residential zone if an incident occurred. Gyeo-ul emphasized this point while seeing Min Wan-gi off.
"Please make sure people don't get agitated, no matter what happens."
Through his rain-speckled glasses, the scholar smiled gently.
"You're asking the obvious."
Gyeo-ul trusted that he would handle it well. After hearing Yun-cheol's response, Gyeo-ul headed toward the police command post in the civilian zone.
Under a sun like a dull moon, the soldiers guarding the checkpoint of the civilian settlement—though wearing raincoats—seemed soaked to the core.
With a grim look, they twisted their bodies and, belatedly realizing the young officer's presence, sprang to attention with a salute.
Passing through the post, the police command post was quickly reached.
Police gathered from various regions and cities, mainly those from Sacramento, had restored a command structure to manage the security of Camp Roberts.
Though the wide temporary building had leaks near the entrance, the office and detention areas were relatively intact.
The number of officers looking dismayed at the droning roof from inside was limited. Many police personnel were also deployed for work supervision.
On guard at the entrance, an officer stood at attention.
"What brings you here, Lieutenant?"
"I'd like to see Chief O'Connor. Is he available?"
Chief Willis O'Connor was the highest-ranking police officer at Camp Roberts and one of the highest-ranking survivors of the California State Police, whose headquarters were in Sacramento.
The commissioner and deputy commissioner had gone missing during the fall of Sacramento.
The officer, after hearing the task, stiffened further.
"Yes. He is in his office. Have you made an appointment?"
"No, it's a matter of urgency, so I came unexpectedly."
"Understood. I'll inform him. Please wait a moment."
Permission came quickly. After speaking a few words over the intercom, the officer nodded at Gyeo-ul.
As Gyeo-ul followed behind, the police officers encountered along the way stood at attention to show respect.
Occasionally, some smiled, having developed a personal rapport with the young officer. Gyeo-ul returned their goodwill with a light nod.
The guide stopped at the door. Still, the chief's office was a respectably arranged place.
Upon entering, the chief greeted the young officer with a salute.
"Come in, Lieutenant. A surprise visit from a hero."
"I apologize for not contacting you in advance."
"No need. You're welcome anytime, no questions asked. Except during a cozy meal with my daughter."
"You cherish her very much."
"She's a daughter to be proud of. Not easy becoming a Federal Marshal at twenty-five. Came out top in Glenco. She's wanted to be like her dad since she was little, still steadfast despite growing older."
It's difficult to dismiss O'Connor as a doting father when she's truly impressive.
In the chief's office was a large map of Camp Roberts.
Future development plans, police patrol routes, and areas of responsibility were marked alongside a schedule chart.
These were high-level bits of information not generally accessible.
Gyeo-ul was curious why a wide open space was projected right in the middle of the hibernation zone.
Willis O'Connor adjusted his posture.
"Well, what's this urgent task that brought such a young person to visit an old coot like me today?"
"I'd like assistance with the illicit weapons crackdown in the Chinese refugee zone."
Gyeo-ul didn't mention drug trafficking.
By rummaging under the pretext of discovering weapons, drugs or any other issue can be dealt with simultaneously.
"Illicit weapons? Do refugees possess firearms? How?"
It was natural for the middle-aged chief to become alert, knowing the young officer wouldn't make a fuss over mere blades.
Refugees possessing weapons is a critical issue directly linked to the fortress's survival.
After all, compared to the civilian zone, the refugee zone is inferior in many ways, subject to strict control and discrimination.
Many refugees would naturally hold grudges against the comfortably living American citizens beyond the barbed wire.
Though conditions are improving now, considering the harsh and lawless chaos refugees endured, complacency isn't an option.
Gyeo-ul shook his head.
"No. Probably not firearms. Even if there are, it wouldn't be many. I'm estimating most of them would be bows, crossbows, and slingshot types."
"At least in the hundreds."
This isn't an exaggeration.
The number of weapons among Chinese-organized groups that Gyeo-ul personally investigated easily surpassed three digits, and if wider-range refugees of other nationalities were targeted, more could be found.
"Hmm, even crude weapons can be threatening if there are many. If they raid an armory... or take civilians hostage."
In truth, the concerns raised by the chief have low real-world feasibility. No sane person would attempt such a crazy act.
However, the chief simultaneously understood that current refugee groups were practically halfway to being crime syndicates.
Reasonable behavior could not be expected.
"How did you come by this information?"
"I've suspected it for some time. This time, an anonymous informant came forward. I hope you understand that I cannot disclose their name. It's per the informant's request."
Gyeo-ul concocted a bogus informant.
He couldn't straightforwardly explain that he had read and identified it through technique-enhanced augmented reality alerts.
The monitoring AI would deem it a situational calculation error and attempt to rollback. Repeated rollbacks would result in disadvantages.
"So what are you asking for? Police support?"
"Yes. The more, the better."
"Why not request military assistance from the garrison?"
"I believe that maintaining security should entirely fall under police duties in the future. While I would like you to report to the garrison before initiating the weapon search, I do not wish to use military force."
It isn't because there are parties of interest within the military that Gyeo-ul wouldn't use them.
Gyeo-ul was aware of who was entirely favorable to him.
Even so, deploying only police forces was an attempt to reform the atmosphere in the refugee zone.
Moreover, the combat capability of U. S. police is not lacking. They are equipped with diverse firearms, ranging from shotguns to automatic rifles.
"I see. You want to return daily life to the refugees?"
"Yes, using the military to handle security cannot be deemed normal. That's martial law. I want people to feel that they are steadily, certainly returning to life before the disaster. The problem is that police presence has been too weak for too long, and violent individuals have become excessively abundant."
"So in short, you want to demonstrate capabilities so they won't be underestimated in the future?"
"I see it as a great opportunity."
The chief stroked his chin and spoke carefully.
"You said your destination was the Chinese settlement. I don't wish to doubt you, but still, I must inquire just to confirm. Are you trying to settle refugee conflicts using police hands? There's a rumor that you're assisting certain Chinese factions."
Rather than a rumor, it's information. Even if police activity isn't vigorous outside the civilian settlements, the chief couldn't be ignorant.
Back in the Bradley occupation operation, it was Gyeo-ul's suggestion to have them staffed solely with Triad members.
From a police perspective, groups openly claiming to be the Triad weren't likely viewed kindly.
They paid little attention to what occurred in refugee quarters before, but with refugee treatment improvements becoming earnest due to the emergence of a hero not only young but youthful, there was no longer a reason to overlook the criminal factions formed by refugees talking about Triads and Black Societies.
Gyeo-ul nodded simply.
"That's true. We made promises to help each other. But I don't plan on treating them specially in this matter. That was the condition. I helped because they were in trouble due to their internal fights, after gaining an assurance not to take undue advantage in the future. Where would weapons designed for people go, anyway? I don't have a reason to shield them against that."
"I see. My apologies for the impudent question. Now that I reflect, it wasn't doubt befitting one who had staked their life for an honorable cause."
Regret over idle words was evident in the expression. It was genuinely spoken.
It was both the halo effect from his Medal of Honor and the influence of the reputation that Gyeo-ul had accumulated.
Instead of a formal reply, a single smile seemed more effective, so the youth crafted one habitually.
As usual, a well-crafted smile was effective. Willis O'Connor granted final approval.
"Alright, proceed. I'll inform the colonel. A person will be sent to you shortly."
Saluting the chief, Gyeo-ul left the office.
---------------------------= Author's Notes ---------------------------=
1. It's hot. Writing with the door closed for focus makes the indoor temperature always rise above 36 degrees Celsius.
Indeed, the author writes from the boiling pit of hell. Writing from hell results in writing that seems hellish. Hmm, excellent conditions for writing dystopia.
Q: Amish: Hmm? At this hour?
A: The author wants to sleep early too. ㅠㅠ
Q: ChickenHalfHalfTruth: Seeing it posted at this hour, did you watch the Olympics? Haha, I watched the full broadcast and am now heading to sleep.
A: The author doesn't watch TV. The last drama I saw was Heo Jun. I'm not interested in sports. I sit in front of the computer all day, yet the serialization speed is . It seems I'm lacking effort.
Q: 清流莲: @Please don't overdo it... I hope this wonderful work continues for a long time... As much as 혈맥 or the Empire of the Warm Sea, or 바벨!
A: Nope! If I write to catch up with 바벨, the author will probably die of overwork!
Q: 妖龍: Well, dunkin' Donuts offers free coffee and donuts to police to improve security, creating the association of police and donuts... but bagels aren't included in the service, and some types of donuts aren't acceptable...
A: It's commonly known as such. But there's no evidence that Dunkin' Donuts was the first to do it, as it dates back to the late 19th century. Back then, it was free pastries...
In reality, there are several chains besides Dunkin' Donuts offering free services to police, varying by region and store. Many places lack the free service, some refuse it to avoid fostering stereotypes or out of pride, or simply buy their own for health reasons.
Bagel mentions recently were due to opinions expressed in a real survey of police officers.
Let me show you the American police opinions I found to aid understanding. Apologies for the rough translation. Haha.
Q: Do police officers get free coffee and donuts? I might sound dumb, but I saw police around my neighbor passing Timbits without paying—or did they pay beforehand?
A: You should know how annoying that question is. Imagine wearing a uniform in line, paying, and the person behind you says, "Oh, did you buy that? I thought you got everything free."... People think I get free food and snacks... I wish.
A: We pay for our coffee in advance.
A: I eat hot, buttered biscuits instead of dough-gnuts (a variation of doughnuts). Oh, of course for free!
A: Generally uncommon, up to the store owner's discretion.
A: We pay for everything we get. If anyone gets everything free, it's firefighters! (Author: ...excuse me? Officer? Haha)
A: Preference for donuts or snacks varies by locale. Where I worked, patrol cars outside donut shops or doughnut-eating officers were rare. We rested at Denny's-type coffee shops, preferring pies or ice cream. Some of my colleagues frequently visited Popeye's Fried Chicken within two hours of starting their shift. The donut-loving cop is a stereotype (though I did participate in law enforcement conferences with donut-eating contests, which were fun). Like most stereotypes, it's part truth, mostly fiction.
Q: 호박호박: @Stars usually receive gifts from fans; doesn't Winter, a star in America, receive any gifts from citizens?
A: A small spoiler, but it's nothing major. There was an influx of cakes during Christmas. Special flight sorties were allocated then, but now it's hard.
Simply too much to transport easily. Piled up at the blockade line command's postal central office.
Q: Slade: @Could you let me know the name of the song mentioned in the middle?
A: 키아핀: Slade // It's "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey.
Q: 오신4: @If you, the author, are inadequate, what do other authors become? Comparing you to others is pitiful; too much humility isn't good.
A: Thank you for viewing me kindly, but it's a ruthless field where you're buried if not daily serially... the view count percentage keeps decreasing even at this rate. Haha.
Q: PAM: @Gaiaaagh, guakle
A: Yes, yes. I really will rest today. Honestly.
Q: MasterCalSol: @I hope this story runs as long as 혈맥 or 바벨 (I think 바벨's current serial chapters exceed 5 Bible volumes...)
A: If it runs that long, readers avoid it. I want to be a full-time author. Save me...
Q: Lostel: @Any side stories like Winter trying out other games?
A: Writing about Winter's activities is tough; initially considered Park Woo-chul the elderly streamer in exciting in-game; after contemplating, it was cut.
Q: Aishcd: @Thanks to mentioning 혈맥 below, can I ask how much progress you think you're making? Honestly, I hope it runs over 1000 episodes or close to 10 years like 혈맥. Would that be too much of my wish...? ㅠㅠㅠ I want to see a lot more of this work for a long time, hehe. And for this, please take care of your health!!! I worry seeing posts about sleepless nightsㅠㅠㅠ Sorry for the long question post (+ heart), and I hope you enjoy days filled with innocence healthily forever!!!
A: Ideally, I'd like it finished around episode 250, but I'm unsure about length control. Seal Breaker in HalkeSainia initially seemed like 50 episodes, but now nearly 200...
Nonetheless, I'll write only what's conceived, neither more nor less. I'll write only what's necessary. :)
Stay healthy, aishcd. I'll rest today for my health!