Chapter 83: Chapter 83

Lakefront Night, Fort Roberts (2)

In the briefing room, the key officers of the regimental combat team had gathered. They greeted the boy officer warmly. Gyeo-ul sat next to Lieutenant Colonel Capston. Coincidentally, directly across from him was Major Pharel Ramos, battalion commander of the 1st Battalion. He smiled and nodded at Gyeo-ul. There was hardly any trace of the anxiety he showed when Camp San Luis Obispo fell. Still, it seemed he had not forgotten the silent comfort of that night. Googlᴇ search NoveI[F]ire.net

Everyone present was at least a major. Gyeo-ul was the only company-grade officer there. It spoke to the weight of the meeting.

"The problem is still the storm."

The regimental operations officer began. Three aerial photographs filled the front screen of the conference room—they were reservoirs filled to the brim with water. Even at a glance, they looked dangerous.

"I'll get straight to the point. There are three dams we have to secure."

The operations officer enlarged the first photo, then pointed a laser at one side of it.

"The highest priority is the Nacimiento Dam. It's located 13 kilometers west of the base, and as you can see, the water level has risen to a dangerous degree. It's designed so that water will be automatically released once it reaches a certain level, but currently, inflow exceeds outflow. According to the engineers, there's a possibility it will start collapsing as soon as tomorrow afternoon."

The regimental commander asked, "How long would the collapse take?"

"Once it begins, it'll happen in an instant."

The operations officer answered immediately.

"That's because the Nacimiento Dam is an embankment dam. If you imagine pouring water on a sandcastle, it's easier to understand. The damage from a dam collapse would be catastrophic. The floodwaters would reach the base within ten minutes, at a maximum speed of approximately 20 meters per second, and a water depth of more than 6 meters. That's why we must quickly secure it and open all the sluice gates."

There was a spreading murmur. But it was more dissatisfaction than unease. One officer raised his hand.

"The short distance means occupying the dam itself won't be a problem, but isn't the warning too late? What have the engineers been doing all this time?"

In the US, the construction and management of dams is the responsibility of the Army Corps of Engineers. That's why there's an engineers' office at every major dam and weir. If problems arise due to facility mismanagement, the Corps is primarily responsible.

However, you couldn't blame the engineers for everything. Besides facility maintenance, monitoring the water levels in reservoirs and rivers involved cooperation with the US Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources.

The operations officer warned, "We need to save time. Let's refrain from bringing up meaningless complaints."

The questioner hesitated. They seemed doubtful that the situation was as urgent as it sounded—after all, even on foot, the dam was only four hours away.

But Gyeo-ul understood. In the worst-case scenario, opening all the sluice gates might not be enough to lower the water level. Since there was no way to predict how long the storm would last, it was safest to hurry as much as possible.

The briefing continued.

"The next objective, San Antonio Dam, is in a similar state. It's 4 kilometers due north of Nacimiento Dam, close enough that the occupation itself shouldn't be difficult. We've drawn up a plan to deploy one company of engineers and the entire 1st Battalion simultaneously to secure both targets. Please refer to the documents distributed."

Gyeo-ul looked over the black-and-white maps. The two dams were practically adjacent. Fort Roberts could be seen, sliced at the edge of the map. The scale was quite large; one side of the grid represented only one kilometer. It was evidence of how close they were.

The regimental commander raised a doubt.

"The entire 1st Battalion? Is that much force really needed to secure just two dams?"

The operations officer nodded.

"If it were just about seizing the facilities, a single platoon for each would suffice. Open the sluices and return, that's all. But I'm concerned about the mutants' activity. These things have shown enough intelligence to sneak into the base and even set fires to disrupt air operations. Haven't there been recent reports that even some non-special mutants are using simple tools? With air reconnaissance and bombing now limited due to the weather, I doubt they'll simply keep quiet."

The regimental commander responded in disbelief, "Are you saying you think mutants might attack the dams?"

"'One chance in a thousand' is still a chance. We have to be ready for everything. Remember the Christmas Eve assault. Who could have predicted they'd use an EMP?"

Then, abruptly, the question turned to the boy officer.

"What do you think, first Lieutenant Han?"

Gyeo-ul had not been prepared, so he hesitated briefly—all eyes turned to him. The operations officer added,

"Please share your honest opinion. That's one reason I asked you to this meeting."

"...... I do think it's possible. Though the causality may be reversed."

"What do you mean by that?"

"From my multiple trips to Black Mountain as escort, I've confirmed that some intelligent mutants serve as scouts. Of course, there must be some near the base right now. And as you said, with fewer aerial patrols, there might be more than usual."

"It's possible that seeing troops moving to secure the dams is what will tip them off to the dams' importance."

To the officers, this warning seemed more realistic than the operations officer's. Gyeo-ul thought about how long it would take for Grumble to destroy a dam. With the brute force to turn a Humvee into scrap and demolish a house in an instant, it wouldn't take long.

The beginning of a collapse would only require a small crack. Water pressure would do the rest.

Once the group seemed convinced, the operations officer switched the screen. The third dam appeared—its reservoir looking small compared to the others, but only by comparison.

"The final target is the Salinas Dam. It's 56 kilometers from the base in a straight line, about 70 kilometers by road, so the risk is lower. Even if it collapsed, Fort Roberts would not be directly affected."

He explained it was thanks to recent construction of discharge channels.

"But things are different downstream at the San Ardo oil field. It's right by the river, so it would definitely be flooded. If the refinery is damaged, recovery will be difficult."

The regimental commander groaned.

"That would be bad. We'd better secure it, regardless of how risky it seems."

"I agree, but...distance is the issue. The first two are close enough that sending even a whole battalion isn't a burden. We could lay field lines, support the base quickly in an emergency, or the reverse. That's not possible here. Only a small force can be sent, and the distance makes even communication impossible. It will be a dangerous mission."

The operations officer looked directly at Gyeo-ul. Clearly, Lieutenant Colonel Capston had known this much. He'd said there was an important mission for Gyeo-ul at Fort Roberts—when dangerous tasks had to be delegated, the boy officer could not be left out. No doubt it was the operations officer who had told them to summon Gyeo-ul.

The regimental commander asked Gyeo-ul, "What do you think, first Lieutenant Han? The officer thinks you're the best candidate, which is the reason you're here."

"I'll follow orders."

"No, I'm asking for your opinion. If you don't want to, the mission will go to someone else. We need you wherever you are—and I'm not eager to send you outside the base at a time ."

It was unexpected. After a moment's thought, Gyeo-ul shook his head.

"It would be best if I went."

"As I thought. How many troops do you think you'll need?"

"A single platoon will do. Less would be fine, too."

There was a wave of surprised reactions.

"That's reckless. It'll be impossible to defend the whole dam with so few."

"There'll be no need to defend it."

"If you look at the map, there are seven cities between the base and the dam. That's a long way; we might be exposed to a few ghouls along the way, but they wouldn't be able to keep up with our vehicles. So even if the mutants spot us after we reach our destination, it's very unlikely that they'll grasp the connection between Fort Roberts and the dam."

"In other words, even if the mutants attack, their target will be you and your platoon—not the dam?"

"Yes. The only way that wouldn't be true is if we're tailed by a Trickster, which can communicate over long distances. But Tricksters aren't that common. Plus, there are no cities or villages within a ten-kilometer radius of Salinas Dam, so there shouldn't be many mutants there. We could go in and out undetected."

Gyeo-ul was already planning to travel on foot from a certain distance away. Using noisemakers was out of the question. The wind and rain would drown out most noise anyway.

As usual, the supporting unit for the boy officer would be drawn from the 3rd Battalion. Gyeo-ul had wanted to bring along his allied battle teammates, but that was just wishful thinking. The command would never approve. This operation was too important to use refugee volunteers. The regimental commander ordered Lieutenant Colonel Capston and the logistics staff to provide any resources Gyeo-ul requested. The boy officer's confidence was pleasing.

With roles assigned, the briefing wrapped up quickly.

Before leaving, major Ramos offered his hand.

"You're always so brave. I wish you luck, Lieutenant."

"To you as well, sir. The 1st Battalion probably isn't back to full strength yet—it must be tough."

"Not as tough as you. According to the records, you've been in every major operation. If you were under my command, I'd force you to take a break."

"Thank you for your concern."

The major patted the boy's shoulder, shot a brief smile to Lieutenant Colonel Capston, and left the briefing room. Capston turned to Gyeo-ul.

"Is there a particular platoon you want?"

"Well, I'd prefer to work with people I've coordinated with before, but actually, any member of Charlie Company would be fine. Just recruit from volunteers. Like I said earlier, fewer than a full platoon is okay. I don't want to drag anyone along into danger."

Especially not Jeffrey and his platoon. They wouldn't refuse if called, but Gyeo-ul felt sorry for involving them so often.

Lieutenant Colonel Capston shook his head.

"I still worry. You won't even be able to use radios. There'll be no way to respond to unexpected incidents. At the very least, a backup force should be assigned. Think about it again. Even a full company would be easily approved for you."

The reason radios couldn't be used was Tricksters. They'd detect and home in on the signal. And they never moved alone—in fact, the Christmas Eve appearance of a lone Trickster was only because it intentionally let itself be caught. Gyeo-ul offered a gentle smile.

"Thank you for your concern. But really, it's fine. It's actually better to have fewer people if you want to stay unseen. Most of the area east of the dam is forest; under those conditions, I'd spot the mutants before they spot me. And even if we are seen, we can shake them off. With more people, it'd be even harder for me to manage things."

"... I'll start recruiting volunteers, then. Assemble at the parade ground in 30 minutes. Let me know if you change your mind."

After bidding the lieutenant colonel goodbye, Gyeo-ul headed straight for the parade ground. Supply staff, already briefed, were waiting. With their help, Gyeo-ul loaded up the vehicle with required equipment, tools, rations, and ammunition. He made sure to bring plenty of food and fuel, just in case they got stranded at the dam.

'With rain , it wouldn't be strange if the road washed out at any moment.'

He stretched out his hand to measure the weight of the rain. The sensation as the droplets struck his glove—drumming, heavy.

As he waited, the sound of many footsteps approached. The squelch of boots on wet ground—it was a company jogging in formation. Lieutenant Sullivan was at the head—formerly the 3rd Platoon leader, he had become company commander after Capston's promotion.

The company formed up in front of Gyeo-ul, standing in the rain.

Gyeo-ul tilted his head.

"Why did all of you come out ?"

Lieutenant Sullivan answered, "We heard you were looking for volunteers, first Lieutenant Han."

"You guessed it. The whole company volunteered. Pick whoever you want."

Now that he looked, everyone seemed to be holding back laughter. Gyeo-ul felt slightly embarrassed.

--------------------------- Author's Notes ---------------------------

1. Today is the author's birthday. I wanted to sleep early...ㅠㅠ

By the time I wake up, half my birthday will already be over...

Anyway, I'm going to play today. Sealbreaker? Don't know, not using it.

I have no one to hang out with, but whatever.

I'll go see a movie by myself, grill some meat, go to a café, have a drink... all on my own...

Guess I'll play Overwatch...

Q. Raynesis: @Reading this in the office's columbarium... How long does it typically take you to write one episode?

A. Hmm. In the case of this episode, it took a bit longer since I wrote it once, deleted it, then rewrote it. If I get too hung up on details or if the direction seems off, it's best to just start from scratch. If you cling to what's already written just because you want to keep the content, the quality often suffers.

In general, without such detours, it takes about 8 hours per episode.

Q. Hobakhobak: @Is the military phone Korean-made? I feel like it'd be running ActiveX... Must be hell verifying every support request;;

A. Nah, the US isn't that sloppy.

Q. MasterKalsolom: @Even Costco pizza portions have gotten smaller... A dozen years before the 40,000-year time warp, I could eat like a food fighter. Paid a 5,000 won entry fee to eat 5 pork cutlets, 5 meat patties, 5 bowls of rice, 5 cups of soda within 30 minutes, finished in 14 minutes 41 seconds and took home a 100,000 won prize.

A. Wow... I take 20 minutes just to eat a single bowl—impressive...

Q. Dohwawon: @Paper books... it's a dream for readers and authors alike. If published, would it be self-published, or from a publisher?

A. I think a paper edition will come out. Honestly, I wasn't that desperate for it. I really wanted to publish when I was a student, but after that... well...

Q. Cheongnyoryeon: @Once again a wonderfully innocent chapter, thank you. That Russian, he's not the president appearing in the story, right? I still remember you told Putin "be my reader."

A. The truth is a secret—probably will stay that way to the end. Haha.

Q. Dreamer_World: @I really enjoy the scenes where characters chat, it feels so fresh and lively!

A. That's a part I labor over—it takes effort to make it feel realistic.

Q. Eojingwangdae: @Italy has about a 7-hour time difference with daylight saving, so at 5 a.m. it'll be noon in Korea, meaning I can get the update at 5 a.m.—score! Pizza is best in Italy.

A. So jealous you can get delicious pizza anywhere in Italy...

Q. SunnyNap: @Oops, Mr. Pizza is for arthropods only. Humans can't eat it!

A. Isn't it actually a human's exclusive? Lately, I realize how bad things must taste to humans...

Q. NeoGGM: @Huh, just saw a Samsung mark on a news article phone... Or am I mistaken?

A. That's because of the rugged case.

Q. AhMyLife: @If Krochen appears in this world, would the world be saved? The more I look, the more I miss the presence of an absolute good. Used up my novel pass—see you after I buy more!

A. If Krochen were here, he'd never sit still. See you in 40,000 years. '-')/

Q. MartialNovelFan: @The chat with no dreams or hope is hilarious. I feel like I'm evolving from a minion to a demon lord in this lair.

A. If it's so fun despite lacking dreams or hope... What's your address in R'lyeh?

Q. Ghozt: @I found a very childlike novel called "Wicked."

The protagonist's limitless love for cats really stands out.

A. I've read it too. It was...a little disappointing, though.

Q. Ketaro: @Just curious, that Russian friend who swore to kill the Korean who invented Active X—is he some agent in Russian intelligence? I heard the reason he made Active X was on purpose, to prevent foreign tech leaks. Some say your Russian friend's a bigwig in intelligence—is he maybe Putin's successor? The operations you send Gyeo-ul on seem to involve new dangers, or urgent objectives. Oh, by the way, I like Domino's.

A. I'll leave Ruski's identity to readers' imagination. There'll be more hints dropped later.

Domino's is great, but the cheese is too salty for me. Actually, all brand pizzas are too salty for my taste—KFC is also too salty for me.

Q. EyesOpenNewWorld: @Tunguska lost his childhood and didn't value regulars. Shall we play the game?

A. I lose my innocence because it gets stolen by readers through my stories!

Q. Yeo-ddaeng: @Don't you play that high-class collectible card game full of innocence? I always learn about innocence from gazing upon Yogg-Saron.

A. I barely even have time for watches these days...no time for any other games.

Q. PepperPepperPepper: @Tipped 7 in support, 27 for the manuscript—maybe you'll get one slice of another brand's pizza? I've been enjoying Red Cap Pizza lately, it's pretty good.

A. Huh! There's a Red Cap near my house, I'll have to try it—all to myself in honor of my birthday! Thanks for the tip.

Q. RGZ95: @That Ruski guy seems pretty high up. The more I see him, the less normal he seems @[email protected]

A. Владимир is really popular, I'm proud. :)