Wow!
Someone threw a red brick, and it smashed loudly against the glass door of a supermarket, creating a large hole with a loud crash.
The supermarket was dark and empty. Dozens of masked people stood outside the door. One of the Black men stepped forward, reached through the hole, and unlocked the door from the inside.
"Hurry up! There's food in there, go get it!"
"Haha, there's so much to eat!"
When the glass doors opened, the crowds outside rushed into the supermarket, grabbing whatever food and supplies they could find.
Outside on the streets, similar scenes were playing out in cities across the country. Frenzied crowds looted the streets and alleys. Shop owners who tried to stop them were shoved to the ground and beaten mercilessly.
After the news revealed the whole truth, American society plunged into panic. People denounced the cruelty of the bureaucratic government. Instead of developing a vaccine, they had taken up arms to massacre their own citizens. The public demanded the release of the news anchor who had dared to tell the truth.
From that day on, over the next few days, major cities across the country, led by individuals with influence, saw a new wave of protests demanding the end of bureaucracy and the rise of truly capable leaders to take control.
At the same time, many people who hadn't eaten in days took the opportunity to loot supermarkets and other food storage facilities, hoarding supplies to ensure they wouldn't go hungry in the future.
Others, with sharper minds, targeted the city's firearms. They understood that if they could get enough weapons, they could take whatever else they needed. As for food? That could come later.
Gold and money no longer mattered. Under the shadow of the apocalypse, the jewelry and dollar bills once treasured had lost their former allure. Everyone knew that only food and firearms could guarantee survival.
Despite the chaos outside, the White House government did not respond to the events, allowing the angry mobs to destroy and loot, as if deliberately letting them vent their anger.
They only sent the military to strictly control the safety of industrial parks and nearby areas, building high walls around the factories day and night. Anyone caught trying to destroy the facilities would be shot on sight without mercy.
Those who sought destruction elsewhere refrained from causing trouble near the industrial areas, knowing that the city offered many other places they could target without risking their lives.
In Dallas, Brian stayed in his RV, watching the chaos unfold in the streets with cold detachment. Since the news broke, the military had stopped distributing supplies, forcing everyone to fend for themselves.
This chaos made Brian hesitant to reach out to Yarman, fearing he would bring trouble to his friend.
Finally, after five days of social unrest, the government announced a press conference for noon on September 22, 2013, promising to give the nation a satisfactory response.
...
"Hello everyone, I am Robert, director of the Federal Disaster Relief Agency."
The temperature in the city had dropped steadily, and people were putting on whatever clothing they could find or take to shield themselves from the cold.
Despite the bright midday sun peeking through the clouds, the chill in people's hearts remained.
Today, the streets were unusually quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos of the past few days.
People gathered in front of their TVs at home or under the big screen in the square, watching the broadcast, waiting for answers.
On screen, there was a podium with American flags on either side. A middle-aged, blond man stepped up to the podium. Dressed in a sharp suit, he adjusted the microphone and, with a slight smile, introduced himself.
"A few days ago, Ms. Teresa, the news anchor for Channel XX, revealed certain information. After a thorough investigation by our agencies, I can confirm that all of it is indeed true."
As soon as he said this, everyone erupted in disbelief. The crowd on the TV and the people outside began to stir. Though they had suspected it, hearing the government's admission stirred fresh resentment. However, after days of catharsis, people managed to control their emotions and refrained from yelling.
Once the crowd gradually calmed down, Director Robert continued speaking in a loud voice:
"We have arrested the individuals responsible for issuing those orders and imposed the harshest punishments. But now, the Cordyceps fungal virus has fully threatened human safety. The Federal Disaster Relief Agency believes that the White House's slow bureaucratic system can no longer help humanity. Therefore, after reaching a consensus with the military, we have decided to officially abolish the traditional bureaucratic system. The Federal Disaster Relief Agency, along with the military and law enforcement agencies, will jointly form a new government to lead humanity out of this crisis."
"Finally!"
"About time!"
After Robert finished speaking, someone in the crowd led a round of applause, which quickly turned into thunderous cheers. Though some were still in shock and unsure of what had just happened, they joined the applause as everyone around them clapped.
After a moment, Robert raised his hands and signaled for silence.
Brian, sitting in front of the TV, leaned forward, knowing that the next part would be the focus of the press conference.
"Given that 60% of the world's population is now infected with the Cordyceps virus and it can no longer be effectively controlled, the Federal Disaster Relief Agency and the military have unanimously decided to pass the Quarantine Zones Act. We will temporarily suspend vaccine research, abandon the rescue of infected areas, and recall all foreign troops. All resources will now be focused on building fully militarized quarantine zones in major cities. We firmly believe that as long as we can contain the Cordyceps fungus within these high walls, we will eventually reclaim the land that was once ours!"
After saying this, Director Robert's face became stern, as if the weight of the decision had cost him dearly. He looked up and solemnly proclaimed to the camera, "God bless the United States!"
Then the TV signal cut off, but this time it marked the birth of a new national government and the fate of humanity within the quarantine zones for decades to come.
After the press conference, the military resumed control of the city and no longer hid their construction of the high walls. Having prepared well in advance, they broadcasted to the city, announcing that the quarantine zone's outer walls would be completed within a week.
At night, during the curfew, loudspeakers broadcasted the basic rules that would apply to those entering the quarantine zone.
For instance, anyone entering the quarantine zone would have their food and firearms confiscated, with all supplies distributed evenly. Additionally, the quarantine zone would not accept idle individuals. Everyone would be required to work to help humanity overcome the crisis as quickly as possible.
The broadcast also emphasized: "Due to the limited space in the quarantine zone, entering is voluntary. Once the population limit is reached, additional individuals will be sent to other zones, and no further survivors will be accepted unless for special reasons."
"For those who choose not to enter the quarantine zone, the military will open a special passage out of the city. As long as they apply within the next week, they can leave at any time. The military will provide basic supplies to ensure their survival. However, all materials obtained in the city must be left behind."
This announcement hit everyone in the city hard, leaving people speechless.
"This... this..." Osborn stammered, unable to find the words after hearing the broadcast.
He had a deep sense that something was terribly wrong. Whether it was the news anchor's bold revelation, the city's looting, or today's press conference, everything seemed pre-planned, as if an invisible hand was guiding events.
Osborn turned to look at Brian, who also seemed lost in thought. Though Brian appeared to be just a kid, Osborn had learned over the past few days that he was much smarter than he seemed, and Osborn hoped to hear Brian confirm his suspicions.
Sensing Osborn's gaze, Brian turned to meet his puzzled eyes. Understanding his doubts, Brian looked around cautiously and, after ensuring no one else was around, whispered:
"Don't bother guessing. This is a power grab, orchestrated by the Federal Disaster Relief Agency and the military."