//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 - Global Crisis // Story: Union of Hope: Shrouded Great War // by Kvnhuang1222 //------------------------------// Wall Street, New York City, United States Shortly after the destruction of JFK International Airport, the robot army spread across the city. Wall Street, the busiest street, had turned into a vile hunting field. In the middle of the street, a reporter was live-streaming the news while people were running in horror. “This is Jason from FOX News, we are currently on Wall Street. As you can see, a swarm of flying saucers and robots are attacking the street. Many people are running from this hellish place…” “We can’t stay much longer, we need to get the hell out of here!!” The cameraman said. "OK, let’s…” On cue, one laser cannon hit between them, both reporter's and camera man’s lives were uncertain. The camera hit hard on the ground, and it still recorded the panicking crowds and flying saucers passing by. ============================================================================= San Francisco, United States “Unknown forces invaded the east coast, New York was severely damaged, and casualties were still rising. According to the source, they are approaching Washington D.C…….” A big screen in the city center of San Francisco was broadcasting the news about the invasion of New York. It was showing the footage of New York being attacked by the robot armies. The crowds were horrified by looking at that scene, worrying that the invasion would spread to here or not. Soon, the nightmare came true as several portals appeared on the road. The city was under heavy fire in a second. ============================================================================= London, United Kingdom A man was driving back home from work, he turned on the radio to pass the time. “Breaking news, at 11 A.M. in EST, the United States was under attack by a mysterious force. The cities, including New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver,......” “Bloody hell?! America is under attack?!” Said the man, shocked by the news he heard. Then the broadcast made a pause and then carried on. “We just received the update. Mysterious forces are invading the United Kingdom and other European countries. Our military has taken action on suppressing the invaders. All citizens, please follow the military’s instructions for evacuation. I repeat……” By hearing that the home nation was invaded, the man turned off the radio immediately. “I must get home quickly to pick up my family!” He said, then he punched the gas. ============================================================================= Washington D.C., United States Conference Room, White House Underground Shelter Ever since the robot armies attacked New York City, the president immediately ordered the Pentagon to dispatch the military to support there and other cities. Also, he had set the readiness condition to DEFCON 1, which was the first time in human history. As the invasion had spread to the capital, Washington D.C., the bodyguards escorted the president, vice president, and all cabinets to an underground shelter. Right now, the president was video contacting leaders from other nations. Each of them reported their countries’ current situations. “The unknown forces had invaded London. The royal family has been evacuated and the military is suppressing the attack, but we don’t know how long could it last judging by the civilians’ safety is at stake.” The British Prime Minister reported. He tried to keep his anxiety down. “The coast of Northern France is under attack, I’m afraid that they will enter Paris within a couple of hours.” The French President said. The President frowned while listening to each leader’s status report. He looked at the multi-screen that showed some footage of combat between the military and robots. He leans on his gripped hands, thinking how to make a response. “Mr. President, the leaders suggest holding an emergency conference at NATO headquarters. What’s your decision?” The vice president started and asked. “Has the HQ been attacked yet?” “For the time being, no. Belgium hasn’t been invaded yet. As for the HQ, France, U.K., and Germany have sent their troops to defend it.” "Good. While suppressing the invaders, investigating who’s behind this atrocious mayhem and what’s his or her motives to invade the world are also our priorities.” The cabinets all agreed without hesitation. They hoped that they could find out who and what they were dealing with sooner so that all members in NATO could have a definite strategy to deal with the invaders. Nonetheless, including the president and vice president, they all were aware that even with all NATO nations’ military strength, fighting against them was hardly possible. As they were struggling, a secretary walked to the president. “Mr. President, a new message appears. It’s from Russia, and it’s about the robot armies.” If a superpower like Russia itself contacted proactively, then that meant it was far more serious than it seemed, the president thought. "Mr. President?” “Put him through.” The president told the secretary as he returned to normalcy. The center of the screen showed the Russian president. “I’ve heard the news, US and Europe are invaded. Our satellites have captured some images that show the robots are approaching our frontier.” “Just like we’ve assumed, those robots are planning to invade the Earth. We are trying to figure out who is leading them.” "Our armor troops are at the border to prepare for the defense. But I’m afraid that even with other nations’ aid, they wouldn’t hold much longer regarding the robots’ invasion progressing speed.” “Looks like we are on the same page. To kick those robots out from Earth, we should work together. We are going to gather all leaders in the world for the conference at NATO headquarters. That is, including the non-NATO nations. What say you?” The Russian president went silent for a moment. “Very well, but before that, I must advise you that you must prepare more escorts. We don’t know those unknown forces are capable of.” “Understood. See you at the conference.” After the Russian president disconnected the communication, the president faced the secretary. “Christine, the emergency conference will be held at NATO HQ in Brussel, Belgium. I need you to contact the Pentagon to dispatch the special forces for escort operation immediately!” “Right on, Mr. President.” The secretary left the conference room with a quick pace. “If there’s nothing to report, you can dismiss.” Said the president. The cabinets left the room one by one. The president was still in his seat, he looked at the world map that some countries were glowing in red. He leaned back and sighed. “The war is imminent. The fate of the world peace depends on this joint operation…”