16 Dec 2051
MEMORANDUM FOR JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
FROM: USSTRATCOM/CC
SUBJECT: Arma Energy Crisis: Current Status and Immediate Concerns
1. PURPOSE: To provide an update on the global Arma Energy situation and outline immediate national security concerns.
2. BACKGROUND: On 04 Dec 2051, astronomers detected an energy barrier breach in our solar system, allowing Arma Energy to penetrate Earth's atmosphere. This resulted in the global Novel Acute Radiation Syndrome (NARS) pandemic and the subsequent development of human enhancements in some individuals who received Arma Energy gene therapies.
3. DISCUSSION:
2052. Global Impact: As of 16 Dec 2051, it is confirmed that the entire global population has been infected with NARS. There are 283 million confirmed deaths worldwide. Economic disruption is severe, with global GDP projected to decrease by 15% in Q1 2052.
1. Enhanced Individuals: Approximately 19% of the global population has received Arma Energy gene therapies, resulting in various enhanced abilities in a small percentage of this group. These enhancements range from improved physical attributes to more extreme physiological changes. Observed manifestations include:
(1) Heightened sensory perception
(2) Increased strength and endurance
(3) Accelerated healing
(4) Electromagnetic field manipulation
(5) Telepathic communication
The long-term stability and potential of these enhancements remain unknown.
1. National Security Implications: The emergence of enhanced individuals poses unprecedented challenges to national security. Concerns include:
(1) Potential weaponization of enhanced abilities
(2) Shift in global power dynamics
(3) Domestic unrest due to societal inequalities between enhanced and non-enhanced populations
4. RECOMMENDATION: Immediate establishment of a joint task force to develop strategies for managing enhanced individuals and mitigating potential threats to national security.
//SIGNED//
JONATHAN D. SHERMAN, Gen, USAF
Commander, USSTRATCOM
He crushed the memo in his fist and hurled it. The paper ball arced across the room, bouncing off a wall with a world map showing NARS outbreaks, marked by red strings crisscrossing without any clear pattern or origin.
Three-pointer! Yes!
Brigadier General Shannon Washington entered his office. She stood at attention briefly next to the crumpled paper ball before relaxing into a more casual stance.
That uniform's as crisp as ever, General Bob Stroebel thought upon seeing his executive officer.
"Morning, Chaps. How's that granddaughter of yours doing?"
"Growing like a weed, Badger,” Bob said, gesturing to the chair. “Wants to be a pro soccer player now."
Shannon pulled back the sturdy leather armchair and sat down in front of Stroebel's executive oak desk.
"Soccer? What happened to ballet?" she asked.
"That was last week. Now it's all cleats and shin guards."
"Kids, right?” asked Shannon. “One minute it's this, next it's that."
"Tell me about it. At least the rain's good for something - keeps her inside so my daughter can get a break."
"Yeah, been coming down hard lately," said Shannon.
"Sure has. Though seems like arma's all that's raining these days."
"Speaking of which, sir, have you read the memo?"
General Stroebel leaned back in his leather chair, his salt-and-pepper mustache twitching. "Yes. The numbers are staggering."
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
"Two hundred and eighty-three million deaths." Washington shook her head. "And that's just twelve days."
Stroebel's pen tapped against his desk, a rhythmic counterpoint to the tension in the room. "The economic impact alone..."
“Are you worried about an economic depression, sir?” Shannon asked.
Stroebel's blue eyes turned hard. “I’m worried about these arma users with God knows what kind of abilities."
"You’re right, sir. We're looking at a complete paradigm shift, Bob. Everything we know about warfare, about national security—it's all out the window."
"The potential for weaponization is... concerning."
"Concerning?" Washington arched an eyebrow. "That's generous. We're talking about individuals who could potentially level cities with a thought."
"Or infiltrate our most secure facilities without breaking a sweat," Stroebel added. “That’s why we can’t lose the new arms race.”
"And let's not forget the domestic implications,” she said. “We're looking at a powder keg of social unrest. Enhanced versus non-enhanced. It's a recipe for chaos."
General Stroebel's pen stilled. "The question is, how do we handle it?"
"That's what was asked in the meeting this morning." Washington stood, pacing the length of the office. Her footsteps echoed in the silence. "We can't just round them up. They're citizens, not criminals."
"Yet," he said.
"We can't assume they'll all turn against us, Bob. That kind of thinking is dangerous."
Stroebel raised his hands in surrender. "I'm just saying we need to be prepared for all possibilities."
"Agreed." Washington stopped at the window, gazing out at the Pentagon courtyard below. "But we also need to consider integration. These people could be our greatest asset."
"And our greatest threat," Stroebel countered.
Washington turned, her expression thoughtful. "That’s right. We have to assume other countries will weaponize them—correction, they are weaponizing them."
Stroebel nodded slowly. "Let’s get in front of this joint task force. Gather support from all the agencies."
"Yes, sir," Washington said. "I’ll start coordinating IPTs for Military, scientific, ethical—"
"Political," Stroebel interjected.
Washington grimaced. "Unfortunately, yes. This is going to be a PR nightmare."
"That’s an Understatement.”
Washington returned to her seat, her posture straight, shoulders squared. "We need to move fast, Bob. Every day we delay is a day someone else could be figuring out how to exploit this situation."
"I'll start making calls while you prepare a proposal for congress."
"What are you thinking, sir: new legislation, new protocols?"
"New everything.”
Washington's lips quirked in a humorless smile. "Welcome to the brave new world, Bob."
“Yeah, right.” Bob picked up the next report and slipped on his reading glasses. "What have you learned about this Dr. Li Armakov?"
"We’ve found some information, sir, but there are still more questions than answers."
"Give me the rundown, Badger."
"Dr. Li Armakov, 42 years old, Chinese national, with mixed Chinese and Russian heritage. He's a radio astronomer at FAST in Guizhou. Made the first verifiable detection of arma radiation back in 2050."
"I’ve read the executive summary, what’s new?"
"That's the rub. Guy's vanished into thin air. We've got confirmation on the detection - doc monitored it for nearly a year. Then NARS hits and... nothing."
"Vanished? In this day and age? That's a neat trick."
"You're telling me? We've got NASIC, NSA, our diplomats - everyone's searching. And what do we have to show for it? Puff." Badger spread her fingers and expanded her hands outward, as if miming a small explosion.
"Have we reached out through official channels?"
"We're exploring those options, but you know how it is with China. They're not exactly forthcoming."
"Typical. Any luck with our contacts in the scientific community?"
"A few nibbles, but nothing solid. They all say humanity got a second chance thanks to him. But his colleagues seem just as confused as we are."
"Well, that's just peachy. We've got powered individuals popping up left and right, and our best lead on understanding why has gone AWOL."
"Without his discovery, we would not be having this conversation. But I’m with you, sir. Something doesn't add up."
"You think there's more to this than a simple disappearance?"
"Call it a gut feeling. The timing's too convenient."
“Yes, it is.” Bob’s chair creaked under his weight. “Switch gears—What’s the latest public opinion?”
"Public opinion? Well, sir, the prevailing theory is that the government caused NARS on purpose."
Dry chuckles took over the room for three entire seconds. "Of course it is. Why am I not surprised?"
"It's not just fringe groups this time. The idea's gaining traction in mainstream circles."
"If they only knew. Half our time is spent planning wingman days and retirement ceremonies. The highlight of my day? Lunch."
"With all due respect, sir, our work is important."
"Didn't say it wasn't, Badger. But let's be real - we're basically the DMV with guns."
"A heavily armed DMV that's dealing with a global crisis and superpowered individuals."
"True. But try explaining that to Joe Public, who thinks we're running some shadow government."
"Speaking of, the latest polls show a significant drop in trust for military leadership."
"Fantastic. As if we didn't have enough on our plate."
"It's not all bad. Some see us as the last line of defense against powered threats," Shannon said.
"Small comfort. Any bright ideas on how to turn this ship around?"
"Transparency might help. Within reason, of course."
"Transparency? In the Pentagon? Now that's a conspiracy theory," said Bob. “Is there anything else, general?”
"One more thing, sir. We've been getting reports that many arma users are receiving system messages."
"System messages? Like the ones from the clinical trials?"
"Not just the trials. Everyone. Powered individuals across the board are reporting them."
"Everyone? What kind of messages are we talking about?"
"Varied. Some report status updates, others mention 'new features,’ ‘missions,’ and ‘directives.’ We're still collating the data."
"Hm."
The conversation lulled, giving way to the gentle hum of electronics. Chaps toyed with his wedding band, spinning it slowly around his finger. His gaze seemed to look through the far wall, focused on something beyond.
"Alright, Badger. I need you to prepare TDY orders."
"Sir?"
"For me. I want to visit our friends in Big Pharma. Let's see what they have to say about these... system messages. Put it under 2052Pentravel LOA. Use the arma energy crisis as the justification."
"Right away, sir. Any specific destinations in mind?"
Bob studied the report for a short moment, then, "Start with the major players. Synergy, BioNova, GlobeMed Solutions. We'll expand the list if needed."
"Understood. I'll get the orders ready right away."
Badger stood, saluted crisply, and exited the office, closing the door behind her.
Lunch at the airport. I’m stoked…