At 0420 hours, General Stroebel stood at his office window, watching the dark sky over the Pentagon's courtyard. His jacket hung on the coat rack, and his sleeves were rolled up past his elbows. The geometric doodles on his notepad showed he'd been awake for hours.
A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Enter," he said, not turning from the window.
General Washington stepped in, carrying a red-bordered folder. Her service uniform was crisp despite the early hour, though a coffee stain marked her sleeve cuff. "Sir, I have the preliminary SITREP from NORTHCOM and the initial geological assessment."
Stroebel turned, gesturing to his conference table rather than his desk. "What's the latest from Kansas?"
"That's why I came personally, sir." Washington placed the folder on the table. "The satellite imagery came in twenty minutes ago. The chasm..." She paused, spreading out several thermal imaging photos. "It's still growing."
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
UNITED STATES NORTHERN COMMAND
Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado
IMMEDIATE
DATE: 19 Dec 2034
TIME: 0345Z
SITREP #: 2034-319-A
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET//NOFORN
PRIORITY: FLASH
SERIAL: PS-11192034-001
SITUATION REPORT: CONTINENTAL GEOLOGICAL EVENT
REF: a) INITIAL ALERT 192330Z DEC 34 b) USGS PRELIMINARY REPORT 190115Z DEC 34 c) NORAD TRACKING DATA 190145Z DEC 34
1. SITUATION OVERVIEW At approximately 1930 EST (18 Dec 2034), a catastrophic geological event initiated along the 100th Meridian (100° W). Initial manifestation presents as a rapidly expanding fissure with unprecedented characteristics inconsistent with known tectonic activity.
2. CURRENT STATUS a) PRIMARY IMPACT ZONE
* Fissure extends from North Dakota (48.9°N) to Texas (26.8°N)
* Width varies: 0.8-2.4 miles
* Depth: Unknown (measurement attempts inconclusive)
* Expansion rate: 4.7 feet/hour (average)
b) MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AFFECTED
* Ellsworth AFB: Severe structural damage
* Fort Riley: Western portion compromised
* Multiple National Guard facilities: Status pending
c) CIVILIAN IMPACT
* Estimated displaced population: 267,000+
* Major cities affected: Bismarck (ND), Pierre (SD), North Platte (NE)
* Infrastructure disruption: Interstate 70, 80, 90 severed
3. ANOMALOUS OBSERVATIONS a) Energy readings inconsistent with known geological phenomena b) Electromagnetic disruptions within 50-mile radius of fissure c) Unexplained equipment malfunctions d) Multiple reports of unusual atmospheric effects
4. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS TAKEN a) DEFCON level adjusted b) Strategic Commands notified c) Emergency response units deployed d) Evacuation protocols initiated in affected zones
5. PENDING INFORMATION a) Deep geological analysis b) Complete infrastructure assessment c) Full environmental impact report
Bob turned the page.
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE INFORMATION CENTER Golden, Colorado
PRELIMINARY GEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Report #: GEO-2034-1119-001A Time Stamp: 0330 EST 18 Dec 2034 Classification: TOP SECRET//NOFORN
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
SUBJECT: Anomalous Geological Event - 100th Meridian Rupture
1. GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS a) Formation Type: Unknown
* Does not conform to known fault line behavior
* No precursor seismic activity detected
* Energy signatures unprecedented in geological record
b) Physical Properties
* Vertical walls exhibit crystalline structures
* Surface temperature: 127°F (average)
* Magnetic anomalies detected
* Unknown energy emissions present
2. SEISMIC DATA a) Primary Event
* Magnitude: Unquantifiable on Richter scale
* Duration: Ongoing
* Depth: Measurement equipment malfunction
b) Secondary Effects
* Continuous microseismic activity
* Harmonic tremors at 18.3 Hz
* Ground deformation extending 127 miles east/west of fissure
3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS a) Atmospheric
* Localized pressure changes
* Unusual cloud formations
* Temperature inversions along fissure line
b) Hydrological
* Groundwater table disruption
* Aquifer systems compromised
* New thermal spring formations
4. PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS This event represents an unprecedented geological phenomenon that defies current scientific understanding. The combination of energy signatures, physical characteristics, and ongoing expansion suggests this is not a natural occurrence within known parameters of Earth sciences.
5. IMMEDIATE CONCERNS a) Expansion rate appears to be accelerating b) Unknown energy readings increasing in intensity c) Potential for cascading geological effects d) Risk of additional fissure formations
END REPORT
*
Bob pulled off his reading glasses, returned the classified documents to their red-bordered folder, placed the folder in his burn bag, and pinched the bridge of his nose. His geometric doodles had grown more angular, almost aggressive, as he'd read through the reports.
Shannon stood at parade rest near the window, watching the still-dark sky.
"General, SecDef wants to know if we're mobilizing the 5th Army Corps for evacuation support."
"What's the latest from the affected bases?"
"Minimal structural damage at most installations, sir. The seismic activity is... unusual. Our instruments are struggling to get clear readings, but everything points to steady, low-level tremors. Nothing over 3.2 on the scale. It's the consistency that's weird - they're not fading. It's concentrated along the meridian."
"And the coasts?"
"That's what's strange. Almost no impact outside the central corridor. Fort Riley's taking the worst of it."
Bob checked his watch. "Where are we on civilian infrastructure?"
"Emergency Management's primary concern is the ground transportation network. I-70 and I-80 are effectively cut. Rail lines too. But the power grid is holding."
"What about these energy readings?"
"Sir, I've been in contact with the research team at Lincoln Lab. They're seeing patterns that don't align with any known geological phenomena."
Bob nodded, marking something on his notepad. "Get them connected with USGS. I want their preliminary analysis before the Joint Chiefs briefing."
"Already initiated that, sir. Dr. Harrison's team has been monitoring similar anomalies. They should have comparative data within the hour."
"Good. Time on the Joint Chiefs?"
"0600 in the Tank. POTUS will be attending."
"Anything else critical before I call NORTHCOM?"
"Yes, sir. FEMA's requesting immediate military support for temporary bridges. They're looking at a seventy-mile gap in emergency services."
"Draft the order. I'll sign it now."
"Yes, sir. And sir? The Chairman was asking about our containment protocols."
"Tell him we're following EP-7744. Full transparency with affected state governments."