Chapter 30: Beginning of The End

Near the shore side of Los Angeles, a large number of tents were erected to serve as tactical operation centers for the crisis that had befall the city.

It was also true to say that in the current situation, this was the tightly guarded place all over the state as the officers seemed to be more vigilant in this area than any other part.

It's been more than thirteen hours since it all fell down.

It has been a pain in the ass for many in the American government, and given that time was against them, they did what most people in power would do to contain the situation.

After the F-16's swept everything on their first wave in L.A, California closed all its access routes and cut off all connections with the outside world.

At the same time, the government put it under lockdown and also a no flying zone as a state of emergency was declared so as to limit whatever was happening in the city to affect the neighboring cities and states and their residents.

Not even the news channels were left out in this ordeal which were known for their independence as they weren't bonded by any laws or the government. But in this situation, all news personnel were gathered in one of the tents and asked to sign some documents so as adhere to the directives that the government would issue and to completely follow them, or else the death penalty was absolute and the shutdown of the main branch.

Everything was in order as the security forces that were deployed in Los Angeles were enough to keep things under wrap and prevent any escalation.

As the darkness of night continued to swallow everything on its path, only military choppers were seen to be still roaming free trying to assure their residents that everything was under their control.

Inside one of the biggest tents, the eye can see. A number of distinguished military officials were discussing the situation on hand when the radio started receiving updates.

"We need back up, things are heating up on our end. We request immediate air support."

After the request came through to the TOC, a call had already been made to a carrier that was surrounded by several battleships and destroyers several miles offshore.

By just a glance, one could deduce that this was a whole fleet roaming the near deep-sea off the lengthy beach of California. And with the Coast Guard and Royal Navy on the scene, the situation alone showed its prowess as if daring the war that was ongoing in the city could have started in the sea, and by a few hours at most, it would have already been all over.

"Admiral, scramble the jets and start the second wave of attack. And make sure it's a hit." A voice commanded as it made clear of their objectives to the Admiral of the aircraft carrier.

"Intel says that those buildings are still occupied. The number of casualties will increase exponentially in every way possible. How am I going to disregard that?" The Admiral asked as he couldn't believe what he has just heard.

"Are you questioning my orders Admiral?" Asked the voice but this time it sounded a little pissed as it carried its wrath across the line.

"No, General. It's just that..." The Admiral didn't even get to finish what he was saying when the voice cut him off mid-sentence.

"Then do accomplish what was asked of you, Admiral. And remember that we are watching." The voice commanded again and the line was dead before the Admiral could process the command properly.

The Admiral who was equal in rank to a four-star general, had nothing other than to comply and send out a squadron as he knew the one behind the voice.

...

Around the globe, the atmosphere and the streets, only one thing covered everything in its path; despair.

Outside of Los Angeles, people were still seen to be about with their businesses. Though the number drastically decreased as they feared that whatever was happening in their neighboring city would cross over and cripple everything.

But the thing that they didn't process through was that they were already screwed from the start.

But the number of people outside brought a certain warmth to the hearts of the ones still around to continue with their work.

Near the blockades on the northern side of the city, a large number of soldiers were seen moving about on the streets while ordering people to stay indoors and to immediately report any suspicious events.

News channels personnel were seen to be reporting live coverage about the ongoing situation in the city but they had no way to know for sure of the development as they were kicked out of the city.

"More than thirteen hours have passed since the first reports of an invasion were reported...

Many things have happened in that short span of time as the death toll has risen to the hundreds and more bodies are yet to be recovered...

And the destruction alone will make you cry...

From small and large explosions to the falling of several armored choppers which were mounted with different kinds of explosives and weaponry...

And also to the damage of property that has never been registered since the war of a hundred years if am not wrong...

And several renowned world leaders have condemned the act but we are yet to hear from President May about the ongoing situation in L.A...

We will be here to inform you on the happenings as they occur and also we will bring you the live coverage from the White House when the president is expected to address the nation tomorrow morning..."

The news channels were buzzing with information as they displayed their prowess to the world. But the thing that they missed on since they were kicked out, was the fact that they didn't have the recent footage of what was happening inside the city. And even if they had the necessary things, they won't post them as they had to get authority from the government.

At this time, they were reporting breaking news but had no actual footage to support their claim. They were pissed but they couldn't even retort back in any way possible.

In every place around the world, even in the most remote of areas had to have a source of information so as to keep them on track with the outside world and to prevent them from being caught off guard.

But with the drastic measures, the government put in place to curb the situation, angered almost every living being as this was already a world event and everyone needed to prepare for the worst. And in order to prepare, they needed to see how LA would fair.

Inside the city, all the businesses have been shut down a long time ago. And given that nighttime had already covered everything a few minutes ago, everyone abandoned their transport vehicles and opted in the nearest building for cover until daybreak.

It was a heartbreaking situation. Even with the presence of the United States Military Forces, the people's assurance of safety was still in their own hands.

The city was already dead. It was riddled with dazzling lights everywhere but nothing seemed to move in any of the buildings.

The most populous city in the US with over 10,000,000 people living in it, but at this moment not a soul roamed freely on the streets covered with automobiles.

The only sounds that could be heard were of the military choppers flying around and the occasional sounds of fighter jets as they unleashed missiles on their target areas. And with these events, Los Angeles entered the history book and was marked as being the first city to fall.

...

Marcus Tullius Cicero once said, "There is nothing more shocking than to see assertion and approval dashing ahead of cognition and perception."

In the parking lot of Bellaqua Hotel, two silhouettes were seen to be on the run as destruction followed behind them closely. The woman on the front held the hand of the man who looked quite spent and would tumble down if she released the grip on his hand.

On the sidelines, only destruction covered every inch the eye could see. Around the immediate area, mixed smells lingered in the air and the most mouth drooling one was the smell of roasted chicken.

If not for the fact that it came out from one of the silhouettes, they would have stopped for a snack as they haven't eaten anything since dawn.

But in their current situation, only one thing screamed in their heads; run!