"No, my friend, this possibility is very small."
The Minister of Finance immediately retorted.
"We monitor their every economic data point. Although the growth rate has slowed, it is definitely not at the point where they need to sell Gold to survive."
"This is illogical."
Silence fell inside the conference room.
Even after racking their brains, they couldn't understand the true intention behind US' Combination Punch.
In the end, it was the Russian President who made the summary.
"It seems they are secretly making some small moves behind our backs that we can't understand."
His gaze sharpened.
"Issue the order: have the FSB point all Satellites and all listening devices toward the US."
"I want to know the destination of every shipment of coal they transport recently, I want to know the flow of every ton of gold they sell, I want to know everything that is happening with them."
"Before figuring out their true purpose, we must observe carefully and cautiously."... The first rays of dawn had just pierced through the thin fog of war.
.......
Steve was already up around six in the morning.
After having a simple breakfast in the courtyard, he had Fred Jones drive him back to the Fortress.
The morning breeze was slightly cool, but the car interior was warm as spring.
"Director."
Fred Jones reported while steadily driving the vehicle.
"Last night, following your instructions, the Special Operations Team was dispatched to Washington. Based on the estimated time, they should have arrived and begun executing the mission."
"Mm."
Steve nodded, his gaze fixed on the streetscape rapidly receding outside the window, while he calculated the day's plan in his heart.
"The modified Armed Helicopters at the Base, specialized for Overworld Biology, should be complete by now, right?"
"Today, we will use Thermobaric Bombs to give that Zombie City a thorough clean sweep. The system's first phase mission should also be completed."...
Meanwhile, in Washington, miles away.
It was morning self-study time at Washington First High School, and the sound of reading filled the campus.
A stern-looking man wearing a crisp black suit and sunglasses walked with steady steps into the school gate.
The Security Guard at the entrance saw his extraordinary attire and knew the visitor was not to be trifled with. He was about to step forward to inquire as per routine.
Before he could speak, the man in black had already handed over an official letter stamped with a bright red seal from his chest pocket.
The Security Guard merely glanced at the letterhead and the seal, and his expression instantly changed. He immediately straightened his back, saluted, and silently moved aside.
The man in black walked straight across the playground without looking sideways, following the information he had received beforehand, until he reached the office of the Homeroom Teacher for Class 1, Grade 3.
After a brief exchange, the Homeroom Teacher, who wore glasses and looked refined, shook his head with a troubled expression.
"I apologize, sir. Transferring schools is a serious matter, especially at this critical juncture. I cannot make the decision. How about this: I will take you to see the principal."
Soon, the two arrived at the Principal's office.
After hearing the man in black's intention, the white-haired principal refused without hesitation.
"No, absolutely not."
He waved his hand vigorously, his tone firm.
"Stefanie is the most promising candidate in our school to aim for the top score in this year's College Entrance Exam. How can you just take her away with a single word? This is against the rules."
The principal had his own considerations.
A state number one student meant supreme honor for Maryland, a school that was not a top-tier prestigious institution. It meant better quality students and more Educational Funding in the coming years.
He absolutely did not want to let go of this golden goose.
Seeing the principal's resolute appearance, the man in black's expression did not change in the slightest.
He slowly took out a purely black business card, devoid of any superfluous design, from his inner suit pocket and gently placed it on the principal's desk.
"I apologize, mr. principal. But we've got orders from the top."
His voice was devoid of emotion.
"I think you might have misunderstood my intention."
"I am here today not to discuss, but to inform."
The principal was stunned upon hearing this, and a surge of anger immediately rose in his heart.
But when his gaze fell upon the black business card, all his anger was instantly extinguished.
There was no name or phone number on the card, only a line of large, Gold-stamped characters filled with supreme authority.
USA CIA Bureau
The principal's pupils suddenly constricted at that moment.
The color drained completely from his face, and cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead.
"Yes, yes."
His voice was trembling. He quickly stood up, his attitude making a complete 180-degree turn.
"Sir, I will handle this immediately. I will process Stefanie's transfer procedures right away, guaranteeing the fastest speed."
The man in black nodded, retrieved the business card, and turned to leave...
Maryland, the Stevenson Family residence.
Nicole, Stephen, and Stefanie had already packed some important luggage.
Escorted by several security personnel who were also dressed in black suits and sunglasses and possessed extraordinary presence, they went.
At this moment, the surrounding area of the massive airport runway had been completely cleared. Only a sleek Business Limo was quietly parked there.
"A pri... Private Limousine."
Stephen looked up at the luxurious plane, which he had only ever seen on television, and couldn't help but exclaim in shock.
"What exactly has that boy been up to outside?"
...
Fortress, Command Center.
When Steve returned here again, various data points were still scrolling rapidly across the massive curved screen.
He immediately spotted General Randy, who was standing in front of the Main Console, his eyes bloodshot but his spirit still vigorous.
"Randy, you're still here?"
Steve walked up to him and greeted him with a smile.
"Steve, you're here."
General Randy turned his head, a hint of fatigue on his face, but more prominently, excitement.
"Yes, I went back and closed my eyes for a short while last night, but I was too excited to sleep. So I just came here to watch; it puts my mind at ease."
"Oh, right, Randy."
Steve directed his gaze toward one of the screens displaying the dynamics of the Armory.
"How are the modifications for Overworld Bio coming along on the Air Force side? Can we start the great cleansing of the World Zeta?"
"It's all ready."
General Randy nodded emphatically, pointing to the rows of Armed Helicopters on the screen.
"The first batch, a total of thirty-six units, have all completed their weapon mounting and the Soul Linking with their pilots."
"They are currently being transported through the Teleportation Channel to the Outpost Base on the other side."