Chapter 101 Shanghai Olympics
"In ancient times, transportation was slow, and a lifetime was only enough to love one person~" Xu Yanbo walked to Lu Mingfei with a letter, humming a song.
Lu Mingfei leaned against a high wall of the base, his eyes wandering back and forth at the busy construction site in the distance. He was not interrupted by Xu Yanbo's tune, but he still turned his head when he heard footsteps.
"Your family has written to you again." Lu Mingfei glanced at the letter, then looked at Xu Yanbo who was in a good mood and said.
"Yes," Xu Yanbo smiled until his eyes narrowed into slits, waved the envelope in his hand and said, "There has been a solar storm recently, and the phone calls are often disconnected as soon as they are connected, so I wrote letters. Our country's postal service is really good. It only takes two or three days for a letter to arrive in Libreville from Shanghai."
Lu Mingfei nodded slightly, his eyes drifting towards the huge planetary engine in the distance again. These days, solar storms have been sweeping the world one after another, bringing countless disasters and chaos, and the Gabon base has not been spared.
After the planetary engine was successfully ignited, a G6-level solar storm broke out within a few days, damaging the power grid, destroying transformers, causing large-scale power system outages, electronic equipment, satellite systems, and communication systems failing, the Earth's magnetic field being disturbed, surface currents surging, and unmanned equipment being damaged. At the same time, burnt wires posed a threat to human life, radiation caused erythema to appear on exposed skin, and auroras were visible in mid- and low-latitude areas.
Lu Mingfei and his team were able to see the aurora borealis a few nights ago. The base's power system took a long time to repair and the network was completely shut down.
WeChat, QQ and other chat apps are no longer usable, and normal communication relies on phone calls. However, due to interference from solar storms, phone and TV signals are often interrupted, so telegraph, postal service and fax have reappeared in everyone's lives.
"Hey, luckily the planetary engine was tested before the solar storm, otherwise the mountain-moving plan would have failed. By the way, Brother Lu, when will the dam and the underground city be built?"
Xu Yanbo looked at the Libreville Dam and the Libreville Underground City under construction not far away and said that their current task was to protect the safety of the dam and the underground city construction.
As the planetary engine starts to start, the earth begins to slowly stop rotating. Since the earth's stopping rotation may cause a great flood, the dam must be built before the great flood comes.
"It should be soon. In order to speed up the progress, we have started to use robots and artificial intelligence. The moon-chasing engine on the moon was built by robots. It is faster than our planetary engines." Lu Mingfei said as he looked at the unmanned equipment in the distance that was constantly running according to the set program.
"I think Mr. Li and the others don't seem to welcome those robots very much," Xu Yanbo continued.
"Would you welcome a colleague who works better than you, doesn't complain about being tired, and doesn't ask for salary?" Lu Mingfei asked back, staring at Xu Yanbo's face.
In the sunshine, the robotic arms of the unmanned equipment in the distance are operating deftly. Every step they take is precise and error-free, like a perfect construction team. They don’t complain, get tired, or make mistakes. They just silently perform their tasks according to the set procedures.
"That's right..." Xu Yanbo scratched his head awkwardly. He couldn't help but imagine the expressions of Lao Li's workers as they watched them being gradually replaced. He felt some indescribable complex emotions in his heart.
"Okay, it's time to change shifts. Let's go eat." Lu Mingfei waved his hand and greeted the rangers who came to take over, signaling them to take over, and then walked towards the cafeteria with Xu Yanbo.
"Brother Lu, you're not going to eat fish today, are you?" Xu Yanbo said with a bitter face as he followed Lu Mingfei. The experience of having a fish bone stuck in his throat when he was a child left him with a psychological trauma about eating fish.
“It’s good to have something to eat. I asked Lao Liu from the technical department before, and he said that fish can only be eaten during this period. When the earth really starts to stop rotating, fish will soon become extinct.” Lu Mingfei said as he walked.
Because of global warming, many fish are unable to adapt to the environment and are either extinct or moving to the deep sea. The number of fish that can be caught globally has been greatly reduced, and the price of fish has risen sharply.
But now, because the earth's rotation has slowed down and ocean currents have changed, some fish have actually begun to gather on a large scale, which has brought down the price of fish again. However, this situation will not last long. As ocean currents continue to change, large-scale extinction of fish is inevitable.
Lu Mingfei and Xu Yanbo walked into the cafeteria one after another. The air was filled with a faint fishy smell mixed with the spicy aroma of some seasoning.
Although it was lunch time, there were not many people in the cafeteria. There were only a few soldiers and staff scattered around, who ate hurriedly and left. Obviously, everyone's mind was not on enjoying lunch, but on the continued high-intensity work and the tasks that might come at any time.
Xu Yanbo got his meal, walked to a table with the plate and sat down. He frowned as he looked at the fish on the plate that looked plump but actually didn't taste very good. He reached out and picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. The fish meat had a slightly fishy smell, and with the salty and fragrant sauce, it tasted actually okay.
"Brother Lu, do you think we should thank this solar storm for allowing us to eat so many fish?" Xu Yanbo smiled somewhat self-deprecatingly, speaking vaguely with a mouthful of fish in his mouth.
In a corner of the cafeteria, a TV was still playing the news. The screen kept scrolling with the latest reports on the impact of solar storms from all over the world:
In some areas, the restoration of electricity has been slow, and some people have even begun to use primitive lighting tools such as candles and kerosene lamps. In other places, due to the complete interruption of communications, residents have turned to almost obsolete means of communication such as postal services and telegraphs. The whole world seems to have suddenly regressed at the most glorious moment of science and technology and returned to the state of half a century ago.
Lu Mingfei glanced at him, lowered his head and chewed his food silently, without responding immediately.
"By the way, Shanghai will host the Olympic Games soon. I have already applied to my superiors to be in charge of security there. You can also visit your family then. However, this mission is very important and nothing can go wrong." Lu Mingfei suddenly remembered something and said with a reminder in his tone.
The 2044 Shanghai Olympics will be the most special Olympic Games in world history. The event, originally scheduled to be held in the summer, was forced to be postponed due to the space elevator attack. However, after the successful verification of the Mountain Moving Plan, the United Nations government decided to continue to hold the event and take this opportunity to convey confidence to the world.
People call it "humanity's last Olympics in the solar system" and it carries the last pride and hope of human civilization.
"Really? Brother Lu! I love you!" Hearing Lu Mingfei's words, Xu Yanbo was so excited that he wanted to rush over and give Lu Mingfei a big hug.
"Don't disgust me." Lu Mingfei immediately elbowed him away and said with disdain, "You have to work honestly when the time comes. This security mission is very important and there must be no mistakes."
"Don't worry, Brother Lu! I will never embarrass you!" Xu Yanbo was so excited that he almost jumped up. His family is in Shanghai, and this Olympics is undoubtedly a rare opportunity for him to go home. Although he knows that the task is arduous, he is already looking forward to seeing his family.
…………
Two months later, the 2044 Shanghai Olympics arrived as scheduled.
Shanghai, a city that has experienced countless storms, is now the focus of the world. The main venue of the Olympic Games, the Galaxy Stadium, is located in the center of the city. The towering building seems to penetrate the sky, symbolizing the unyielding spirit of mankind.
Different from traditional Olympic Games, the venue design this time is full of futuristic sense. Huge holographic screens surround the entire venue, and virtual technology is integrated with reality to bring unparalleled visual shock to every audience.
After several months of repairs, most TV signals have been restored. In order to allow the live broadcast to be seen by the whole world, the United Nations government also used emergency communication solutions, using Starlink and drones to provide emergency network coverage for some places that have not yet been restored.
The Starlink network is composed of America's Starlink project and China's Qianfan constellation.
Lu Mingfei and his Ranger Squad are currently in charge of security outside the venue. As an important part of the security force, they are tasked with protecting the safety of tens of thousands of spectators, athletes and global dignitaries on site.
The impact of the solar storm has not yet completely subsided. The instability of the global communication network, the lurking terrorist organizations, and especially the undercurrent of the Digital Life School have made this security mission extremely difficult.
On the eve of the opening ceremony
"Brother Lu, today's security mission is more tense than ever before." Xu Yanbo stood beside Lu Mingfei, tightening his bulletproof equipment, his eyes revealing a hint of excitement mixed with anxiety.
They are wearing the latest generation of intelligent security systems. Every soldier has a real-time holographic map displayed in his helmet, which is connected to the command center. Any disturbance cannot escape the monitoring of the system.
"This is the focus of the whole world. We must ensure that nothing goes wrong." Lu Mingfei looked around calmly. His tone was calm, but his eyes revealed a strong sense of vigilance.
Behind them is a security team equipped with advanced drones, door frame robots and intelligent detection equipment.
These devices monitor every corner inside and outside the venue in real time to ensure that no potential threats approach. In the sky, several high-speed patrol drones are constantly hovering, providing 360-degree aerial protection for the entire venue.
"I heard that many heads of state will attend this time in person, including senior officials of the coalition government. This is the world's top security mission. The consequences will be disastrous if we are not careful." Xu Yanbo muttered in a low voice. While adjusting the electromagnetic rifle in his hand, he observed the situation around him through the screen in the helmet.
Lu Mingfei did not respond, but his mind seemed exceptionally calm in this tense atmosphere. He knew that at the moment, it was not only about protecting this grand event, but also about protecting the last hope of mankind. After the planetary engine was successfully started, the rotation of the earth was gradually slowing down, and the ensuing catastrophe was still brewing.
Although the Olympics is a grand celebration, behind the scenes, opposition forces such as the Digital Life School and the Norns are waiting for an opportunity to make their move.
"All teams, report the situation." Lu Mingfei gave orders into the communicator in his headset. He needed to make sure that there were no problems in every link.
"No abnormality at Post 1."
"Nothing unusual happened at post No. 2." "Everything is normal at post No. 3."
Reports from each team came in one by one. Although everything seemed calm on the surface, Lu Mingfei was still nervous. Since the operation at the Gabon base, he had become accustomed to waiting for the storm to come in the calm.
At this moment, although the venue in front of him was quiet and there was only the breeze and the low conversations of the crowd in his ears, he could still feel some potential crisis.
As night fell and the opening ceremony began, the lights of the Galaxy Stadium gradually lit up, and the entire venue was like a huge and dazzling star, lighting up the night sky of Shanghai.
A holographic projection unfolded in the air, and a huge virtual torch slowly rose, illuminating the entire city. The lights of the Galaxy Stadium seemed to be pouring down from the Milky Way, dazzling and eye-catching. The holographic projection and advanced laser light beams were intertwined to form a surreal picture.
The virtual torch burned brightly, lighting up the entire sky. Every detail of the flame seemed real. Thousands of spectators were enthusiastic, waving national flags and glow sticks, and shouting in unison to celebrate this historic moment.
Athletes from all over the world, dressed in their respective country's uniforms, entered the venue one by one, and the cheers at the scene were deafening.
At this moment, all televisions, mobile phones and computers on the earth that are still capable of using communication devices are broadcasting this global event live.
Since the coalition government announced the solar crisis, there has not been such a large-scale sporting event for entertainment and excitement for a long time, and people have devoted more time to dealing with the solar crisis.
However, there is one competition that is very popular, which is the MMA mixed martial arts competition. In order to enable ordinary people to better cope with the chaotic environment, MMA mixed martial arts has been included in the compulsory courses for primary and secondary school students.
Lu Mingfei stood on a high platform and watched the spectacular opening ceremony. Although he appeared calm on the surface, he felt a certain shock in his heart from the ceremony.
Just a few months ago, the future of mankind was full of uncertainty. The successful ignition of the planetary engine seemed to give all mankind the last hope, and tonight's opening ceremony symbolized mankind's collective vow to fight against fate.
However, he did not forget his mission. He looked down at the entire venue from the high platform. His eyes quickly swept over the crowd. The display screen of the security system kept popping up heat maps of the crowd, showing the identity information, location and real-time dynamics of each audience member. Reports from various teams kept coming to his ears, confirming every detail.
Xu Yanbo stood behind Lu Mingfei, looking at the center of the Galaxy Stadium in the distance and said, "I really hope that this Olympics can end smoothly and let everyone see hope."
"Hope?" Lu Mingfei narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze solemn, "This is just the beginning, the real test is still to come."
As he was speaking, a hurried voice suddenly came from the headset, "Captain Lu, we found a suspicious object near Channel 2, requesting support!"
Lu Mingfei's eyes instantly became fierce. Without saying anything more, he quickly conveyed the order to the command center, "Everyone remain alert, Squad Two immediately block Channel 2."
Without hesitation, he immediately took Xu Yanbo and several team members to the scene of the incident. Channel No. 2 is located on the side wing of the venue, where people come in and out frequently. If any emergency occurs there, the consequences will be disastrous.
When they arrived at the scene, several patrol soldiers had already set up a cordon around the suspicious object. Lu Mingfei walked quickly to the front and saw an inconspicuous small bag on the ground. It looked shabby, but there were obvious traces of electronic components on the surface of the bag.
"Can you confirm what it is?" Lu Mingfei asked with a frown.
"We can't confirm it for now, but it's most likely some kind of improvised explosive device, or a disguised electronic jamming device." A soldier in charge of detection quickly replied, the detector in his hand constantly scanning the external structure of the bag.
"Clean it up and don't let anyone get close." Lu Mingfei gave the order decisively and signaled Xu Yanbo to let others evacuate the nearby spectators.
A moment later, professional bomb disposal personnel arrived and carefully approached the bag to analyze and dismantle it. Lu Mingfei stood aside, calmly observing the whole process, with the electromagnetic rifle in his hand always on alert.
"There is no detonating device here." An expert breathed a sigh of relief and looked up to report to Lu Mingfei.
Lu Mingfei still didn't relax, frowning: "Why did this thing appear here?"
"This is just a cover." The expert looked at the equipment. "It should be to create panic, but the real goal is probably not here."
Lu Mingfei's heart sank, and he quickly issued instructions to the other teams: "All teams, pay attention, check every channel, and don't miss anything."
Lu Mingfei quickly mobilized all teams to conduct a comprehensive investigation. He scanned the security system on site, and the heat map on the screen flashed dense red dots, representing the real-time dynamics of each audience member. Although the venue was cheering constantly, and singing and laughter filled the entire night sky, he knew that the enemy's threat was lurking in the dark and could erupt at any time.
"Captain Lu, a suspicious person was spotted at entrance No. 1 with unusual behavior. Please request instructions!" A hurried report came from the headset, interrupting Lu Mingfei's thoughts.
"Seal off the entrance immediately and control the scene." Lu Mingfei ordered in a deep voice, and quickly called up the surveillance footage of Entrance 1 through the screen in the helmet. In the footage, a man in ordinary sportswear walked at the entrance with a blank expression, but his steps were obviously a little unnatural, as if he was trying hard to hide something.
"Everyone, remain on high alert." Lu Mingfei quickly judged that there was something wrong with this person.
He led the team to the entrance No. 1 quickly, followed by Xu Yanbo and other team members. They shuttled among the crowd, hearing the cheers and shouts of the audience, and fireworks blooming in the night sky in the distance, but their hearts were tense as their pace quickened.
When they arrived at Entrance 1, Lu Mingfei immediately spotted the suspicious man. The man was standing at the back of the queue, seemingly waiting for something, with his hands in his pockets and his shoulders shaking slightly, as if he was nervously making a decision.
"Control him." Lu Mingfei whispered orders to the team in the headset. They quickly approached the man, and several ranger team members surrounded him without making a sound.
The man obviously noticed something strange, his eyes began to wander around, and he slowly pulled his hand out of his pocket, his fingertips seemed to be holding something.
"Stop!" Lu Mingfei shouted quickly, and raised the electromagnetic rifle instantly, pointing it at the man's chest.
The man was stunned for a moment, but then a strange smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He suddenly spread out his palm and a small device fell to the ground.
"There's a bomb!" Xu Yanbo exclaimed. Almost subconsciously, Lu Mingfei quickly leaned over, and the current of the electromagnetic rifle was instantly activated. A blue beam of light accurately hit the device.
Then, he pounced on the man and pinned him to the ground, controlling his movements. The other team members immediately followed and subdued the man.
"The bomb did not explode. The device was destroyed by the electromagnetic pulse!" a detector reported nervously, with cold sweat on his forehead.
"Very good, clean up the scene and check for other threats." Lu Mingfei gave orders calmly with a stern look. He knew that this was just the beginning and the real crisis might still be to come.
The man was quickly taken away, and the bomb disposal team and technicians immediately checked the device and confirmed that there was no further danger. However, Lu Mingfei's tension did not completely subside.
Lu Mingfei took a deep breath and looked at the fireworks blooming in the sky. The dazzling light illuminated the night sky and this ancient yet modern city. At this moment, the whole world was cheering for this grand event.
Humanity's hope is still so slim at this time, so such a grand event is urgently needed to stabilize the people's hearts, and he must not let any mistakes occur in this event.
"This attack is just a test. The Digital Life people will continue. They won't give up easily. Everyone should be on high alert." Lu Mingfei whispered into the headset, relaying the message to all security personnel. Then he walked back to his post with steady steps, continuing to guard this night that was about to reach its climax.
However, in a hidden corner not far behind him, a camera was slowly turning, as if it had its own consciousness.
It was not pointed at the crowd like other cameras, but quietly adjusted its angle, locking the lens firmly on Lu Mingfei's back. The red light in front of the lens flickered, like a vigilant eye, calmly and scrutinizingly capturing every move of Lu Mingfei.
No one noticed this tiny abnormality. The existence of the camera was just one of countless monitoring devices for the security system on the scene, but at this moment, its behavior seemed so strange.
That camera is like a lurking predator, waiting for the right moment to pounce.
(End of this chapter)
