Chapter 182: Tsunami

California, perched on the Pacific coast of the western United States, has long been a symbol of opportunity and prosperity. Its transformation from a desolate wilderness during the pre-Gold Rush era to one of the world's most economically developed regions is a testament to human ambition. Today, it boasts an economy larger than that of the United Kingdom, with cities like San Diego and Los Angeles driving its global prominence.

San Diego, a bustling city along the Pacific coastline, is a jewel of the southwest. Known for its stunning beaches, Mediterranean climate, and military presence, it is home to the San Diego Naval Base, the headquarters of the formidable U.S. Third Fleet. While many Americans might assume the Seventh Fleet, stationed in the Far East, holds the title of the nation's mightiest naval force, the Third Fleet is its true powerhouse.

Comprising four nuclear-powered aircraft carrier battle groups, surface ship brigades, attack helicopter wings, littoral combat squadrons, and an expeditionary detachment, the Third Fleet is the backbone of the U.S. Navy's Pacific strategy. With four aircraft carriers alone, its strength accounts for nearly a third of the entire U.S. Navy—a force capable of reshaping global conflicts.

This idyllic setting, however, was disrupted on a seemingly ordinary day. The sun had been shining brightly over San Diego, its beaches alive with tourists basking in the warmth. But as the morning passed into afternoon, a strange and sudden downpour blanketed the city, turning the previously clear skies into a torrential downpour. Vacationers grumbled about the unpredictable weather, seeking shelter from the deluge.

None could have anticipated that the rain was merely the precursor to a calamity.

It began as a distant roar, deep and unyielding. Then came the sight of it—a wall of water rising thousands of feet into the sky, a monstrous tsunami that stretched as far as the eye could see. The sheer size of the wave dwarfed the city, making skyscrapers and naval vessels alike seem insignificant.

Panic swept through San Diego as the sirens blared at the naval base. Officers and enlisted personnel scrambled for safety, shouting commands into the chaos.

"Run! The tsunami is coming!" someone yelled.

"Get to higher ground!" another voice urged, though the futility of the command was evident.

The massive wave slammed into the coast with catastrophic force. It tore apart everything in its path—beaches, marinas, and buildings were obliterated in an instant. At the naval base, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was lifted like a toy boat, hurled thousands of feet into the air, and smashed into the nearby shipyard. The resulting explosion sent shockwaves through the already devastated area.

The destruction was total. The San Diego Naval Base, the second largest naval facility in the U.S., was all but wiped off the map. Nearly 100 warships were destroyed, including the pride of the fleet: four Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and four Los Angeles-class nuclear submarines. The Third Fleet, the cornerstone of American naval dominance in the Pacific, had been annihilated in a matter of hours.

And yet, amidst the ruin, there was one small solace. Thanks to the heavy rain preceding the tsunami, many beachgoers had already left the area, and evacuation efforts had been relatively successful. While the loss of life was tragic, it was far less than it could have been.

In Washington, the news of the disaster ignited panic and fury among the nation's leadership. The Pentagon was abuzz with activity, phones ringing off the hook as officials scrambled to assess the situation.

"Revenge! This must be his revenge!" bellowed a four-star general, his face red with rage. He pounded his fist on the table, glaring at his colleagues. "This is a direct challenge to our power. We cannot let it go unanswered! I recommend launching an all-out war—whatever it takes!"

But his words were met with silence. The destruction of the Fleet sent an unmistakable message: whoever was responsible had the power to destroy more. The thought of risking the rest of the U.S. Navy—let alone the nation's security—gave the room pause.

A junior officer entered the room hesitantly, carrying a tablet. "Sir, an unknown email just came through," he announced.

"What is it?" snapped the general.

The officer tapped on the screen, and a chilling image filled the display: a symbol of nuclear weapons overlaying a map. The room fell silent as everyone stared at the highlighted location—Virginia.

"Norfolk," someone whispered. "The Norfolk Naval Base."

The realization hit like a physical blow. Norfolk, home to three major fleets and five nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, was the heart of the U.S. Navy's Atlantic operations. If Norfolk were targeted next, the U.S. Navy would be crippled entirely.

"This is a warning," muttered a middle-aged man, his voice shaking. "They're telling us they can destroy Norfolk just as easily as San Diego."

The gravity of the situation settled over the room. One-third of the U.S. Navy was already gone, wiped out in a single afternoon. Another strike like this would end the era of American maritime supremacy altogether.

The scene on the San Diego coastline was one of apocalyptic devastation. As the waters began to recede, the full extent of the damage became clear. Ships that once symbolized American power were now shattered hulks scattered across the shore. The base, once bustling with activity, lay in ruins.

For the people of San Diego, it was a day they would never forget. For the United States, it was a stark reminder of how quickly power can be swept away by forces far greater than any government.

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