Chapter 320: Only Self Interest

March 24th, 2029

The morning sun cast long shadows over the barren landscape of the Nevada desert, a place known for its isolation and history of nuclear tests. Today, it was the stage for another groundbreaking experiment. Michael Reyes and his team had set up a temporary base near the testing site, where they were preparing to test the Weather Manipulation Satellite for the first time.

Michael stood outside the command tent, taking in the vast emptiness of the desert. The air was still, and the only sound was the hum of the generators powering their equipment.

"Good morning, Mr. Reyes," Dr. Elena Martinez greeted him as she walked over, holding a clipboard. "Everything is ready. We're just waiting for your go-ahead to start the test."

Michael sipped his coffee, savoring the warmth as he looked out over the desert. "Let's do this," he said, nodding to Dr. Martinez.

They entered the command tent, where a team of engineers and technicians were already at their stations, monitoring the satellite's systems. Large monitors displayed real-time data from the satellite, which was now in orbit above them.

"All systems are green," reported one of the lead engineers. "We're ready to proceed with the test."

"Great," Michael said, taking his place at the front of the room. "Let's begin with the first phase: cloud seeding."

Dr. Martinez gave the order, and the team initiated the sequence. The satellite's particle dispersal system activated, releasing silver iodide particles into the atmosphere over the designated test area. On the monitors, they could see the particles spreading and beginning to interact with the atmospheric conditions.

"Cloud formation is beginning," one of the technicians reported, excitement in their voice.

Michael watched intently as the satellite continued its operation. Gradually, small clouds started to appear, growing denser and more numerous. The satellite's sensors provided real-time feedback, showing the changes in humidity and temperature.

"Cloud formation complete," Dr. Martinez announced. "Proceeding to the next phase: inducing precipitation."

The team activated the high-energy laser arrays. The lasers targeted specific areas within the cloud cover, manipulating the atmospheric pressure and temperature. On the ground, they observed the changes keenly.

"Rainfall detected," another technician reported. "It's working!"

Outside the tent, the first drops of rain began to fall on the desert floor. The team stepped out to witness the results of their experiment. The rain, though light at first, began to intensify, soaking the arid landscape.

"This is incredible," he said, turning to Dr. Martinez. "We've actually done it."

She nodded, her face glowing with pride. "Yes, but we must remain cautious and monitor the effects closely. This is just the beginning."

As the rain continued to fall, the team gathered more data, analyzing the satellite's performance and the environmental impact. They watched the rainfall patterns, ensuring that everything remained within safe and expected parameters.

"All systems are stable," the lead engineer confirmed. "The satellite is functioning perfectly."

Then, Michael's expression shifted from that of friendly to serious.

"Let's try what it can really do," Michael said. "Put all settings to maximum."

"Mr. Reyes?" Dr. Martinez chuckled nervously. "You mean...?"

"Yes," Michael confirmed, his tone firm. "I want to see a portion of the region frozen. Completely."

Dr. Martinez hesitated, glancing at the team for support. "Are you sure? This is a significant escalation."

"I'm sure," Michael said, his eyes steely. "We need to understand the full capabilities of this satellite."

"You don't have to say it, Mr. President," Michael chuckled. Of course he is aware that sometimes the United States used people to further their self-interest. It is just that their interests align and so they have to work together. After all, there is no such thing as friends or foes, only interest.

***

March 25th, 2029

The next day, the team was back at the testing site, eager to push the Weather Manipulation Satellite further. The Nevada desert's morning sun glistened over the frozen landscape created the day before.

"Good morning, everyone," Michael greeted his team, the excitement evident in his voice. "Today, we will test a range of extreme weather conditions. Let's see what this satellite can truly do."

Dr. Martinez nodded in agreement. "We'll start with a hurricane simulation. Everyone, take your positions."

The team quickly settled into their roles, adjusting the satellite's settings. The monitors displayed the targeted area, and the satellite positioned itself in orbit above it.

"All systems are green," reported the lead engineer. "Ready to initiate hurricane simulation."

"Do it," Michael ordered.

The satellite's high-energy laser arrays and particle dispersal systems activated once again. This time, they created the conditions necessary to simulate a hurricane. Wind speeds began to increase rapidly, whipping up dust and debris. The monitors showed atmospheric pressure changes, replicating the early stages of a hurricane.

"Wind speeds are reaching hurricane levels," a technician announced, eyes glued to the data.

Outside, the team felt the growing power of the wind. The air roared with intensity as the simulated hurricane gained strength. The ground trembled, and the environment became a chaotic swirl of sand and force.

"Maximum wind speeds achieved," Dr. Martinez confirmed. "The satellite is maintaining control."

"Amazing. Let's move on to the cold front simulation."

The team readjusted the satellite's parameters for the next test. The targeted area shifted, and the satellite prepared to create a cold front.

"Initiating cold front simulation," the lead engineer announced.

The temperature readings on the monitors began to drop once more. The icy blue beam descended from the satellite, generating a cold front. Frost and ice spread across the ground, and the air grew frigid again.

"Temperature drop confirmed," Dr. Martinez said. "The cold front is forming as expected."

The transformation was swift. The desert's heat was replaced by a biting cold, creating a new frozen landscape adjacent to yesterday's ice age simulation.

"Cold front simulation successful," a technician announced. "Proceeding with the intense heat simulation?"

"Yes, let's see how the satellite handles extreme heat," Michael instructed.

The satellite's settings were adjusted once more. The high-energy lasers targeted the new area, and the monitors showed a rapid increase in temperature.

"Temperature rising," a technician reported. "Heat wave simulation in progress."

The air became heavy with heat, and the ground shimmered. The intense heat wave created an environment reminiscent of the hottest days in the desert.

"Maximum temperature achieved," Dr. Martinez confirmed. "The satellite is handling the heat simulation perfectly."

Michael watched the data streams, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "We've proven the satellite can handle extreme weather conditions. Let's document everything and prepare a comprehensive report."