May 7th, 2019 14:00

  Korea.

  The Korean economy was like a roaring fire that reached for the heavens. In the first quarter, the economic growth rate was 20% greater than the previous year, and unemployment was at an unbelievable rate of 0%. Upon graduation, many high school and college graduates were immediately employed by the government to meet the needs of the rapidly growing nation. Also, due to the incredible benefits packages offered to soldiers, many enlisted in the military. The increasing enlistment of soldiers and officers caused a shortage of young people in the job market.

  In a strange turn of events, corporations began filling this vacuum by rehiring older workers and housewives who had left the workplace after marriage. The entire population of Korea suddenly had employment opportunities in private industry or the government.

  As the workforce expanded dramatically, the Korean government increased daycare facilities and pre-schools to ease the burdens of married female workers. The government also set aside Wednesdays as a family day of the week, allowing workers to leave work early in the afternoon to spend leisure time with their families.

  Korea was able to escape from the dishonor of having the highest suicide rate in the world, a complete 180-degree change from a few years before. It was now the nation with the highest happiness rating. Also, more corporations were developing an international presence, and many fine young people from around the world came to Korea, drawn by the 0% unemployment rate.

  Press agencies around the world referred to Korea’s rapid development as “the Second Miracle of the Han River.”


  * * *

  May 8th, 2019 14:00

  North Korea Pyeong Yang Presidential Palace.

  “We cannot allow such a thing. How could you suggest developing our natural resources, which are like the flesh and blood of our chairman Kim Jong-un, by working with that South Korean puppet government?”


  Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul punctuated his words by repeatedly slamming his fist into the table, his anger evident with every blow.

  “Calm yourself. Is that how you act in front of our First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong?”


  Secretary Oh Chun-hwan, who always disagreed with Lee Byung-chul, leaned forward as if to scold Lee Byung-chul.

  “What? How dare you speak to me that way?” demanded Lee Byung-chul.

  Oh Chun-hwan shrank away from the other man’s shouting, coughed a few times, and looked toward First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong as if to ask for help.

  “First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong, our democratic republic’s economy is in shambles. Shouldn’t we try to be on friendly terms with the South Koreans, especially at a time like this?”


  Kim Yo-jong, who had been too immersed in thought to notice Lee Byung-chul’s rudeness, suddenly turned to Prime Minister Park Bong-ju rather than answering Secretary Oh’s question.

  “What do you think, Prime Minister Park?”


  “I also agree with Secretary Oh,” Prime Minister Park Bong-joo answered. “Our democratic republic doesn’t yet have a solution for our economic crisis. Every day, more people on the border are defecting to the south to escape poverty. We must begin working with South Korea to fully exploit our resources and boost our economy.”


  “Aren’t we already working with China to develop our natural resources?”


  Lee Byung-chul butted in again. “You’re right. However, if you take a closer look at the joint business with China, there are no benefits for our nation at all. As I have said, it will only fill China’s pockets.”


  Starting in 2013, China focused 70% of its North Korean investments on natural resources and funded 274.53 million dollars worth of mining operations. China then obtained all the selling rights of important minerals such as tungsten, magnesite, molybdenum, and others. They also bought out the rights for steel development and took control of the Hyesan Youth Copper Mine, the largest copper mine in North Korea.

  North Korea’s mineral resources were beyond expectations. Resources such as ceramic and magnesite were along 80% of North Korea’s territory. Magnesite was used for refractory ware and needed for the steel industry. Magnesite couldn’t be found in South Korea, but North Korea contained the largest magnesite deposit in the world.

  Also, in terms of iron ore, they had 740 million dollars worth. The ore lacked quality, but if a method for refining it could be developed, then North Korean mines could supply humanity for the next 100 years. Also, the country had four million tons of uranium deposits that could be excavated immediately, while the total deposit was expected to be 26 million tons. Securing these plentiful resources in North Korea would be a critical factor in securing the economy’s future. Since the National Vision Committee also knew this, they tried to push a deal with North Korea for the joint-development of their mineral resources.

  “On what grounds are you saying these words?”


  Prime Minister Park Bong-ju stood up from his seat, waved a stack of documents, and pointed his finger at Vice Chairman Lee Byung-chul. “These are the contracts for all the business agreements we’ve made with China regarding mineral resources. Look. It seems like all of these are related to those close to you, comrade Lee Byung-chul. If you have eyes, take a look.”


  During the time Chairman Kim Jong-un was in power, Lee Byung-chul had his people push business agreements with China for many different mining operations.

  “Stop speaking nonsense. My close allies? How can you make such accusations? I was merely working on things related to my department!”


  “Enough already. Sit down. I shall check those documents at the State Security Agency. Now, let’s hear other opinions,” said First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong in a calm tone. The atmosphere of the room had been growing increasingly chaotic, and she needed to settle things down. Lee Byung-chul quieted, but his face still showed anger and dissatisfaction.

  “I would like to say a few words,” said Kim Hyung-won, Chairman of the National People’s Congress. He had been silent for the entire meeting.

  “As we all know, the Southerners are achieving a shining growth. I think at this moment, the best policy for us is to entice them with improved relations and take practical interests instead.”


  Kim Yo-jong seemed to find his simple and concise words helpful. She called loudly to Secretary Kim Young-chul.

  “Comrade Kim Young-chul?”


  “Yes, First Vice Chairman.”


  “Give the Southerners an answer. We agree to their terms for a joint-operation to develop our natural resources. You, comrade, will prepare a negotiation plan that will benefit the democratic republic the most.”


  “Yes, I understand.”


  With this decision, the Korean government was able to obtain various minerals in North Korea for low shipping costs. Using these minerals, they were able to mass-produce a next-generation hydrium alloy.

  Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul returned to his residence after attending the meeting at the Presidential Palace. Enraged, he knocked the items on his desk all over the floor. Still breathing heavily, he pulled out a satellite phone he stored in his desk.

  “Things are going awry. I can’t just sit idly by and watch.”


  * * *

  May 10th, 2019 10:00

  Choongbook Chungju-si, 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility (Tunnel section).

  As the 5.3km tunnel connecting the 17th Fighter Wing and Olympus Base was finished, the various mechanical devices and researchers from the 17th Fighter Wing moved in an elevated security setting. This tunnel was built 30m below ground, and it was the size of a two-lane road.

  “Wow, this is cool.”


  Namgoong-won looked excitedly at the lights in the tunnel as the transport truck carried him to Olympus Base. Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, who was in charge of protecting him, laughed as she watched Namgoong-won look around in child-like awe.

  * * *

  May 10th, 2019 10:07

  Choongbook Chungju-si Seowon-ku Bongmu Mountain, Olympus Base.

  They arrived at the entrance of Olympus Base in less than 10 minutes. After passing through multiple checkpoints and strict security protocols, Namgoong-won entered the 17th floor of the Olympus Base. His mouth hung open in amazement; the base was larger than he had expected.

  “Namgoong, close your mouth.” Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin covered his mouth, seemingly embarrassed by Namgoong-won’s tourist-like awe.

  “Fine, fine, I get it. Get your hand off me.”


  At that moment, the employees came out to greet them.

  “Is this Head Researcher Namgoong-won?”


  An elderly gentleman they had never met before stuck out his hand and welcomed them. Namgoong-won shook the offered hand and introduced himself awkwardly. A few of the higher-ups in Olympus Base knew a lot about Namgoong-won. Including his central role in a lot of major projects.

  “I’m Namgoong-won. Nice to meet you.”


  “Yes. I am Director Oh Young-il, and I’m in charge of this place. This is Dr. Paek Nam-il, our Development Director, and this is the Security Chief Kang Mu-jin.”


  Namgoong-won shook hands with each person as they were introduced. A moment later Namgoong-won and his party were escorted to a guest room by security agents. The equipment on the transport truck he rode in on was carefully moved to the 19th floor.

  Namgoong-won and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin settled themselves on the sofa to take a short break.

  “Assitant Manager, this place is beyond incredible, right?”


  “Yeah. I’ve heard rumors, but I didn’t realize it would be this big.”


  “This big? You know those high-tech places in American movies? I feel like I’m in one of them.”


  “Will you ever grow up?”


  Director Oh Young-il and Dr. Paek Nam-il entered the guestroom.

  “Sorry to have kept you waiting,” Director Oh said.

  “It’s no problem. We were having a pleasant break. But, how is the equipment we brought in?”


  “It has been transported to the ADD lab on the 19th floor, and it is being installed based on the manual you sent us earlier,” Dr. Paek Nam-il answered. “It will take an hour for the installation to be completed, so how about a brief tour of the 17th floor?”


  The transport truck had been carrying an artificial intelligence supercomputer equipped with Hocula B.L. version 1.0, which Namgoong-won developed. This supercomputer was 20 times faster than the first generation AlphaGo supercomputer, or any other supercomputer in the world, for that matter. Once it was installed, the Olympus Base would be able to simulate the performance of military equipment with much greater precision. This advantage would shorten the development time for new equipment and technology. Also, it would solve the issue of limited space for conducting experiments. The Plasma Amplification Bomb’s testing was also done with a computer equipped with Hocula B.L. version 1.0.

  “Really? Thank you,” replied to Namgoong-won, eager for a tour.

  Director Oh Young-il chuckled. “I doubt an hour will be enough to tour the entire 17th floor, but follow our staff and go take a look!”


  Two security agents were standing guard outside the guest room. When Namgoong-won and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin stepped out, the security agents pointed in the direction they needed to go.

  Namgoong-won and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin toured the 17th floor for an hour, then spent two more hours on the 19th floor, training the research staff that would operate the artificial intelligence computer. That evening they joined Director Oh Young-il and Dr. Paek Nam-il for a fine dinner. They returned to the underground research facility late at night.