Kryptonians: Man of Steel

Chapter 1187 The Fall of Manhattan Island

"Yes,"

Another younger scientist added, "The efficiency of laser weapons is restricted by many factors, including energy conversion efficiency, beam stability, atmospheric attenuation, etc. Especially in actual combat environments, the impact of these factors will be more significant. In comparison, electromagnetic guns may be a more practical choice at present."

Electromagnetic gun, a weapon system that launches projectiles based on electromagnetic force, has been a hot topic in military technology research in recent years.

It uses a powerful electromagnetic field to accelerate the projectile to an extremely high speed, thereby achieving precise strikes on the target.

Compared with laser weapons, electromagnetic guns are not affected by weather and atmospheric conditions, and the technology is relatively mature. It has been initially applied on naval ships of some countries.

"What about electromagnetic wave weapons?"

Another younger expert, Researcher Zhang, proposed another possible solution.

He focuses on research in the field of electromagnetics and has a solid theoretical foundation in using electromagnetic waves to interfere with or destroy targets.

"Electromagnetic wave weapons, such as microwave weapons or high-energy radio frequency weapons, can theoretically achieve attack effects by heating the electronic components inside the target or interfering with its nervous system. But at the same time, this technology also faces many challenges, such as how to ensure the directional transmission of electromagnetic waves, how to penetrate the target's defense layer, and how to carry out effective strikes without harming friendly forces and the surrounding environment."

"Indeed, the research on electromagnetic wave weapons is still in its infancy."

The doctor nodded in agreement. "Just like the Tokamak device for studying nuclear fusion, although it can theoretically achieve a nearly unlimited supply of clean energy, in actual operation it faces a series of challenges such as plasma confinement, energy conversion efficiency, and material tolerance. Although these technologies seem simple, direct, and wonderful in theory, and the feasibility analysis is often exciting, once we enter the actual research and development stage, we will find that every step is full of unknowns and challenges."

"The more we delve into these frontiers, the more we feel the test that the laws of nature impose on intelligent life."

The researcher added, with a hint of resignation in his tone.

"These weapons, whether lasers, electromagnetic waves or nuclear fusion, are actually ahead of the current level of science and technology. Our basic processes and material sciences have not yet reached the level where we can easily master these technologies. Every attempt is like a silent battle with the limits of nature, and often, we are the first to lose."

"Take laser weapons, for example,"

Dr. Wang further explained, "To improve the power and stability of lasers, more efficient energy conversion devices, more sophisticated optical components and more powerful cooling systems are needed. All of these are extreme challenges to existing material science and manufacturing technology. Not to mention how to quickly and accurately lock targets, adjust parameters, and deal with complex and changing environmental factors in actual combat."

"Similarly, the research on electromagnetic wave weapons faces a similar dilemma."

The researcher took over the topic, "How to ensure the precise control of electromagnetic waves to avoid accidental injuries; how to overcome atmospheric attenuation and terrain interference to achieve effective long-range strikes; and how to develop dedicated waveforms for specific biological or electronic systems. These are all urgent issues to be solved."

"So, should we temporarily abandon these advanced weapons research and instead focus on improving the effectiveness of existing weapons?"

An officer present raised a practical question. "No, of course not."

The doctor answered decisively, "Although these technologies still have many difficulties, they are an important part of future warfare and an important way for humans to explore the unknown and break through their own limits. We cannot give up exploration because of temporary difficulties. On the contrary, we should increase investment to overcome these technical difficulties."

Amid their tense and heated discussions, Gatanjea had completed its landing operation, bringing unprecedented shock and panic to the human world.

Manhattan Island, this shining pearl symbolizing human wisdom and civilization, is now facing the dual challenges of unprecedented natural disasters and unknown human forces.

The waves, those blue elves that were originally gently lapping against the coastline, now turned into giant beasts that could destroy the world. They were stimulated by Gatanjea's arrival and formed huge waves over fifty meters high.

These huge waves were like roaring beasts, rushing in from the distant horizon. They not only crossed the beach easily, but even passed the towering container yard of the port, and directly hit the core area of ​​the island - the skyscrapers with an almost incredible force.

In the face of this natural catastrophe, the reinforced concrete structures that humans are so proud of seem so fragile.

The huge waves, carrying tons of sea water, hit the walls of the building with the force of thunder. The windows were instantly shattered by the huge impact force, and glass fragments scattered like raindrops. The sharp fragments drew silver tracks in the air.

The walls cracked under the continuous impact, and some even fell off completely, revealing the internal steel structure. It was like a giant stripped of its outer coat, helplessly exposed to the wind and rain.

Underground spaces, those basements, parking lots and subway systems that were once a safe haven for mankind have now become a paradise for floods.

As sea water continued to pour in, these spaces were quickly filled up, and the originally dry ground turned into a swamp. People panicked and looked for high shelters, while more people were trapped in the flood, their lives uncertain.

The experts witnessed scenes that could only appear in disaster movies, with shock and fear written all over their faces.

The President knows that conventional weapons are powerless against such a powerful enemy.

He realized that if no action was taken, the entire Manhattan, and even the entire country, would face immeasurable losses. He thought to himself that perhaps it was time to use the ultimate weapon.

Although they do not possess nuclear weapons as terrifying as "Big Ivan" like in the Soviet era, they still have a certain number of militias and Topol intercontinental missiles.

Although the hydrogen warheads carried by these missiles are extremely powerful, their radioactive pollution is much smaller than that of traditional fission bombs, so in theory they can be used as actual combat weapons.

However, using nuclear weapons against an unknown biological enemy, especially on one's own soil, especially near the capital, is undoubtedly an extremely difficult decision.

Because this decision will not only trigger a strong reaction from the international community, but will also cause huge controversy and dissatisfaction at home.

(End of this chapter)