This Time [chapter 1-3.1] Apr 2026

"We need to re-evaluate the seismic design values for the OCONUS site," Elias said, his voice tight. "Section 1-3.1 has been updated, and our current RFP doesn't reflect the new risk levels."

The terminal blinked with a steady, rhythmic pulse. of the Structural Code was open on Elias’s screen—the section on seismic design values that he had ignored three years ago. Back then, he had signed off on the OCONUS installation project without double-checking the UFC 1-200-01 standards. This Time [Chapter 1-3.1]

Sarah looked up, skeptical. "Elias, that update isn't even official yet. How do you—" "We need to re-evaluate the seismic design values

"If we move the building perimeter here," Elias pointed to the digital blueprint, "we can account for the increased frontage. It solves the seismic issue and the fire protection requirements simultaneously." Back then, he had signed off on the

Elias didn't waste a second. He knew the structural integrity of the base would fail during the upcoming tremors if the seismic coefficients weren't updated immediately. He bypassed his supervisor and went straight to the lead engineer, Sarah.

That mistake had cost lives. Now, as he stared at the screen, the date in the corner of his monitor read . He was back. Somehow, he had been given a "This Time." Chapter 2: The Warning

The clock struck midnight. The terminal didn't glitch. The world didn't reset. Elias stood on the balcony of the site office, watching the sun rise over the installation. He had rewritten the history he thought was set in stone. This time, the structures would hold.