Great Basin Desert, the largest desert in North America.
The total area is more than half a million square kilometers, including most of Nevada, more than half of Utah, and small portions of Idaho, Oregon, California, and Wyoming.
When most people think of this desert, the first thing they think of is Las Vegas.
In 1888, it was just a small town. In 1905, due to the discovery of gold mines, a large number of gold prospectors poured in. However, like other gold mining towns, after a short period of excitement, as the gold mines were emptied, Las Vegas soon became It has returned to its previous depression, and its real rise was during the Great Depression in the United States. The state Congress passed a bill to legalize gambling, turning this city built on the desert into a gambling city with nightclubs, hotels, and casinos today.
It's a pity that Zhang Heng and the others are not traveling to Las Vegas this time.
The plane landed at Area 51 Air Force Base, which was newly built more than ten years ago. It is located on a dry land in Nevada, only 130 kilometers away from the bustling Las Vegas.
For decades after its establishment, the United States denied its existence, but at the same time, in order to prevent curious people from approaching, the Air Force purchased 9,000 acres of surrounding land and established it as an air traffic control zone and an armed restricted area.
Area 51 was originally used to develop the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. After the development of the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft was completed, other "black" projects began to be implemented at this base. However, it was not until 2013 that the United States recognized Area 51. the existence of the zone.
This also casts a layer of mystery over Area 51. Many people believe that the so-called "Green Room" (which contains the frozen corpse of an alien) has been visited by successive U.S. presidents, and some people swear that they have seen it. A short gray creature with a huge head is moving nearby) is also here.
However, Zhang Heng and the others obviously did not have such good fortune. What greeted them was not some strange alien, but an ordinary-looking person in charge of the air force base. After shaking hands with Zhang Heng and others one by one, he said that the simulation environment had been set up. Training is available at any time.
The captain rarely showed a humane side. Considering that the sun had already set, he finally postponed the training until early tomorrow morning.
After dinner, the three of them got a chance to move around freely, but it was said that they were free to move around, but the places they could go were actually very limited, and basically no matter where they went, there were eyes staring at them.
The person in charge of the reception also specifically apologized for this and reiterated that this move was not against them, but was just to implement the most basic safety precautions.
Zhang Heng expressed his understanding, but it would be impossible to do anything in the base. At least they would be safe until tomorrow morning.
This result is not unacceptable. For the three of them, this may be their last peaceful sleep. After eating, Jia Lai took a deep look at Zhang Heng, nodded to the latter, and threw After saying "See you tomorrow." After saying that, he was not in the mood to take a walk under full surveillance, and returned to his room first.
Seeing Jia Lai leaving, Bruno quickly got up and followed the fat man outside his room, but he watched the door close in front of him and almost hit his nose.
Bruno looked a little embarrassed. The fat man made it clear that he didn't trust him and had no intention of discussing tomorrow's plan with him. It seemed that he was just going to use him as a tool, but it had to be said that his judgment was indeed very accurate.
Bruno wanted to know Jia Lai's plan in advance just to see if there was anything that could be exploited. It would be best to kill the two of them together. Now that he had been rejected, he could only return to his home in despair. residence.
So Zhang Heng was the only one left in the cafeteria. Zhang Heng silently finished the last spoonful of baked beans in front of him. At this time, the sky outside the window also darkened. The strong wind stirred up the yellow sand, and the blood-red sunset fell under the sand dunes. Even though In the midst of an existential threat, about to face the final battle of life and death, it is difficult to ignore such a magnificent sight.
"Magnificent desolation, isn't it?" said a strange voice.
"Sorry?" Zhang Heng turned around and saw a middle-aged man, who was dressed like an engineer and seemed to be a researcher from Area 51. He didn't know when he came behind him and smiled. Continuing the previous topic, he asked instead, "Are you a NASA astronaut? I heard that you are going to the moon."
"David." Zhang Heng introduced himself, put down the knife and fork in his hand, and stretched out his hand, "We are members of Apollo 11, but strictly speaking we are only candidates."
"Einstein." The middle-aged man shook hands with Zhang Heng, who raised his eyebrows. Zhang Heng had never seen photos of Einstein when he was young, but when the middle-aged man said this, Zhang Heng did find that the two of them were There is some resemblance between the eyebrows.
But then the latter let go of his hand and smiled, "Just kidding, you know the nature of our work. We signed a confidentiality agreement before we came here and we cannot reveal our real names to outsiders. How about Mr. David, Are you satisfied with our place?"
"You guys look like you're doing great."
"Same for you. As early as sixty years ago, no one thought that humans could fly in the sky on big iron birds. Ten years ago, no one believed that humans could leave the earth and go to outer space. And even today, absolutely Most people still don’t think humans can set foot on another celestial body.”
Einstein paused, "But it all happened. With the help of mathematical formulas, mechanical principles, and repeated experiments... human beings have accomplished things that seemed absolutely impossible time and time again. Isn't this modern Is it a miracle in society? I don’t want to be disrespectful to the man who led the Israelis to establish their country, but let me say it – technology is the greatest power in the world.”
A typical statement made by engineering students, but in a sense it is also difficult to refute.
"I'm sorry to disturb your meal. I just heard that NASA astronauts are here, so I couldn't help but come over and take a look. You know," the middle-aged man shrugged, "No one usually comes to this place, no matter what. ,Nice to meet you, Mr. David."
"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Einstein."
"Okay, I won't waste your rest time. I wish you smooth training in advance and a successful landing on Apollo 11. I will listen to your moon landing broadcast."
The middle-aged man ended the short conversation, held the mug in his hand, and turned to walk out the door. At this time, the sunset completely sank below the horizon.
But when he walked to the door, he stopped again and turned around and said, "Oh, by the way, I almost forgot to mention that I have a small gift for you. Let it be a gift for our first meeting. Just put it there." In your room, hope you enjoy it.”
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