[chapter 1-3.1] — This Time

"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."

By the time the team reached , the atmosphere in the room was electric with tension. They were deep into the Code Compliance Plans , mapping out the fire department access and line of encroachment.

The room went quiet. Sarah studied the math. For the first time in two lives, Elias saw the moment the disaster was averted before it ever began. This Time [Chapter 1-3.1]

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.

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. "We need to re-evaluate the seismic design values

Sarah looked up, skeptical. "Elias, that update isn't even official yet. How do you—"

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. The room went quiet

"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."