Invasion of the United States

Washington D.C., Nebraska Avenue, the Department of Homeland Security office building looked particularly solemn in the night.

Inside the building, in an inconspicuous office, 'Dias' was sitting at his desk, frowning, his eyes moving back and forth between several files.

The cold light from the computer screen illuminated his face, outlining a cold and anxious expression.

As the absolute core of the "Tree of Justice", 'Dias' held the list and contact information of almost everyone in the organization.

This organization initially started as a small group of dissatisfied public servants.

They gathered together because of various personal connections, exchanging some information, helping each other with small favors, occasionally gathering to curse the White House, mock the Congress, and incidentally praise themselves.

However, over time, a group of people who felt "underappreciated" inevitably started to develop some improper thoughts.

They began to discuss "what if I took over the White House..." and even started imagining how to change the country.

Initially, these were just drunken complaints, but as the atmosphere grew more enthusiastic, they genuinely began to discuss who should be eliminated, what policies to change, and how to implement reforms...

It could be said that complaining was not a big deal, who didn't have some grievances in their job? But the problem was, an old fool took it seriously.

Worse still, a wealthy man casually gave the old fool thirty million US dollars, giving this originally theoretical small group the ability to implement their plans. Th+i*s c@o#py. co%mes f&r.o!m c+o$n#t#e+nt. on M@|+V&|L0E&M!P@YR..*

"Really screwed me over." 'Dias' stared at the computer screen, recalling the magical experiences of the past few months, and couldn't help but feel a bit regretful.

He murmured in a low voice, "Why did I get involved in this mess in the first place? Wasn't it good enough being a small clerk in the Department of Homeland Security? Now I am really being grilled over the fire."

The "Tree of Justice" was, after all, a small organization operating in secret. It could be maintained in the beginning with enthusiasm, but once major events were undertaken, organization and discipline became pressing issues.

'Dias' was well aware that if measures were not taken promptly, the organization would soon collapse from within.

He looked down at the files in his hands; these were what he considered the "unstable elements" within the organization that urgently needed to be cleared out—hesitation would bring about disaster.

The top one to be cleared was Hammer Lee.

This old man had made great contributions to the organization, but he knew too much and was suffering from dementia, making him extremely unreliable.

If this old guy spouted nonsense one day, 'Dias' could already imagine spending the rest of his life in prison, or even ending up on the electric chair.

The next one was Zhou Qingfeng.

This person was considered one of the creators of the "Tree of Justice," although he himself would never admit it.

But if it weren't for the thirty million US dollars he casually gave, the "Tree of Justice" would still be a private small group, unlikely to cause any major trouble.

But now, Zhou Qingfeng had become an extremely bad "negative asset" and it would be best to eliminate him quickly and control his money.

In case something went wrong one day, 'Dias' hoped he could escape with the money.

However, Zhou Qingfeng's current whereabouts were unknown, making him elusive.

In comparison, Hammer Lee was much easier to deal with—despite being quite innocent, he had to "disappear" to keep the secret.

'Dias' took a deep breath, closed the files, and his gaze turned cold and firm. He had no way to back down now.

The intelligence community was always full of despicable and shameful intrigues. To protect himself, he had to take action, even if this meant getting his hands bloody.

He picked up the phone, dialed a number, and said in a low voice, "Advance the plan, find Hammer Lee, and kill him. Remember, be clean and leave no traces."

After hanging up the phone, 'Dias' leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and Hammer Lee's old and confused face appeared in his mind.

He whispered softly, "I'm sorry, Hammer. I am grateful to you, but you know too much, and I have no choice. If you don't die, we won't be safe."

-----------------

At this moment, in the northern small town of Jacksonville, Florida, night had fallen, and the street lamps cast a dim yellow glow.

In a family restaurant called "Old Oak", a twenty-something Lucy was busily cleaning up a few tables.

This was her second job; she worked as a nurse at a community hospital during the day and served here in the evening. Occasionally, she also babysat for neighbors to earn some pocket money.

She was a very ordinary girl, of medium height, with a few freckles on her face, a slightly plump figure, and her eyes turned into crescent moons when she smiled.

She was lively and cheerful, a bit carefree, liked making friends, and especially loved sweets. Although her life was busy, she was always happy, as if nothing could really trouble her.

Just as she carried the last stack of plates back to the kitchen, her colleague quietly came over and whispered, "Hey, Lucy, did you notice the man by the window?"

Lucy turned her head, glanced toward the window, and nodded, "Yeah, I noticed. He came in at seven and has been sitting there for more than half an hour.

Ordered a cup of coffee, two servings of fries, and two Big Beef Burger meals. I thought he couldn't finish them, but he actually ate them all."

The man by the window did appear somewhat special.