The Way Things Are
Military trucks roll down the highways of American towns and cities. Conspiracy theorists hype up the 'Big Brother' angle, beyond all measure. Their impact, though, is slight. Restricted to their own focused audiences. Most people want some sort of order. Everything has been too chaotic. In Nevada, business owners complain that a Las Vegas without nightlife, is virtually no Las Vegas, at all. They will deal... They hope. Most of the hotels have their own, internal attractions; some having entire theme parks behind their closed doors.
People start to think of films like 'Outbreak', 'Deep Impact' and 'Independence Day'. The Internet has already virtually collapsed, several times in the last few days. Any remaining VIPs not already summoned to nuclear bunkers prepared for World War Three, now get the call.
The National Guard now pours across civilian areas. Traffic is halted. FEMA, if it even still exists, is going into overdrive. Special, 'less-lethal' means of riot control are deployed, such as microwave beams to cause the sensation of pain across one's skin, around areas of special security interest. With curfews in full effect, however, few, if any accidents, necessitate their use. Some people start to feel bored: Where are all the explosions? If this is really the New World Order, where are all the concentration camps? Legitimate questions and the conspiracy theorists play for time.
Far from the shambles of the defunct Project Integrations, the measures now undertaken for security are professional and swift. Anything intent on causing trouble is, for the most part, quickly identified and neutralised, except in a few cases. Most commercial flights are cancelled, until the authorities can devise a properly regulated system of monitoring passengers. Ironically, many of the recommendations suggested in the wake of '9/11' are now being hastily implemented by force.
Las Vegas is still a neon playground. Just a lot quieter and, with the exception of armed soldiers and law enforcement, mostly with empty streets. Searchlight, for the first time in a long time, actually has some police representation wandering its dusty roads.
Results differ in other countries. For the stricter regimes, far nastier precautions are taken. All things considered, things are rather peaceful.