Drivers started their engines, and black smoke billowed out.
They honked their horns, celebrating this hard-won victory.
Pittsburgh. The South District construction site.
Bulldozers roared to life again, and cranes began to turn once more.
The entire Rust Belt, thanks to the order lifting the freeze, had come back to life.
Pittsburgh City Hall. The Mayor's Office.
Leo Wallace sat behind his desk, looking at his computer screen.
The crisis was over.
Ethan, standing to the side, let out a long sigh of relief.
"God bless," Ethan said, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. "I really thought we were done for this time. I didn't expect Washington to react so quickly. It seems they got scared after all."
"Scared?"
Leo shook his head.
There wasn't the slightest hint of celebration on his face, not even a smile.
"They aren't scared, Ethan."
Leo pointed to the numbers on the screen.
"They're just doing the math."
