Part 124: NIER Backstory: Timeline 2003 to 2004

NIER Backstory: Part 2 - Timeline 2003 to 2004

----- 2003 -----

June 12, 2003:

• Approximately 3:00 PM - a massive white statue (henceforth referred to as "The Giant") appears from the sky in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
  
• Shortly thereafter, a red winged entity (henceforth referred to as "The Dragon") falls from the sky.
  
• The Dragon and the Giant engage in a battle. The principle behind and effects of the attacks are a mystery. A piercing series of sounds are heard across the area.
  
• The Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) observes the situation and plans counter-measures. An emergency Cabinet meeting takes place regarding the situation.
  

• Approximately 4:00 PM - the Giant falls and breaks apart. The composition of the Giant is unable to be determined. The substance is similar to sodium chloride but lacks any manner of mass or weight. It quickly disperses and vanishes from the area.
  
• Shortly after the fall of the Giant, Bravo-One (Callsign "Scarface") of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 6th Air Wing, 303rd Squadron shoots down the Dragon with a missile strike. The body is later recovered from atop Tokyo Tower and taken to a government research facility for testing.
  
• This event becomes known as the "6-12 Incident". It results in 56 fatalities, 320 injuries, and an economic cost of over 60 billion yen.
  
• A gag order is issued regarding the events of 6-12, but videos and photos of the incident circulate on the Internet soon thereafter. Fears of terrorism, foreign plots, and other conspiracy theories soon follow the extraordinary events.
  

September

• An international summit is held in Japan regarding the 6-12 Incident. The United States and Russia participate.
  
• The United States suspects terrorism and takes measures to strengthen homeland security. Meanwhile, the Japanese government considers a large increase in the military defense budget.
  

December:

• Isolated incidents of a mysterious disease of unknown origin appears in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The disease causes victim's bodies to break down into sodium chloride. Mortality rate is 100%.
  
• Research begins on this disease. Early outlook is optimistic due to its initial rarity.
  

----- 2004 -----

February:

• An explosive increase in infected by the unknown disease in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
  

April:

• Among those infected by the disease, a few isolated cases begin going into berserk psychotic fits.
  
• Due to the massing infected in the area, a de-industrialization of Shinjuku takes place.
  
• The international community pressures Japan to increase its efforts into researching and treating the disease.
  
  May:
  
• The instances of berserking victims of the disease increases. Research continues on the reason behind those who perish to the illness and those who go into violent fits.

June:

• A medical research group researching the disease makes a presentation in which the illness is dubbed "White Chlorination Syndrome".
  
• Tokyo Prefectural Hall is relocated in light of the disease's spread. Proposals to relocate the national government in Nagata-cho and the Emperor's Residence are quickly dismissed.
  
  July:
  
• The infection level in Shinjuku reaches its highest level yet. Road blocks are set up and all transportation into the area is ceased. Martial law is declared.
  

September:

• The Japanese government receives further reports of infection trajectories and announces a plan to physically cordon and seal off Shinjuku.
  
• Opposition movements and protests soon occur. Newspaper surveys indicate the decision to be widely unpopular while online polls yield a more favorable response.
  
• In Shinjuku, a popular celebrity is attacked and killed by a person infected with WCS. The media immediately jumps on the story and public opinion sways toward approval of sealing Shinjuku.
  

October:

• Shinjuku Sealing Plan is implemented. An immense wall, later dubbed the Wall of Jericho, is erected to physical seal Shinjuku from the outside world.
  
• It is announced that operations to suppress berserking individuals infected with WCS will continue within the walls.
  
• The international community widely criticizes the Japanese government's decision. Demonstrations and protests occur in several countries across the globe.
  
• Research continues on cure and treatment of WCS.
  

December:

• Transmissions sent by members of the media who voluntarily remained behind the wall in Shinjuku are abruptly cut off. The final film relayed is ends with a scream as a giant white being appearing.
  
• The image is not publicly released, but is soon leaked on the internet.