One of the audience members asked who would have access to such capsules. President Purcell was quick to reply. "Good question. Right now, the only people that will have the privilege will be the upper echelon of the Corporation." The president then took a drink from a passing servant and continued. "Soon, these capsules will be located in the more important places across the Corporation's top cities.
"We're currently working day and night on hibernation space travel, too. We plan to be able to travel throughout the galaxy. Not only will you be able to explore far-off worlds, you will also be able to help us colonize the various planets in space. Isn't that amazing?" The audience all clapped at these words.
"With the advent of wormhole space travel in my prior administration, this has become a task that we take extremely seriously. We know this will be moving forward very soon.
"We at the Corporation also realize that cyber hacking has become a huge nuisance for all of us, and we are on it with great purpose. We are creating special robotic watchers. These guys are going to find anyone tampering with the systems and place huge effort in stopping such.
"There's much more going on at our main locale in New York these days, too, but I'd have to kill you if I told you. Most of the rest of it is all top secret."
He laughed at his own humor.
"There are other countries that we are working with now, which is the biggest and most important thing when it comes to us and the advent of prosperity in this country. These relationships are crucial, so in a place like this, I really take great pride in being able to invite people from out of the country to come and visit our monumental site. All of you have done very well in making the capital region special."
He then pointed to Mayor Warns and the top associates, who were all listening intently beside him.
"We are going to continue to put more time into landmarks like this so all foreign country leaders can come and visit us. Friendships will also be made to avoid the ongoing threats of another nuclear war."
I want all to know, worldwide, that we will always fight for the rights of every citizen to have a decent life." He nodded to his audience. "Washington D.C. represents a bright future for all."
Chapter Eight
The women gathered together in private to hear Raegan's plans. She had finally spoke out to say the sisterhood was ready to go on the attack, and Zaey, Jansa, Chaya, and Mahira were completely stoked to hear her thoughts.
"It's been a long time coming for me to try to deal with my personal losses, and for all of us to come to terms with what happened. I mean, we practically took down the whole Corporation, yet it felt like we all were hit by a monster truck."
She ran her fingers through her long blond hair as she contemplated her words. She then looked about the chamber at what she considered to be her dearest friends.
"I love all you guys. I just want you to know that."
Mahira spoke out. "So what's next? Are we going to finish the job now?"
Raegan motioned for her to hold up and continued. "This time, we're going to go about things a little bit differently. We're gathering more assistance throughout the country. This is crucial to our success, but we still have a long way to go. We can't let our homestead here be destroyed like last time. That can't happen; we cannot allow the Corporation to know where we are."
Zaey was first to ask the inevitable question. "We have to know what happened with Sin. You know it's killing us, Rae."
Raegan took a deep breath and began. "I really don't know a whole lot more than you. I don't think it's about us. She said there was something she needed to do, something that had to be done immediately, and then she was gone."
Jansa spoke out. "It doesn't make sense to just leave us without really saying anything, and even after years, still no word on where she is or what she's doing. We need her in this fight!"
Zaey seemed the most preoccupied with this ongoing conversation.
Raegan continued. "It has been a long time, and I'm surprised that we haven't heard from her. I'll say this, as I have before, the one thing I remember is back at the Corporation's Fenway building, she seemed to take to the president's assistant, Resin Cador. Before we made our final attempts to get out of the building, she mentioned that she found out he wasn't like the others and that the two of them actually kind of hit it off. I mean, it's crazy to think that she would just up and leave without a word to any of us."
Chaya was dumbfounded. "The thing is, though, it's been three years and we still haven't heard from her. It makes absolutely no sense. To be honest, I'm scared."
Raegan knew the morale was dropping, so she quickly went in another direction.
"Listen, you guys, I have a goal! We need to inspire people again. I know through all the sharing and computer downloads that the word of the Lord is now out there. But it's not enough in such extreme conditions. We can't sit back anymore.
"The word of God is a powerful force, and people want to believe and have hope. The flag is one such tool we need to utilize as well. It's the standard of old America. Faith in our country and God will inspire this nation. Trust me on this!"
Zaey was taken aback by that statement, and she explained her reasoning. "I don't know, Rae. To me, if anyone flies that flag, it's certain death, just like those that speak of God these days. Plus, the Corporation have their own flag, and that's the only one allowed in this country…just in case you hadn't noticed."
Raegan answered her Australian sister's concerns. "Exactly. That's why no one can put it up where they live. We need to get as many flags as we can from Maine and get people to put them up continuously. But here's the catch; we tell them to put these flags up in spots away from where they live. This will encourage them to get out there and show everyone that a symbol of freedom exists. It's a jab, so to speak, not a knockout punch. Inspiration is important here."
Jansa liked what she heard. "That's not a bad idea, but it's going to take a lot of legwork."
Chaya added, "But I have to ask all of you, where is it all going to lead? I mean, that's a basic plan, but what's the end game? Where are we going with all these ideas?"
Mahira raised a fist. "And when do we kick some tail? It's been way too long!"
Raegan licked her lips. "I have seen it in my visions." The others leaned in to listen even more closely. "We need to strengthen our numbers. We must weaken Y-Wood in its various locations, and in the end, instead of fighting them head on, we take the one place that will rally all the people in this fucking country and far beyond. We take Washington D.C., and then we hold a fair election for a new president."
Every woman inside the private chamber raised an eyebrow. It was a lofty and bold plan.
Jansa added, "We could do it!"
Chaya gave a thumb up as well. "That's a crazy idea, but I like it!"
The workload that would be involved ahead of such an idea seemed daunting. Everyone paused without saying a word after Chaya's last statement.
As crazy as it may sound, Mahira was more than happy to hear that they were going to be on the move again. "I think this is a good idea and a good plan. It's time we kick a little ass, bring in some more trainees, build this thing up bigger and better than ever and beat up on some of the better Corporation locations. Let's give people an alternative choice to living under Y-Wood's clenched fist."
The others nodded their heads in agreement.
Chaya was picking at her teeth and felt a tad nervous at such a wild idea. Nevertheless, the others began to infuse courage in her.
They went on to spend almost an hour and a half discussing more towards making this plan work, thus drawing up an outline of what was to be next for the sisterhood.
The fire was back, and these proud and courageous women were ready to make things happen.
Chapter Nine
Omagus had certain thoughts within him. Thoughts of knowledge that his previous mentor had passed on to him. Everything the former president knew and
believed in, was now part of the robot's inner being. Arn Marcou continued to live on in an odd sort of way.
Omagus felt the new president needed leadership of the intelligent kind—not military. But he certainly kept these thoughts to himself and was careful around Galax.
The powerful pet was often found scanning Purcell's mind.
Omagus had the most advanced mindset in the entire world, and he had come to the conclusion that the Corporation was no more important than those who were against it. This secret needed to remain his for a bit longer.
He had to tread lightly on what he would do next. The power of the Corporation was still very legit, so for them to destroy him, especially if Galax caught him at a weak moment, could be a very real possibility.
He needed an outsider to join the Corporation and become part of the upper management. That way, he could manipulate them and use them to his advantage.
He was smart, really smart, and an idea suddenly came to him. As soon as he had the opportunity, he would be standing before President Purcell explaining this very thought.
***
Today was a day of combat. The Corporation were getting into more fights as of late, and General Purcell was undoubtedly enjoying his role. But this day was for arena fun. He was also quite pleased to know that the new girl, his recent creation—the cyborg warrior woman—would be the highlight of today's event. Death matches were back on!
The president sat up in his private booth surrounded by an arena that was once some sort of a sports stadium. He sat alongside his super bot, Galax, and several other company clones.
Today, Omagus was also part of the entourage, but he didn't want to speak of his plan in front of everyone. He would have to wait for a better moment.
The large New Jersey audience chanted and screamed as the blood-soaked cyborg returned to fight once more.
She was a lean, mean fighting machine; a dark-haired beauty with the brightest of manufactured green eyes. She wore black leather pants and a metal halter top for armor. The sword she wielded was a long, steel-hardened masterpiece. As her new opponent, a small man who was a criminal of the state, raised his axe, the blood-hungry onlookers roared in excitement.
The criminal, probably caught for something no one cared about, attempted to cut his adversary down. He was about her height with a shaggy mop of brown curly hair and a beard to boot. His axe flew at the Corporation marvel called Aliah.
She easily dodged his weak attack and circled about her prey. Infused with the best technology there was, the cyborg knew all styles of martial arts and strategic maneuvers via a collection of micro embedded chips. The new Corporation champ was also built to last, and she could take damage like no other.
It was also instilled in her to entertain. Her looks caught people first; sexy and beautiful, with minimal clothing at that, but this outward showmanship really got the crowd pumped up.
She twirled her blade about, spinning the weapon from hand to hand and behind her back. She flipped it in the air and caught it before leaping in the air, landing, and doing a one-handed cartwheel. The man in front of her chopped at his target once more, desperate to catch her.
Aliah deflected his axe and sliced him in multiple spots. She then reversed her sword grip and ran by him, cleaving halfway through his neck. As she passed by, she flipped into a running somersault and ended back on her feet. She then kept going and sprinted right on out of the arena to the amazement of the watching audience.
During an intermission, Omagus was finally able to pull Berlin aside. The president looked at him puzzled. "What is so important that you had to talk to me, today of all days, and take my mind off the fights?"
Omagus explained, "Well, sir, I have figured out a way to rally the general populace and make them see that the new Y-Corporation is out for their own well-being. I think you'll find it rather interesting."
The mega robot was excited to explain even more.
President Purcell loved fights. He lived for combat. So conversation during today's events irritated him beyond belief. "Okay," he replied. "Why is it we need to make everyone outside feel like they are part of the leadership and feel good?"
"We can make citizens like our leadership," the tall bot explained to the man before him.
Omagus continued. "People on the outside, if I do say so myself, feel like they have no one that represents them. I want to give them the representation they crave. My plan is that we offer a golden ticket to one individual, and whoever finds it shall become the vice president of the Y-Corporation.
"Of course, they'd just be a stick figure; they won't have much say in anything, but it will inspire the people to see that we are not just here to govern and rule over them. It will also give them a chance to have their voice heard."
President Purcell paused for a moment to think about Omagus' plan. However, the crowd had started roaring up for a new fight, which was making him itch to get back out to the arena, but Omagus had certainly caught his attention. "So how do you plan on distributing this opportune golden ticket, as you call it?"
The seven-foot robot went on. "We offer it through something we sell. Not only will it increase revenue, it will build huge excitement about one of our products."
Purcell was getting too distracted by the upcoming fight. "That's an interesting idea you have," he commented. "You can tell me about the rest of it another time. The fights are starting again and I don't want to miss our elite cyborg creation getting the crowd into another frenzy. It's about time we had a Y-Wood fighter that beats everyone's ass."
Omagus had no qualms with getting blown off; he'd expected as much. The general was more of a warrior than a leader. Regardless, he would begin preparations of his own. So, the health food substitute, the tickets to anyone lucky enough to get their hands on one, and the chance to be an important person on the Y-Corporation would move forward, even without final authorization.
In the back of his advanced mind, Omagus knew the individual winner would be his personal puppet. His visions were far superior compared to these ignorant humans. He already had a plan on top of another plan forming in his database of a brain.
***
It was the dawn of a new day, and Omagus was excited to speak to Purcell. His persistence meant he would keep trying. His plan was already taking shape and he wanted to explain its developments, so he cornered his leader in the hall.
"President Purcell, I thought we could speak a little more on my golden ticket plan to get the people behind the Corporation."
The president seemed preoccupied and looked towards the mega robot, whose green eyes were staring back at him intently. The president replied, "I don't really have time right now."
Omagus felt rage inside. He called Purcell "President" whenever he was near him, only as protocol.
The boss went on. "I don't really like people that much, and to be honest, that's how the downfall came about with the Boston location, not to mention all our research and manufacturing tools. That destruction was because the former leader of Y-Wood cared too much about women. I don't really like kissing ass, and I don't really like women. Marcou was a sucker for a beautiful woman, and it became his undoing."
Omagus, knowing how amazing his plan was, wanted to explain it to his boss so badly. Purcell, though, kept talking. "I'm not afraid of being outnumbered by those that don't like me. After all, a lion walks alone, while sheep flock in groups. I have an idea myself that I'm going to put into action. It's an idea that means this sisterhood will never be seen again." He then cleared his throat. "We're going to label them. Any attractive woman will be branded."
The robotic specimen, with his wires showing in various spots about his frame of silver, green, and black, was curious as to what this man had in mind. "How will you identify them, sir?" he decided to ask.
"To me, Omagus, a woman should just do what a man says, just like in the past. When there were cavemen, power and strength were at the forefront of leadershi
p and families." He rubbed his hands together. "Here's what I'm gonna do. I'm going to take any woman that could be part of that blasted group and put a barcode right on her ass. Yes, you heard me right. Whenever and wherever they go, they'll have to show a barcode. That way, we're going to be able to tell who is who, and we will know they don't belong to that stupid sisterhood. The bottom line is that women should be treated just like a product. It's their own fault for defying us, Omagus."
Omagus found this talk interesting, yet he still hoped to discuss his plan. Unfortunately for Omagus, Purcell was on the move before he could say so much as another word.
Even though he had the intellect of ten thousand men of the highest brainpower, Omagus was often taken too lightly. He said to himself, "Humans are going to destroy themselves more than they already have."
Perhaps it was time he traveled far away. Maybe even to another planet.
After all, Galax was the favorite bot of Y-Wood; he was the fighting type. "I am the smart type. One day, I will show humans just how smart," Omagus said out loud.
He entered a small room made for cyber hacking. Instead of getting to work, he trashed the place, smashing and tossing computers around and ripping electronics out of everything.
He could not stop thinking. He had names, in fact; names of the sisterhood females. They were all nestled somewhere deep inside his huge database. Maybe he would help in their demise—or maybe not.
He could even generate an image of each woman in his mind. There was Raegan, their leader. She was the one who had visions, posed as a reporter, and whose son was taken by Galax. The next image was Jansa, the curly-blond doctor and new-age healer. And Sinaye, of course, the scientist with the big chest who fell for the former assistant, Resin Cador. The super genius robot snarled out loud, "I know them all. Oh, and there's Zaey. Ahhhh, she who stole the heart of Marcou. The lil Australian who tried to trick him into loving her. That one will die either way."
HOPE BRINGERS (Strong superhero women) (Mystical Slayers Book 2) Page 5