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Last Hope for Earth

Page 5

by Jaime Mera

Eduardo stood among the few commanders able to attend the command post not caught in the middle of a large engagement. He watched the reactions of the men around him with interest, in particular, his commanding officer and commander of the group. The briefing came down to input from the commanders. Eduardo as usual, made sure everyone was able to see and hear him.

  “Sir, with all due respect, I agree we need to retake the cities, alleviate pressure on the airbases and cut off their supply routes, but we are never going to win if we can’t go into Laos and Cambodia worried about reprisals from higher or the sovereign countries.” Eduardo stated knowing it was a sore subject which BG Nimes was already at odds with against the chain of command.

  “Colonel Ramirez, this is not the time or place, we will focus on counterattacking the North Vietnamese and push them north in the way higher says we should.” BG Nimes sorely frowned at him.

  “Understood, Sir.” Was all Eduardo replied with, staying silent for the rest of the briefing and accepting the new mission warning orders to assist in the retaking of Khe Sanh.

  “Eduardo, what are you thinking?” Estabon asked seeing what Eduardo was thinking.

  “I’m not going to let my men sweat blood so we can take a city and leave it at that. I’m going to take my men and whoever wants to join me; and we’re going to follow the enemy wherever they go, even if it’s up to China.” Eduardo’s anger, gave Estabon a tension in his heart.

  “You need to take a breather.” Estabon started to say, but Eduardo thought clearly without anger to confuse his reply.

  “We have to take a stand sometime Estabon. The politicians and ignorant public back home already think this war is too costly and the military is to blame. I have the opportunity to take my men and keep them alive by fighting and winning, so if they don’t like it, they can kick me out of the Army.” Eduardo calmly laid out his case.

  “They can court martial you if you disobey orders.” Estabon countered.

  “They will try, but what are they going to do? Take me to court for killing the enemy? As long as my men don’t kill innocent civilians we will be alright. Don’t worry Estabon, if all fails you can figure out a prison break.” Eduardo joked, but Estabon would have gladly broke him out of whatever prison Eduardo found himself in.

  Three months into the campaign, both brothers saw the extent of their powers as Eduardo personally ran through rooms and jungle killing hundreds of NVA using their own thoughts against them. Eduardo yelled names and commands in Vietnamese specific to the Soldiers as he took them by surprise with gunfire, grenades or knife. There was no spot on the battlefield Eduardo was not able to see, smell and hear through the mind of his enemies as he moved like a ghost around and amid enemy positions; being particularly effective at night.

  Estabon was likewise effective being more aggressive in close quarters. However, the day came when Eduardo ordered his battalion size detachments and augmentations into Cambodia, parking his unit north of Saigon; the capital of South Vietnam. BG Nimes gave Eduardo a long leash, a compromise between them which protected the northern region near Saigon and the border. Nimes was in a way more concerned about stopping traffic and enemy activity which plagued the region up to Ban Me Thuot; a hundred mile stretch of land northeast of Saigon.

  North Vietnamese units never entered the region always taking the long way around to the southwest in order to harass US and South Vietnamese populations. Viet-con spies disappeared in the region, which Estabon knew were weeded out and killed, quietly being buried by Eduardo’s men. Eduardo’s reputation as a rogue officer prevented his rise into the General fraternity and politics.

  Eduardo’s actions helped his men to stay alive but also kept Estabon’s military advancement halted at the rank of Major. His A-team changed personnel with half staying with him for a full two years. Estabon’s feeling were his own and even though Eduardo was taking a step to contribute to the war and protect over five hundred Americans and Vietnamese people under his command, Eduardo was being contained. At least that was how Estabon saw it.

  His remark to SGM Banks almost came true when his A-team made it within two hundred miles of Hanoi, only to be ordered to return home as his unit was being recalled back to the United States. The death of many brothers and sisters Estabon knew and loved didn’t stay in Vietnam, as he always took the time to write to families who lost their loved ones in an unforgiving, long, and brutal war.

  The war was over for both men, but phase three of Eduardo’s plan added the visitation of family and surviving Soldiers as they traveled throughout the United States and Europe in search of knowledge. This time it was specific to scientific leaders in the field of nuclear weapons, space exploration, naval technology and politics. Their background and information on illegal monies by underground criminal organizations and governmental agencies distributed throughout the world gave them the means to travel the world without bringing up suspicion. It was quite simple to use passwords and take on identities to access money and move it in cash to different accounts and locations, which were primarily moved as a stockpile for use in Colombia. As technology improved and their pockets thicken, the need to use fake identities disappeared; being replaced with independent companies producing a cover for their buildup of weapons, mercenary army and connections to political, legislative and economic movers in Colombia.

  Knowledge and technology changed drastically over time and the brothers made sure they planted anonymous information to law enforcement to help capture all sort of criminals. Serial murders, drug trafficking and kidnappings were greatly reduced where ever they traveled. Fifteen years of meeting and helping people came to be felt as a futile war they would not be able to win alone. But the mid 1980s brought hope for them as Eduardo watched Neutronium speak about his superhuman powers on national television.

  “Do you think people like him are going to bring peace to the world?” Estabon asked Eduardo as he sat up in his Japanese hotel bed.

  “I’m not sure. We have read over a billion people now and only a few dozen seem to have mental powers around here, but they can’t even sense us or know we exist. I will go to California tonight to see if I can find this superhero group. Maybe I can find out who they are and what they might do in the future.” Eduardo said.

  “So you're going to talk to Neutronium?” Estabon asked knowing they never had an opportunity to be near anyone with powers as described by this superman.

  “No, I’m going to see if any of them can help us.” Eduardo replied while walking the streets of Cali; hoping not to reveal him or Estabon to the Emerald Legion in case they were completely opposed to a revolution which was currently a common occurrence in Central and South America.

  The following three weeks finally brought some light on the question they were hoping to answer. The Emerald Legion was officially part of SIA (Special Investigation Agency). The SIA operations officer in Los Angeles was easy prey to Eduardo’s knowledge base and mind reading power. The link of many SIA operatives around the country made it easy to find out a general location for the group. He could have gone to see Gina Asher’s thoughts a second time, but it would be a risk now that telepaths were being used by SIA, and getting to her would bring up red flags. The fact that superhumans existed during the late 1970s also presented a possibility she was now protected from a mental scan. Eduardo just didn’t want to take the chance in case Gina didn't know where the Emerald Legion lived or who they were. Either way, Eduardo knew from the area officer that they were suspected to be living in a particular wealthy neighborhood. Instead of entering the gated community, he moved into a rented house two blocks from the gate. He could see all of the minds entering and exiting through the gate. It wasn’t long before his powers couldn’t probe deep into two men driving a customized navy blue Cadillac. The woman in the back seat was a different story. The Emerald Legion consisted of four men and Wilma Hemming, known to the public as Scarlet. Gunter Smiles, known as Ramus, and Harvey Quincy, known as Neutronium were in the car. James Hemming
known as Rover, was currently in their mansion. Blue Dynamo was a free agent working part time with the group, and was out of the country at the moment.

  Eduardo called the mansion knowing his phone call would be traced by Loki, the superhero group’s Super AI computer. “Good evening, I would like to speak to James Hemming or should I say Rover?”

  “Who is this?” The receptionist replied as the line was left open.

  Eduardo quickly rode his motorcycle out of the neighborhood leaving no finger prints or DNA, except for a written message using former President Nixon’s handwriting style. ‘I need your help in saving the world, but you have to find me to prove you can.’

  The ride to LAX airport on his new black Honda motorcycle turned some eyes as he stopped at a Wendy’s. A young couple sat near one of several large windows of the establishment. The man’s stained landscaping outfit fit his mood. His girlfriend was unable to help their financial situation even though she just started a new job with an insurance company. Eduardo toting a black backpack and helmet ordered his food and sat next to them.

  No sooner had he sat down when the couple gathered their trash to leave. “Aren’t you forgetting something?” Eduardo faced them as his hand fumbled with something inside his backpack.

  They stared at him for a moment thinking he was some kind of salesman or crazy guy. “Excuse me.” The man puffed up his chest in front of his girl.

  “You forgot your new bike. Here’s the paperwork and a helmet if you want it.” Eduardo extended a folder with the legal documents and a pair of keys. “Take it, you can sell it and use it while you’re waiting for people to buy it.”

  “Is this a joke?”

  “I don’t joke when it comes to helping people; and no, there is nothing illegal about this.” Eduardo left the folder and keys on the table.

  The young brunette looked at the parked racing cycle through the tinted window, and grabbed her boyfriend’s arm. “What do we have to lose?”

  The young man turned his head to her, then down at the folder. He looked through the information, taking a glimpse of Eduardo eating his quarter pounder. “It’s only a few weeks old.”

  “I’m going out of the country and don’t need it.”

  “I don’t know what to say?” The man held the keys in his hand as the woman cradled the folder.

  “Just make the best of it.” Estabon slowly ate his meal taking in the distinct flavor of lightly salted fries.

  “Thank you.” The woman said. “Yeah, thanks.” The man followed up; Eduardo smiled seeing his delayed gratitude.

  The couple left with a vehicle and the bike, Eduardo sipping his unsweetened tea as if it was time to go back to work. He finished his meal and caught a cab. He kept a lookout for any signs of being followed, but none were detected during his entire trip back to Cali, Colombia. The fly was uneventful and peaceful. It wasn’t long before Eduardo stood outside the international airport in Cali. The parking lot stretched out to the open sky. Without delay, a car pulled up and he stepped inside.

  “How did it go?” Charles, a tall and stocky middle aged man asked. Built-up calluses covered his knuckles as he drove the car away.

  Eduardo breathed in the warn air he loved so much. “Not sure, but we still have some time.”

  “Have you heard from Estabon?” Charles glanced at him, as he got on the main road away from the airport.

  “Yes, he’s doing a great job. We should have a lot of support from Japan once things hit the fan.” Eduardo replied with a straight face, thinking of the chaos the country would have to endure for the greater good. But the future was bright and good thoughts entered his mind motivating him to smile.

  Charles, an ex-SEAL, was happy to hear the good news, and excited about being part of history with Eduardo and Estabon leading the way.

  Chapter 6

   --- 

  Ramus

  Cali, Colombia, 1987

  Open windows created a wind tunnel effect through the farm style home. Eduardo sat on a recliner with a laptop on a breakfast tray. There was no pool or extravagant garden in the center patio, but the colorful red exterior designs along the roof and corner beams gave the house a rich appeal. The twelve bedroom estate was full of people, but it was very quiet as Eduardo saw Gunter’s view point; walking through a hundred meters of driveway towards the house.

  Eduardo set the laptop to the side and leaned back crossing his ankles. He watched with interest as Gunter didn’t knock on the door, but opened the main door and walked through the main entrance and living room. Two of his men watched television, but ignored him as if Gunter were invisible. Eduardo smiled as he saw Gunter enter the inner patio. “It took you longer than I expected, so what kept you?”

  Gunter’s silky black hair hung down to his collarbone. His white linen beach suit matched with the surrounding white walls and dark Maplewood framings. His crystal green eyes had a glossiness that reflected a vivid image as he scanned the patio, fixing on Eduardo. His posture was perfectly straight as he walked, as if bred from royalty specializing in ballroom etiquette. A sapphire talisman on his necklace barely showed itself under the open collar seam. “Why did you leave the message Edward?”

  “I didn’t expect the great Ramus to be so assertive. Oh, never mind, you think I’m a bad guy.”

  Ramus stood in front of Eduardo with his hands by his side. “I don’t know why I can’t look into your mind, but your men betray you. You plan on taking over the world, so explain why you’re not the bad guy?”

  “Please sit. We have a lot to talk about.” Eduardo motioned with a hand towards a recliner next to him.

  Ramus looked at the recliner and moved to a chair under the table. He pulled it out, turned it at Eduardo and sat. “I’m listening.”

  “I had a dream a long time ago and wanted to unite the world under one government or federation if you will, which will bring some peace to Earth, at least for a century, if not more. There will be no more lies and wars over ideologies, property or petty hatreds. I believe you’re a superhero who would do what’s right for everyone without intentionally killing a few to do it.”

  “So you have decided to become the ruler of the world. That’s sort of convenient in the name of righteousness.” Ramus interrupted.

  “I have an idea of what you can do, but you should look deeper and my men will be witnesses of who I am.” Eduardo placed the recliner in an upright sitting position.

  Ramus looked deep into the minds of the twenty people in the estate. “All these people worship you and your brother, but even Hitler had avid followers.”

  “I can be charming sometimes, but it’s not about my leadership skills, it’s about actions and truth. I’m taking a chance and will allow you to look into my mind and see who I am, what we’re doing and why we need your help.” Eduardo relaxed his hands on the arm rests.

  Ramus stared at him for a short while. “Oh my….” Ramus’ half open mouth said it all. “That’s a lot of information.” He leaned on the back of the seat.

  “You placed everyone into a position to work or contribute for the greater good and themselves. Wow, this is an extremely organized setup. Oh, now I understand why you need me.” Ramus raised his brows, impressed with Eduardo and Estabon’s plan for setting the world into a new era of peace and space exploration.

  “So now you know. Can you help us teach people to put an understanding into them so a nation of people can work together and not be living just for themselves? Mental therapy or education if you will. Also, can you help us guard against telepaths from stealing technology so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands?”

  “You used Scarlet’s memories to know about us.” Ramus stopped probing into Eduardo’s mind.

  “People think they have a right to do evil as long as they don’t get caught. I didn’t have the option to keep secrets from coming to me, but you know what I think about people’s rights and privacy.” Eduardo addressed what was on Ramus’ surface thoughts.

  “I
will help you right now, but Neutronium and Blue Dynamo won’t side with this course. Which is why, I won’t commit to it either. But I will teach you how to find the telepaths you need. I will also take your information and teach your men what they need to know to help your cause. You have done well in using your telepathic powers to protect yourself, but the people around you will need to have defenses. There are a handful of telepaths I know and trust who might be willing to help you.”

  “The first few years won’t be easy or pretty.” Eduardo alluded to executions of unwilling people who would continue to do evil.

  “Like I said, might be willing.” Ramus cracked his first half smile.

  “So I assume you came alone?” Eduardo stood up.

  “Scarlet came with me, she’s waiting for me down the street. I will tell her to come up to the house.” Ramus stood up facing Eduardo.

  “Sounds good; let me introduce you to everyone.” Eduardo led Ramus inside the house.

  The two men watching television instantly jumped to their feet staring at Ramus. “It’s okay guys. This is Gunter, he’s my guest.” Eduardo eased their alarm.

  “How did you get into the house?” Rick Isol asked instead of introducing himself.

  “I walked straight through, but you and Frank didn’t see or hear me because you only saw the illusion of nothing being there.” Ramus explained.

  “Okay, well that works for me. Welcome I’m Rick.” Rick smiled and shook his hand.

  “He thinks you're a vampire ninja.” Eduardo said, as Frank shook Ramus’ hand.

  “Yes, I got that.” Ramus grinned.

  “Rick, Frank, can you go get everyone, we need to have a group meeting.” Eduardo instructed as he prepared for welcoming Scarlet.

  All the men piled into the patio where Eduardo was able to introduce Ramus and Scarlet as Gunter and Wilma. Ramus transferred knowledge into the men, giving them Eduardo’s extensive martial arts skills, security and survival skills above their own. Most of the men were Soldiers who served with Eduardo or Estabon. A few were youngsters in the magistrate and stock market, but their special contribution was their telepathic abilities to read minds in a limited fashion and heavily suggest ideas into people’s minds.

 

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