by Jaime Mera
“I will do what I can for everyone here, and stay a week so your other people not here can be taught and their minds can be strengthened.” Ramus said and began one at a time, instructing and placing telepathic blocks and mental countermeasures in their minds.
Scarlet enjoyed the conversations and stayed close to Eduardo for the following five days. But the time came when Ramus’ job was done, and they parted ways. “Should be meet again in battle, I will be your ally.” Was Ramus’ parting words.
“Thank you my friend. You’re always welcome here.” Eduardo turned to Scarlet. “And so are James and the gang.”
Rick stood next to Eduardo as Ramus and Scarlet left the property. “Do you think they will come back to help us?”
“Anything is possible, but for now, we keep our aim at the ten meter target.” Eduardo turned to Rick.
“You know, it’s freaky how you and Estabon are so much alike.”
“No, he’s a little scarier.” Eduardo smiled and walked away knowing Keeter, the CIA operative said those exact words in Rick’s presence many years ago in Nam.
Estabon returned from Japan that same month, but the new information on telepaths and their ability to manipulate minds altered the plan a bit. They would have to be able to stay in control once the government was overturned. So they spent six extra months gathering the telepaths Ramus recommended and others found through better hunting methods.
Eduardo ran for President that same year, knowing every person’s ideologies in the country, through the years of traveling the country. The brothers transferred key information to the three dozen telepaths aiding them. There was no drug lord, thief, murderer, corrupt official, scammer, or crooked person hidden from them. However, corruption was actively present and the brothers used their skills to always stay ahead of any kidnapping or assassination attempt on theirs and their peoples’ lives.
The Colombian military comprised of under a quarter million men and women, but that wasn’t the problem. The problem was neutralizing a quarter million people related to the drug war and outsiders committing crimes under the table. The day of the elections, Estabon and six hundred Soldiers raided and killed three quarters of the drug lord organizations. The telepaths guided the strike forces, and children were reeducated on the spot.
By the time word got out about the murders and toppling of crime organizations, Eduardo was declared the new President of Colombia.
Chapter 7
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Did You Know
Bogota, Colombia, 1988
Speculation and accusations shot across the nation, as the military was reformed. New leadership rose overnight and the remains of organized crime was stomped out. The telepaths were given authority to judge and convict criminals not willing to truly give up their harmful ways. In light of the militaristic operations, Eduardo came on national television three days after taking office.
His usual smile was gone as he addressed the nation. “At this point in time Martial Law is enacted. Colombian military forces will maintain order. All travel out of and into the country will be terminated within seven days. Any non-citizen who wants to remain in the country will be screened and a determination will be made if they will be allowed to stay. I highly recommend any people conducting illegal activity should use this opportunity to leave without reprisal. If you had any doubts, I am claiming responsibility for the destruction of the drug empire and it will not stop there. This is no longer a democracy as you know it. A new government structure will be effective immediately. I do not hold sole authority to run the country. I am one of five council members in this new government called the Federation. A House of Representatives consisting of fifty-seven representatives covering the thirty-three provinces will be your way of addressing issues and concerns. A list of the representatives is being distributed. All prisoners will be screened for reformation, as of now all citizens and permanent residents will be screened to determine your desire to stay a citizen or go live somewhere else. In a week, reformation policies will begin and Colombia will be the safest, prosperous and strongest nation in the world. Any crimes committed from now on will be dealt with efficiently. There is no room for people to be criminals while we work together to give everyone an education, a home and a stable lifestyle. The other four council members are Diego Gonzalez, Jose Begestano, Andrez Pobles and Estabon Ramirez. I apologize for the drastic change, but this is a time to look to the future and not fear what rumors are already floating around. I will leave you with Jose Begestano to answer any questions, while I speak to country ambassadors. Thank you all for your time and attention.” Eduardo left the official press room while Jose answered questions.
To the reporters’ surprise, Jose was well versed in matters of the reformation, government structure and why it was structured in the way it was. Jose was a well respected young businessman and ex−attorney, but his fight for human rights gave him favor over the lower class regions of the country. Education and the economy were also addressed to a point. The telepaths were going to train all of the people across the nation, but Jose couldn’t tell them that, and kept referring to the schedule of when companies and technologies would be restructured. In essence the entire population of over thirty million was drafted into a military style order of battle.
The initial six months after the revolution was chaotic for international relations. Sanctions by the U.S. and surrounding countries threaten the economy, but Japan stepped in with trade contracts. The wall of impasse kept all traffic from going in and out of the country without approval by Air Force command. Any unauthorized vehicle by land, air or ground was shot at first, with questions asked last. Human trafficking and slavery was put down as one of the priorities for the telepaths. Two hundred telepaths roamed the terrain without overlapping, except for checkpoints where they collaborated information so that people would not be able to hop to other locations were a telepath already passed.
The assembly of the council members, staff, scientific experts and military commanders came at the end of the sixth month anniversary of the Federation. All of the people in the facility wore padded nylon armored suits, covering up to the top ridge of the neck. It was obvious the suits were color coded to some degree distinguishing the branches of the military. The Councilmembers wore mainly black with white and gold framing of major muscles and limbs. A person would think no one had fashion sense, but it was more about unity and the identity of a people that they represented instead of being politically correct. The teams of telepaths and armed Soldiers, known as Judges, swept the country three times, weeding out spies, serial killers and criminals bent on never turning over a new leaf. But the meeting wasn’t to discuss the telepaths’ bedside manners. It was the day new orders were given. The parliament center was not remodeled, but it was made secure from electronic surveillance. The Councilmembers occupied five seats in the center back of the room, as if they were presiding over a five judge panel in court.
“You are all wondering why we have assembled here. The educational reformation is complete. Now we can begin destroying and rebuilding everything. In front of you is a digital complement of all of the files you need to perform your list of duties. The names of the scientists and specialists are on your list of supervisors. Commanders, you will manage the phases of demolition and construction of the military assets.” Eduardo pointed at a third of the commanders to his left of the room.
Estabon pointed at another third of the commanders and scientists. “My commanders will focus on country reconstruction and expanding around the mountain fortifications. We are looking at the worst case scenario, so once war breaks out, the non-combatant population will need to have access into the fortifications with little to no notice. All homes will be self sustaining without a need for city support except for waste disposal. We will use the added power plants and factories to furnish the needs of the cities and military assets. As you can tell a lot of this technology is complicated and some untested. Please go to your city file and
open it up.”
Four-hundred commanders opened up their city files on their new tablets. Complete schematics of each assigned city opened up. An architectural marvel of hundreds of thousands of buildings, homes, recreation centers, factories, transportation and bunker networks. “Barring a natural disaster, we have three years to construct these structures and get everyone into a permanent home. Diego.” Estabon passed it over to Diego Gonzalez.
Diego was the shortest and eldest of the five men; at least in appearance. In his mid fifties, Diego was a known politician, being the previous Secretary of Transportation, he directed his units to what they would be doing. “Commanders with the red dragon icon. Please open up your file under comms. As you know, there will be no paper transmissions, and our communications need to be able to handle point to point messaging, video and data sharing. Our laser communication nodes will not be operational for another ten months, in the meantime, our priority is to the space fleet. The rest of the commanders will lead the construction of the launch sites and ships themselves.” Diego’s deep voice carried well in the large auditorium size center.
Eduardo spoke. “Those commanders with an eagle are assigned to me. You will lead our counterintelligence and infiltration operations. Your role in keeping our actions secret from the world is critical to our success. At the same time we need eyes on the world, to include the influx of superhumans everywhere. Now take some time to look over the information. We will break and reconvene in two hours. Hold your questions until then.” Eduardo stood up, motioning one of his aides to approach.
Estabon and Eduardo walked around down to the main floor. Bret, one of many telepaths, walked up with Ramus.
“I’m sorry for the long wait at the airport.” Eduardo said as he shook Ramus’ hand and lightly grabbed his arm. “And I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you…” His eyes were saddened; however his friendly smile showed hope. “But it’s not the end. It’s just the beginning.” He cheered up. His long smooth black hair was kept well draped over his back. Victorian engraved designs extended through the lapels of his linen dark green Gothic fashion trench coat. Silver cufflinks and small buttons along the waist compliment his silky off white scarf extending down to his knees. His dark cloth knee high boots resembled a 17th century hunter’s apparel; except without blemishes.
“It’s good to meet you in person.” Estabon approached introducing himself with a similar handshake.
“You too, James.” Eduardo turned to Ramus’ side.
A slender man in a light tan leather jacket and jeans materialized out of thin air next to Ramus.
Ramus smiled. “I was about to say your security could be improved, but you saw through my illusions this time.”
“Welcome, and sorry about Harvey.” Estabon said as he shook James’ hand.
“Yes, the world will miss him.” James replied, thinking of Neutronium’s passing. His dirty brown curly hair and attire depicted the average skateboarder taking a vacation to check out new sites of adventure.
“Well, we could always use help, if you’re offering?” Eduardo looked at both men.
“What’s with the armored suits?” Ramus looked at the council members and audience.
“We already had one CIA assassination attempt and a sniper attack from a drug lord. But that was in the first two weeks; now it’s just habitual protection.” Eduardo casually stated.
“I’m impressed with the progress and yes we’re here to help.” Ramus came to the point.
“Oh, you haven’t seen anything yet.” Estabon grinned as he gave the two men, their personal electronic tablets.
“You can escort Wilma inside.” Eduardo instructed as Bret nodded and rapidly walked away to escort her inside the room.
“Boy, you guys are decades ahead of the world already.” James eyed the tablet and its contents.
“There’s actually one area we could definitely use help in. We took a lot of technology and combined our efforts to make new technology. But to keep ahead of everyone, we need spies to monitor technological progress and other things.” Eduardo stated.
Ramus breathed in deeply and turned towards the two brothers and Diego who came to join them. “You know, I never asked you, why you trust us so much knowing you’re asking me to spy on my own country so the government can be overthrown?”
“You know I love the US as much as I love Colombia. But it’s not about an allegiance to a country or a people. It’s about giving everyone a fresh start at life without politics, hatred, fear or lack of opportunity to get in the way. But that’s not my reason to trust you. We trust you because you are and will always be a hero who does the right thing.” Eduardo stated more for James’ benefit, having let Ramus see his thoughts and memories in the past of what he envisioned for the future of all nations around the world.
“Are we going to talk psychology all day or start improving the country?” Diego asked.
“I agree with Councilmember Gonzalez. But I have a question. Do you guys have an extra one of these touch screen things for Wilma?” James formally addressed Diego by his title.
“Of course we do.” Estabon handed him his tablet.
“Ever since you got on the plane in LAX.” Eduardo smiled.
The three visitors were treated as members of the Federation, being they were there to stay. The Emerald Legion became inactive after Neutronium’s death and Blue Dynamo’s disappearance. Ramus led the push to join Eduardo fully knowing they couldn’t go back to the United States once their hand was dealt.
James’ expertise with satellite communications helped Diego in his efforts to establish and maintain secure communications. Wilma’s counter espionage knowledge and Ramus’ telepathic powers and illusions gave Eduardo exactly what they needed to train their telepaths and improve counter infiltration operations into the country.
Two years passed with great progress as the superhero group Energy, Fire and Light rose in fame, fighting for justice around the world. Superhumans were being given legal and moral support to be law enforcers. The few god−like beings made it clear that their existence kept the world safe from evil powers and anarchy. Most world leaders had little choice but to negotiate superhuman intentions and ally with the most powerful to keep super villains in check.
The inside of a newly constructed and operational starship bridge was the backdrop of a conference call among the Councilmembers concerning the superheroes. Eduardo sat in the Captain’s chair with Ramus in the navigation officer’s seat; right-front of Eduardo. The bridge layout was roomy to include the ceiling, with an emphasis on making the living area extremely functional and practical for long voyages in space.
“Councilmen, I have been speaking with Ramus about EFL. Everything we have accomplished to this point maybe at risk with the superhero group, EFL, so we need to come into agreement on what to do about them.” Eduardo stated while watching four screens of the Councilmembers connected side by side across his front.
“All we need to do is get Quatris or Hellfire to side with us, or at very least be neutral.” Andrez Pobles stated. His very dark complexion and high and tight fade hairstyle gave him a striking Jamie Foxx look.
“I think we need more than neutrality. With EFL on our side, they can counter any superhumans who would go against us in the long run.” Estabon stated.
“Quatris has energy projection powers I think no one really knows the limit to. If they wanted to destroy all life on Earth a long time ago, they could have. But even though they don’t really get in the middle of political issues, they do take sides if they think they are doing it for humanity. So, what’s going to keep them from destroying our military once they find out we have the strongest military in the world and plan on using it?” Diego asked.
“The truth is on our side, and if you haven’t noticed, the only side they take is their own sense of justice. But this might be an issue if we start killing people without a just reason.” Jose Begestano, the youngest of the Councilmembers stated.
“Regardless of how you approach this, you will need an answer from Quatris and Hellfire if they will let you conquer other countries or stop you.” Ramus interjected.
“If we lie to them, it won’t go well, so unless anyone else has a better idea, I say we send them an invitation for a meeting and let them in on our plan?” Eduardo said.
“And how do we invite them without the world knowing?” Andrez asked.
“I will go pay SIA a visit and find out where they are.” Ramus volunteered.
“We could contact their Super AI, but that will alert too many people that we have that capability.” Eduardo added.
After some thought, each Councilmember approved the invitation by Ramus.
Eduardo turned his chair in Ramus’ direction when the meeting was over. “Ramus, can we speak alone.”
“Is that possible?” Ramus mentally joked.
“No, not really.” Estabon said in the two way plus one mental communication.
“That’s not entirely true, but I am letting us three talk.” Eduardo said as he sat on the Captain’s chair simultaneously monitoring the reports on the space fleet and ground particle beam accelerator silos.
“Okay you have our attention.” Estabon and Ramus said in unison.
Eduardo smiled. “Once we get a good feel as to what Quatris and Hellfire will do, we still need updated information on naval and air force contingencies and intentions once we start our attack to the south. It will take too long to separately get information, especially with SIA telepaths guarding the President and other officials. But there is a way.”