I stumped my feet and threw a fist full of sand. I threw more and more sand till I lost my balance and fell. I sat on my arse as I struggled to hold my tears. “What do you mean, Ben won’t come! It’s going to be my big day!”
“My little cub, please calm down,” Pappa crouched next to me and grabbed me by my shoulders as he pulled me towards him. I wanted to escape and kick more sand but Pappa’s gentle, yet firm grip stopped me from doing so. Eventually, I calmed down and slumped against his chest. And just like a dam has been broken, I’ve burst into tears. I was glad Edward and Frank weren’t here. I must’ve looked so pathetic.
I had no concept of time as I endlessly emptied my tears. I croaked, “Why’s he not coming?”
Pappa shot me his rictus smile as he desperately beckoned someone over. Mamma came running and sat next to me. Her hands firmly clasped to mine. “Your brother... He’s assigned elsewhere outside of the country. Your father and I tried to radio him, but it was all static. We tried to send a telegram and a courier to contact him. It was all useless. Even our dear friends in the military didn’t have a chance. Not being able to celebrate his thirteenth birthday was painful,” She sighed and increased her grip gently, “I know how frustrating this is but know this, we tried as much as we could. And if Ben knew, he’d be running here to support you – damn his orders. I’m sure he’ll be proud of you.”
I knew all that. But knowing doesn’t rationalise the fact I haven’t seen him in under two years! My shuddering breath started to dissipate as I wiped the last vestigial of tears from my cheeks. I focused on what Mamma said and couldn’t help but pray that Ben would be all right.
He must be involved in something so great that necessitates a mire of secrecy. I shelved it at the back of my head and breathed as forcefully as I could. I stood up which surprised my parents, “He could be a hero, for all I know! Outside of the country, bringing prosperity and civilisation to savages! I cannot afford to be beaten by him!”
As much as I calmed down, truthfully, I was still drowning in helplessness. Helplessness that I wasn’t able to contact Ben. The helplessness that my parents, despite their wide range of connections, still couldn’t find him. I loathed being helpless. I loathed being powerless. I loathed being weak. I couldn’t afford to rest on my laurels, forever pleased with my reward. One day, I’m going to be so dependable, influential and powerful! I’ll be so high up in the Government, perhaps a President, that I could summon Ben with a flick of my hand! Ha! I can’t wait to rub it in his face. But one step at a time.
“That’s the spirit, son! Let’s get you suited up. Liane, you’re up.”
Mamma whistled and an army of tailors came out of nowhere and dragged me to my house and towards my dressing room.
As soon as I entered, the musk of newly threaded cotton assaulted my nose. It all emanated from the vast array of suits hanging from the walls. I was herded in front of our ancient golden-trimmed mirror and measured with precise and deft hands. And just like that, the tailors parted dozens of suits and zoned on a few that had my exact measurements.
I chose to wear a navy blue suit complemented with a waistcoat. I picked up a beige tie and I had to wave my hands to shoo one of the tailors away. I appreciate their help, but I could do my own ties, thank you very much! The tailors formed a circle around me with looks of bemusement as if expecting I would fail. Instead, I proved them wrong as I tied a perfect Windsor knot. I ignored the looks of awe and shock as I exited the dressing room.
To this day I still struggle to walk on the gravelled ground of our courtyard. I spied Mamma in a red dress fussing with our driver. “Thank you for preparing the automobile. Can you pick us up here?” She then heaved a sigh, “And, Alfred, make sure to tell my husband to hurry up! He’s always late.”
“Will do, my lady.”
Mamma saw me walking and rushed to me and said, “What is this?! Why’s your head still a mess?”
I tilted my head to the side, “What do you mean? My hair has always looked like this.”
“You’re just like your father.” She opened her purse and pulled out a glass bottle. She slathered her hands with some fluid and parted and pulled my black hair back. “Much better. The tailors, that I’ve hired, should’ve applied some hair gel on you.”
“I’m afraid, that’s entirely my fault, Mamma. So, please don’t blame them. As soon as I was dressed, I came here just like you’ve instructed.”
“Never mind. You’re not like your father. You’ve got my punctuality.” She looked proud as she pinched my cheeks.
Alfred came out of the corner with the family’s black automobile with Pappa already sat in the front seat. “Aha! Liane, you’re late.” I respected that. My father is a brave man. Brave, but stupid.
With unexpected restrain, Mamma, grit her teeth and carried me to the back seat. We fastened our seatbelt and nervously looked at my mother. “You don’t have to be scared of me, my boy. It’s your father that has vexed me so.”
“At least I wasn’t late this time! In fact, I beat you. So, take that.”
The two continued to argue whilst Alfred focused ahead. I looked outside the window and saw fields and fields of golden wheat being grown across the horizons. Hills that normally would’ve been too dry and rocky were planted. It was nearly autumn, and soon all of this would be scythed down by combine harvesters. I took time to savour the view. I did this. I created the fertiliser that made all of this possible. Starvation would become a thing of the past within the Republic. The Two-Headed Bear will never starve! And that’s all thanks to me and the brilliant people who helped me along the way – including the Old Hag, as much as I wanted to deny it.
I continued to look at how the landscape changed from lush verdant green to inhospitable desert sand. Likely caused by the GECK remodelling the aquifers leading to fertile soil. I spied some farmers creating an irrigation ditch towards the sand. They smothered the sand with some soil and blue powder. That’s my fertiliser! Well, the ones the School of Agricultural Science helped me develop. They called it NPK – a healthy mixture of nitrogen, potassium and sodium nitrates that studies have shown, leads to greater yields.
Now, my ‘employees’ are innovating by developing calcium nitrates to combat acidic soil. With the greater returns from the sales, I was able to completely fund several research projects – of courses, all relating to my fertilisers. I was confident they won’t disappoint.
My musings stopped as I saw the sign at the side of the highway, welcoming us into Shady Sands. Several soldiers manning the checkpoints recognised us and raised the steel blockade. Pappa saluted them and they saluted back. I didn’t know Pappa served in the Armed Forces and my curiosity burnt within me, so I asked.
“I was more like a logistics contractor. After a few years working for the Crimson Caravan, I was able to save up money and make my own freighter company. I was lucky at the time; Tandi wrote several anti-trust laws which protected me from being outcompeted and threatened by the Crimson Caravan. And it turns out the Army needed a lot of provisions. And I was at the right place, at the right time. Giving our boys and girls chocolates and fighting alongside them has done well for my reputation.
“That’s how I was able to afford all this!” He boasted.
Mamma coughed and my father immediately double-backed. He hummed and struggled with what to say. “I couldn’t have done it without your mother. Liane is my partner in all of this. An accountant, lawyer and regulatory consultant all in one! I couldn’t ask for more.”
This seemed to have ameliorated Mother as she blushed.
Brick buildings, several stories high, passed by in a blur as huge crowds of people wandered the wide streets of Shady Sands. I could hear muffled shouting from the dozens of stalls, shops, and vendors. “Miracle blue powder! For sale! Able to grow crops from your roofs and garden!” I heard something that completely caught my attention.
Mamma saw me and grinned. “Rooftop farming is becoming popular. More exposure to light helps plants grow, I suppose. And my boy invented something that increases the fertility of the soil. I was able to expand ‘Frederik Chemicals’ here in Shady Sands by advertising that.”
Ah, yes. Frederik Chemicals. Simple and expansive. I didn’t want my company to only make farming materials. But that’s for future me to think about.
I saw the Congress complex coming up as Alfred gave the Presidential telegram to the guards, who then meticulously checked our automobile. Finding nothing, they signalled us to advance towards the entrance. More guards directed Alfred around the fountain, serving as a roundabout, and parked us in front of the Hall of Congress.
I jumped out of the car with a gleam in my eyes. When I’m older, maybe I’ll become a congressman. Again, that’s for a future me to think about.
Adjusting my tie, I walked up to the oak door passing by statues of Aradesh – The Father of the Republic, Ian the Bold and the Venerable Vault Dweller. Three heroes who built the foundations of the NCR.
The marble pillars with the liberal use of electric lights spoke of the opulence and prosperity of the Republic. I was stopped from admiring further by a man in a grey tailcoat. “Mr Leon Frederik and family?” He addressed my father.
“Not me. Leon’s my son.” Pappa said proudly.
The Ceremony Conductor’s eyes grew as wide as our porcelain plates, making me chuckle. “We do look alike, sir. In looks and in height. So, I’ll forgive you,” I joked as Pappa lightly elbowed me.
This greatly alleviated the tension as the conductor and Mamma laughed. After the lull, the conductor wasted no time positioning us in front of, yet another large oak door.
“Ready?” He asked and I nodded. He knocked lightly then the door was swung open by soldiers in dress uniforms. “Presenting Leon Frederik and his parents!” The Conductor yelled whilst urging us to go and follow the red carpet.
My heart skipped a beat, yet I took a step and was met with thunderous applause. Congressmen and women with spectators above greeted me with cheer. They didn’t seem confused that I was nine, nearly ten, years old like the Conductor.
I waved towards the crowd whilst smiling – just like what Mamma told me. The crowds of politicians loved it, making the dozen or so rehearsals Mamma forced me into; pay off.
Approaching the lectern, I saw an elderly lady struggle to stand. She took a while to straighten her posture but as soon as she was done, the atmosphere around her suddenly changed from weakness to stern authority. She gave me a kind smile through her grey hair and ‘helped’ me take the last step towards the podium.
I bowed and then shook her hands and solemnly said, “Madame President, it is an honour to meet you.” Flashes of light momentarily blinded me.
“During my fifty years of running the NCR, I could never get used to being photographed.” I stood stunned and unable to speak. “Oh, please don’t mind my manners,” the elderly stateswoman reached for a handshake to which I eagerly returned. “Good job, Mr Frederik, your achievement will echo throughout the Republic. No child will grow hungry thanks to your miracle powder. Well done.”
She led me to a lectern conveniently shortened to my height. I stood like a statue waiting for her to make the opening speech, yet the President gently nudged me onwards. “This is your big day, Mr Frederik. Don’t let this old woman steal your glory.” She smiled at me melting away any lingering apprehension and anxiety. I felt stronger under her presence, dismissing the nonsense proverb to ‘never meet your heroes’ - or more like heroine, in this case.
I cleared my throat, straightened my back and relaxed my shoulders as the flashes of photographs and murmuring slowly died out. I surveyed the crowd one last time, hoping for snaps of memory from my dreams and assist me in this dreadful task – public speaking!
“My fellow Californians,
“Before I address you, please let me thank the people who helped me in this endeavour. Thank you, Mamma, Pappa for giving me a roof over my head and food on the table. For encouraging me in my studies and for pushing me forward. I couldn’t have done all this without your love and patience.”
The crowd clapped and cheered as I kept smiling. Yet my focus was entirely on my parents. Mamma held her arms in a hug whereas Pappa gave me a thumbs up. I imagined Ben hollering and jumping up in the air. I bit my lips.
“Thank you, Boneyard University, for having faith in me. I am grateful for your help. Grateful for your talented scientists, adept technicians and engineers. The help - Adam Farkas and Alicent McLafferty has greatly accelerated this project. Something that would’ve taken a decade reduced to under a year!” I tempted to blank the Old Hag, but I couldn’t. Her expertise helped me convert the ammonia into several nitrates.
“Lastly, I thank my mentor, my supporter and my friend, Edward Sallow.” The blonde teenager looked like an unmovable rock as several students and a few politicians congratulated and patted his back. “He was with me from day one. Always willing to help. His experiments made a breakthrough, increasing the manufacturing output fertilisers. Without him, the miracle powder wouldn’t have been so widespread and enjoyed by many fellow Californians!
“I thank you all for your help! Through your diligence, hard work and indomitable spirit we’ve succeeded! We’ve helped tame the hostile soil of the Wasteland! With this powder, let millions of flowers bloom!”
I finished satisfied as the crowd yelled once again. I bowed and then looked behind. My eyes bulged and the sheer surprise made me cover my mouth. There, stood the President holding a golden necklace, with chains interspersed with diamonds, connected to a medal. The Golden Branch lay in front of me and spied how similar it looked to wood, artistically moulded into a lemniscate – symbolising my eternal achievement and gift upon the Republic.
“Excellent speech, Mr Leon. You spoke with greater eloquence than most in this room.” I bowed my head allowing the President to honour me by wrapping the necklace around my shoulders. I was a bit embarrassed how the lemniscate medal nearly reached my hips. “Don’t you worry. You’ll grow into it.” She winked and grinned at me as she read me like an open book.
I knew this was my opportunity and took it, “Madame President, please can you hear me out later?”
I smiled and faced the cameras. Occasionally waving at the crowd whilst desperately waiting for her response. Yet all she did was nod and say, “In the Oval Office. There'll be a feast after this, but I’m interested in what you’ll say, please don’t disappoint me, Leon.” She said my first name! I can’t believe it!
I stayed in the Hall of Congress for an hour, schmoozing with dozens of politicians; feeling accomplished as I glided across their flattery and praises. I grew bored of it and came to my friends.
“Great job, kid. You’re going places higher than most.” I was shocked when I heard a voice I didn’t expect. “Surprise to see me, kid?”
The scarred man fist-bumped me. “Frank! What are you doing here? I thought you didn’t want to go?”
“Trust me. Being here is very uncomfortable,” He briefly looked around and shifted his body, carefully positioning his cowboy hat for greater coverage. “But I wanted to congratulate you personally.”
I felt touched but I had to ask something, “You’re not invited, how the hell did you go through security?”
“I invited myself in.” I felt my lips quivering as I held my disappointment. That answer only spawned more questions in my head. He tried to mess up my gelled hair, yet it held firm.
“Well, I must go. See you later. Your Pa insisted on paying to bodyguard you. I’m not sure if that’s love or pride, maybe both?” Just like that he blended with the crowd and disappeared.
As I exited the Hall of Congress, I was stopped by three men in black suits. “Leon Frederik, we are here to escort you to the President. Please follow us.” Their strides were longer than mine causing me to lightly jog after them. By the time I was in front of the Oval Office, I would’ve been breathless and exhausted but thanks to Frank’s exercise regime I was able to swiftly recover. After all, I couldn’t be tired and unseemly in front of the Mother of the Nation.
Tandi gestured for me to have a seat and gave me a quizzical look. “Ah! Leon, I promised to hear you out. So, here I am. What did you want to talk about.”
“Y-yes, Madame President, I wanted to ask why you’ve ordered the arrest of former Enclave personnel.” I decided to be blunt and direct hoping she wouldn’t be too offended. I was banking on my achievement and reward to see me through this.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
She clasped her hands together and said, “Interesting. Why do you want to know?”
“Respectfully, Ma’am, I’ve asked you a question first, please answer it first.” What am I doing!? I felt possessed like I was in my dream! But I still felt in control causing me to double-check. Yes, this is definitely not one of my otherworldly dreams.
I expected her to call for those men in black suits to kick me out. But not in my wildest imaginations did I comprehend Tandi laughing at her own expense. As soon as she calmed down, she said, “Lad, are you sure you’re ten?” I felt like that was a rhetorical question, so I held my tongue and refrained from correcting her. “I can see why you’ve made a spectacular discovery. Intelligent yet humble, gentle yet firm and resourceful yet principled. You would make a good president one day.” Of course! I plan to!
“To answer your question, are you fully aware of the scale the Enclave was willing to do for their view of a perfect America?”
“I heard they were monsters that tried to exterminate all of us, but I dismissed it as propaganda.”
She smiled once more. “Very wise of you. Unfortunately, that propaganda is true. Their sick scientists made a toxic poison. A strain of the FEV, designed to be airborne. Once breathed in, it attacked the lungs causing blood to pool inside. Essentially drowning their victims in their own blood. And those are the lucky ones, dying within ten minutes. Some unfortunate souls in Arroyo convulsed in pain for nearly fifteen hours. Those enemies of humanity called it Curling-13.”
I was growing paler by the minute and continued listening with rapt attention. “They regarded us as the lesser that deserved to be wiped out simply because we existed. Perhaps they may have seen the democracy and civilisation we built, as a threat and proceeded to plot to destroy us. But make no mistake, Curling-13 is indiscriminate. Smarter people modelled that it could wipe humanity out within a year.”
This was unbelievable! I wanted to say how outlandish this was, but I didn’t want to interrupt her. Something in my face must’ve signalled to Tandi about my sheer incredulity. "I know that look. Trust me. I was in the exact same scenario as you were, a few years ago. When the Chosen One visited me and warned me about the threat of this virus, I too was sceptical.”
She took a sip of water. “Oh, I still rallied the Republic to destroy them. Their xenophobia and uncompromising foreign diplomacy were troublesome. They were a future threat that had to be contained. I willingly allowed the Chosen One to speak to the media and when pressed for a confirmation of his claims, I backed it to the hilt. I lied so I could get Congress to sign me a declaration of war. It worked. Thousands were mobilised to destroy the Enclave. Now, the NCR is the strongest faction in the Wasteland.”
“That’s why you ordered Alex to give the people of Camp Navarro a lenient conditional surrender!” I stupidly shouted out loud without thinking. Curse it all! I shouldn’t have said anything. I was too excited to, finally, solve this puzzle.
“Now, how do you know that?” She shook her head, immediately dismissing her question to my relief. “Alex? Ah! You mean General Alexander Drummond. I'm not surprised, he is good friends with your father. Now where was I? After reading about the experiments from looted terminals, I was horrified. The Chosen One was not exaggerating or lying! They had to be punished. There was no other way.”
“But you’ve reneged on your promise! Think of the repercussions of this. No one’s going to surrender to the NCR. They may choose to fight to the bitter end.”
“We’re the strongest, most militarised, most organised and most populated faction in the Wasteland. Thanks to you, our population may grow at a faster rate. Nothing can stop us.”
I really wanted to believe her! However, there was a gap in her logic that I couldn’t resist widening further. “If we were so strong, then why haven’t you called for demobilisation? Why are you procuring war materiel like never before?”
“We cannot grow lax, we must keep calm and carry on building our strength. Our enemies might wisen up and the Bear must be ready to face them.” Her face didn’t change. No twitching, no grinding of the teeth, no indications of lies.
I must admit, she was good. She was clearly lying but did well by burying it in piles of truth. I pushed my luck trying to dismantle her narrative, so I said, “By imprisoning hundreds of scientists that could help us advance our technological growth? Arresting them, some might interpret that as shooting the Bear in the foot.”
“You don’t understand, Leon. Do not underestimate the indomitable spirit of our citizens to innovate and discover. I have you as proof that you don’t need to be a genocidal researcher to achieve technological growth. Sometimes strength lies on morality, and reading those experiments boiled my blood that I couldn’t help but let Justice trample them.”
I smirked. I’ve got you now Madame President! “Your blood boiled so hard that you’ve waited three years, to bring justice to former Enclave personnel.” Camp Navarro was taken in the summer of 2242. I remember General ‘Drummond’ thanking a higher power that the camp was lightly garrisoned.
She sighed, “You really don’t disappoint, do you boy? You got me. I didn’t want to arrest them. Neither did anyone in my Cabinet,” Tandi confessed.
“Then why did you do it?”
“It’s a long story. I enjoy talking to you, so I may as tell you. You’re a smart lad, I know you won’t tell anyone else because what I’m going to tell you will endanger your brother.”
I gripped the bottom of my seat excited for this mystery to unravel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interlude – Tandi I
Tandi’s eyes opened as she looked at her arms. Nearly a hundred years took a toll on her, where once it was unblemished and smoothed now lay a skin bitterly withered and wrinkled. She noticed splotches of brown and black discolouration that her doctors confirmed to be melanoma. She was no longer concerned as surgeons and skilled doctors populated her Republic.
If the New California Republic failed to exist, she would have died from skin cancer thirty years ago perhaps sooner, as the cancerous cells of melanoma metastasised to other parts of her body. But now her surgeons removed it with professional precision. As her doctors joked ‘as easy as whacking a mole’. She didn’t know what a mole was and upon further questioning, she learnt it was an arcade machine popular with children. How she felt envy. She wished she had that back when she was young.
Suddenly the atmosphere changed, and she saw the clock in the wall spinning and the lampshade near her blinked in and out of existence. Her once wrinkled skin rejuvenated. Her age reversed and felt a pang of nostalgia as she looked at herself in a mirror. What a miracle! Perhaps with this, I can live a little longer to see my country through. Oh, and finally watch Hoss become the man I want him to be. She didn’t allow herself to feel disappointed in her only son. It was her fault she was always too busy to see through matters of state instead of raising her son. With impeccable timing, a bulky man came into view. She smiled.
“Mother, I’m going to get something to eat at Dusty’s. You want anything?” Her son asked, completely ignoring Tandi’s youth.
“Hmm, can you give me a brahmin burger,” she said as she pulled out a twenty dollar note. “Keep the extra change. Treat yourself, Hoss.” He took the money then a flash of red burst through the windows and vapourised half his head.
Remnants of skull fragments and brain matter littered the floor and coloured half of Tandi’s face. She sat, unable to process what just happened. Her breath slackened as she felt her heart trying to burst from her chest. She felt her lungs collapsing as she tried to reach and clasp unto the air – Air! I need air! Someone, please help! She sobbed.
Discordant cracks became ever frequent and louder until several people, some dressed in khaki battle uniforms, and some wearing black suits, barged into her room and helped her on her feet.
“The President is secure!” One of her Secret Service in black attire shouted into his portable radio. “Prepare Bear Force One for departure! You there!” The man in black yelled at a soldier, “Tell your commanding officer to redirect some of his forces to Vault 15!”
“But we’re busy defending Shady Sands!”
“There’s no time to argue, soldier! The safety of the President is of the utmost importance! Quickly now!”
Tandi was carried to the rooftop of the Presidential Mansion. The vertibird emblazoned with the two-headed bear landed prompting her Secret Service to shove her into the back. “The President is inside Bear Force One! Enroute to Vault 15!”
She felt empty. As if her soul was drying. As if she was dying. She looked outside the window and saw plumes of smoke accompanied by buildings collapsing. Several mushroom clouds scattered across Shady Sands.
Then the world slowed as she saw the same red blast that eviscerated her son coming straight for her. The pilot manoeuvred the vertibird to dodge but was partially successful as it hit the rotary blades instead.
The world was spinning as she desperately grasped her seatbelt. A few minutes felt forever as they descended down. It finally came as a relief as the spinning ended, replaced by a heavy thud. Thunderous ringing stunned Tandi as she clung to her head, nursing it, hoping to stave off her nausea. It was futile as Tandi vomited.
More gunfire rang out. More of her boys and girls in brown and black were cut down by an endless rain of lasers. Sulphur from vapourised flesh assaulted her nose. She retched.
Through the haze of heat, smog and death, Tandi saw a dozen power-armoured soldiers marching toward her. Their armour proudly showing a sword with three cogs on top of open wings. They pointed their laser rifles preparing to shoot her and said, “Ad Victoriam.”
Tandi jerked from her bed, gasping for air. Sweat dripped down her forehead as she struggled to drink a glass of water. Her hands constantly shook from fear. A couple more deep breaths and Tandi, with renewed vigour, stood up and got ready for the rest of the day.
It was an important day. A deadline for Jeremy Maxson’s ultimatum.
She got out of her room and gave the mansion servants a bright smile with occasional nods. She got breakfast with Hoss. Her son was confused by how unusually doting Tandi was. Then she walked to the Hall of Congress where her Oval Office was at. She nodded and greeted as many citizens as she could. Everything was normal. Despite the ultimatum, it was a normal day. It had to be normal. There was no other way.
As soon as she arrived at the Oval Office, she ordered her Cabinet to attend her. The first to arrive was a woman, many times younger than her, who looked shell-shocked. “I hope you didn’t come to my office looking like that, Joanna,” Tandi couldn’t resist telling a joke. Joanna Tibett was her right-hand woman. The Vice President of the New California Republic. Loyal, with high integrity and competence, she helped her enact vast and minor changes across the country.
Joanna composed herself and responded, “You told us to act like it was normal. I look like this, all the time. Especially, with the amount of work your delegating to me.”
“Well, delegate it to someone else.”
“The new traffic rules we’re implementing won’t be popular. I have to schedule interviews and answer the public’s questions myself. This law must succeed or more kids will get run over by automobiles! I can’t just pawn it off to someone else.”
“Fair enough. So, please pick a seat.” Automobile manufactories were blooming across the Republic. Junktown, Necropolis and Dayglow benefited from Tandi’s stimulus package and tax cuts, leading to more and more autos being produced. Becoming cheaper and cheaper. She felt a surge of pride that many of her citizens had enough wealth to purchase them. However, with many autos on the street; accidents were bound to happen, and laws needed enacting to mitigate or prevent those accidents from happening in the first place.
Tandi and Joanna carried on briefing each other with work as other members of her Cabinet slowly streamed through. From, the ever-frowning Director of the Office for Science and Industry to the smiling Minister for Agriculture. Then the Ministers for Commerce, Foreign Diplomacy, Interior Security, Infrastructure and Transport, Treasury and then the Attorney General came in. They all waited for one more person. Tandi began to tap her fingers on her table with repressed annoyance. The last one missing was the most important – The Minister for Defence!
“My apologies everyone!” A man barged into her office, unable to stop his laboured breathing. “Before we talk about THAT, please allow me to start this meeting with something positive!” He put his arms around the shoulders of the Minister for Agriculture and started shaking, “Romesh! You probably know this more than me, but someone has figured out how to make fertilisers from thin air! Their making factories across the Boneyard and shipping it to hundreds of farmers! And it's working!”
“Wendell! Stop shaking me!” Romesh yelled then his eyes started growing with barely restrained elation, “Wha-What?! This is very good news but, Peter, why wasn’t I informed of this,” He shot the Director of OSI a questioning glance.
“This wasn’t us.” Peter frowned, “The OSI has many theories of turning ammonia from air, but we’ve never cracked it, yet. And this is the first I’ve heard of this. Who told you, Wendell?”
“My brother. He’s currently guarding a scientist from Boneyard University. The same scientist that invented this! Think of the implications! More food, more people! We can afford to drown the Steel Plague with our numbers alone!” The ‘Steel Plague’... An apt and accurate description of them, Tandi thought.
Tandi fidgeted and struggled to comprehend sending thousands to their deaths. “You’re forgetting something. This will take time,” Tandi said hoping the inevitable war with the Brotherhood of Steel will come after her body is buried six feet deep. “Give that scientist the Golden Branch. Romesh, speak with Mary and her Treasury aides, to provide a tax break for companies producing this fertiliser.
“And Wendell?” Tandi addressed her defence minister, “How many companies did this scientist sell his patents to?”
“Just one. A new company too. I think it’s called Frederik Chemicals.”
Tandi’s heart shook with worry. The thought of one company monopolising this fertiliser was a major concern and needed to be nipped in the bud. Tandi beckoned her Attorney General, “Pierre, I want you to review our anti-trust laws regarding patent distribution.”
“No need, Ma’am. I know it off by heart. The patent is not owned by the company, rather it is owned by the individual who invented it and submitted it to the Trademark Office. We can appeal to this person’s patriotism and gratitude,” Pierre paused and licked his lips, an act that always disgusted Tandi. “Gratitude for giving them the Golden Branch. Of course, this scientist deserves it, and the reward is non-conditional, but they don’t know that. We’ll have to persuade him to give the patents to several companies. It’s probably in their best interest given the royalty fee they can levy.”
Tandi was tempted. She never flinched away from deception and manipulations to further the interest of the Republic. “We’ll arrange a feast after the ceremony. I’ll see what I can do.” Tandi said confidently. “Teddy, search into this scientist. I want everything about him in a dossier, as soon as possible, please.” She instructed the Minister for Interior Security.”
“It will be done, Ma’am,” Teddy said.
Might as well make this a solid precedent for my successors – any resources that are critical to the interest of the country, do your best to spread the manufacture of said resource. Monopolies lead to unfair competition and therefore higher prices which is harmful to a vibrant free market. Tandi internally sighed and lamented the lost opportunities against the Gun Runners. They were old and predated the NCR with too much influence and power that Tandi struggled to counter. At least she prevailed against the brahmin barons, but she was lucky Roger Westin – the illustrious leader of the Stockmen’s Association and the agricultural lobby, is a moral and just man.
“Right! Thank you, Wendell, for giving us this news. However, this doesn’t excuse your tardiness,” She scowled at Wendell, forcing the man to sheepishly nod down. “We’ve got an hour before the emissary from Elder Jeremy Maxson, to arrive. They’re probably coming with a significant vertibird assault team.”
“A great tactic for intimidation and gun-boat diplomacy, I must admit,” The Minister for Foreign Diplomacy said with derision. “Just to summarise the ultimatum, it instructs the New Californian Republic to hand over: Enclave power armours, energy weapons, vertibirds – they were kind enough to discount Bear Force One and other advanced blueprints. They also want to kill former Enclave researchers and military personnel.” She cleared her throat as she struggled to hold her indignation. “Also, to provide information on the location of the Chosen One. To give them the permission to ‘eliminate’ him.”
“Thank you, Elise, for the summary. Have you done what I asked you to?”
“Yes, Ma’am. The Office for Foreign Diplomacy has reached out to the media about the Steel Plague’s upcoming visit. We’ve told them we’re seeking closer ties with the Brotherhood of Steel and that they’re coming to Shady Sands to ratify our alliance. I told them they’ll be coming with a large retinue, and many will come out to see this. Many will see the Steel Plague as an ally and celebrate, as they march into our country as if they own the place,” Elise said.
Peter frowned some more, his teeth grinding, and eyes razor thin, “I don’t get the need for all this secrecy. Can’t we just be honest and galvanise our population to kill them? It’ll make it easier for the inevitable war in the future. I assure you, the OSI will delight in keeping Enclave hardware and getting our scientists back! We haven’t even accepted th-this farce, yet you’ve ordered my scientists to be arrested and executed anyways! Those former Enclave researchers will revolutionise our technology!” He gave Tandi an accusatory look.
“I wanted to show our sincerity. Arresting them prematurely should add to our deception. And to answer your first question; we’re not ready. As of this moment, Maxson and his thugs will destroy us. We need time.” Tandi forced herself to lie again. She was sure the current state of the Armed Forces could probably defeat the Brotherhood. As Wendell eloquently put it, 'drowning them in numbers'. There were also people who have been trained in three years using Enclave hardware. They may prove themselves a powerful force multiplier.
The Two-headed Bear could definitely take on the Brotherhood. But she didn’t want this war when she was still alive. Perhaps it was selfish, however, she loves the people of the Republic. She couldn’t fathom ordering hundreds, maybe thousands, to their deaths! For now, a policy of appeasement will have to suffice.
“Also, if we’re connected, in any way, at the Chosen One’s death then Arroyo and Oregon will secede from the Republic.” Tandi wasn’t sure why the Brotherhood wanted him dead, but she suspects they wanted to suppress the technological marvels he learnt from the Poseidon Oil Rig.
Peter looked mollified but was still unsatisfied. She didn’t blame him; this ultimatum was not very satisfying.
Tandi gave Wendell a knowing gaze, “Have the Ministries of Defence and Transport done what I asked?”
Wendell was the first to speak, “With Robert’s help I was able to transport the majority of Enclave hardware to outside the country. Along with the soldiers and cadets who worked with the hardware. It’s as if they’ve disappeared out of thin air – poof!”
“It was a logistical nightmare. But we’ve managed,” Robert, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, preened.
“Excellent.” Tandi gave Peter a strict gaze, “And to answer your accusations, I’m not executing your scientists. They’re safe.”
“Where are they?”
“That’s on a need-to-know basis. Your role as the Director of OSI does not give you clearance.” This level of secrecy was of utmost importance. No half-measures must be taken to deceive the Brotherhood of Steel.
“But they work under me!”
Wendell smiled as he interjected, “No longer. They now work for me. Or the Ministry of Defence – I know how you love being so specific.”
The two were about to argue but were interrupted by the distant clapping of two dozen vertibirds. “The Steel Plague is here. And they bought with them an army,” Tandi said then despaired as she watched a huge crowd of onlookers waving and staring at Maxson’s thugs with awe.
An assembly of her Cabinet, Senators and Congressman along with a military band welcomed the Emissary.
With trumpets blaring, the Emissary walked up to the red carpet accompanied by half a hundred power-armoured soldiers. He arrived at the desk with the ultimatum.
Tandi arranged for the photographers to be positioned at an awkward angle, obscuring the ‘treaty of alliance and friendship’.
“My name is Elijah Samson. I’m pleased the NCR is wise enough to leave technology to people who actually know how to use it properly. Now where do I sign?”
Tandi gestured with her arms and promptly signed the ‘treaty’. She didn’t bother responding to his blatant provocations. They will rue this day, Tandi hoped, beginning to regret appeasing the metal menace.
Elijah signed it and then moved out of public view into a conference hall. “When can we expect the Enclave hardware?”
“As soon as possible. You understand that our trains aren’t as advanced as pre-war,” Wendell said as cheerfully as gambling addict. He clicked his tongue and whistled hoping to annoy the Steel Plague’s envoy.
“Elder Maxson will be displeased if it doesn’t arrive in Bunker’s Hill.”
“It’ll arrive. It’ll just take a little time.” Tandi smiled and approved what Wendell was doing. “Nowhere in our treaty states what time we’ll have to deliver it by, so you’ll have to be prepared to wait.”
“Or we can take it for you,” Elijah’s growled. “If you take a long time, that is.”
“Well... We’ve booby-trapped it with C4. Just in case raiders steal them.”
“I can assure you, we’re no raiders.”
“I never said so. You’re just projecting.”
“We’re going nowhere with this. Now, where’s the Chosen One?”