Proteros… We Can Do It!
In the residences of the capital city where people were awake all night, unable to sleep until they saw that, as promised, the martial law would be lifted at 5 AM. They still didn't dare to come out, even as the radios proportioned by the government, the army and NG, notified with the news of the threat being cleansed off the city.
A few hours later, around 7 AM, people began to step out of their houses. 1 hour might be not too early but not enough time yet, so they waited around 2 hours before coming out. As they did, they found many nurses, doctors, and even surgeons standing at the stands of their communities.
The Lýmocan authorities could have done this, but dealing with the situation, anyone could figure this approach to welcome the citizens back to their ordinary lives would be better. It didn’t take a 12 years old as president to figure this out.
The people walked out afraid, hesitating in case something happened to them, but seeing those stands made them excited. Without thinking, they ran to the hospital usual employees and asked a ton of things. While answering them, the volunteers constantly reminded the citizens to grab a portion of each. Food, water, medicine, cloth, and a small letter of apology… from the president himself!
Furthermore, those who worried about their every day’s work were the first to notice something, around 9 AM, where most communities had picked their supplies and the stands giving them went away. The internet returned, and their credits were replenished with 2 days’ worth of their daily wage. All directly from the government.
“Oh my heaven! Thank you so much!” - “It’s nothing, ma’am, come along and take your rations.” - “Is everything over then? Do we get to live like… usual now?” - “Yes, sir. Haha, we did win. There is no more organized crime in the city, the president will give a press conference soon that…” - “Oh, you’re such angels!” - “It’s nothing, ma’am. The soldiers and national guard elements did everything, really.”
The hospital workers were being as sincere as they could. Being called in the middle of the night, while the martial law was still exerting its curfew, they were a bit terrified. But before 4 AM, from the south to the north of the city, more than half the medics, assistants, and high-profile surgeons attended the call. With such a mobilization, if the other lesser half didn’t react in kind, and it was noticeable, that would just be humiliating in many forms.
With the taken measures, not much footage of the stands were taken, if only by the people receiving supplies and others who wanted to make a quick buck to some news reporters. It could be seen that the hospital workers delivered those goods for their concern of the people, and that even the letter the president presumably wrote was something they ensured everyone took.
Regardless, while many of these letters were exposed in social media as soon as the internet returned, and Proteros City returned to the online socialization of the Lýmocan internet, the president prepared for a big announcement.
… It was just past 12 AM, when a few million people watched the transmission begin from different platforms. He was in his office still, with Roam just leaving as Lesly decided to step towards him. Circling around his chair, she helped him with his suit and tie from behind, letting her hands and wrists graze his shoulders and neck from time to time.
As Luis felt his tie well-accommodated and checked twice, he held her right wrist and triggered a weird silence for a few seconds. Luis then spoke, “Lesly, about yesterday, I…”
“No, look. It just happened. And it was as simple as just talking with a cold one with some pals, look,” Lesly lifted Luis’s chin, revealing his neck as she lowered her head. She pecked his lips with hers, looking at his astounded yet non-fleeing eyes, inadvertently licking her lips.
“See? Nothing to think about, just normal.” Lesly said before lowering her head again, pecking his lips, although a few unnoticeable milliseconds longer. Their lips’ skin dragged each other a bit when she pulled back up. She remained calm. “Were you saying?”
“I was… going to say, hey, I don’t… mind.” Luis said with eyes wide open. Lesly blinked, pulling her lower lip into her mouth to nibble a loose piece of hardened skin. She nodded a few times, convincingly expressing, “Yeah, that’s right. Just like that.”
“And if… you do… think about doing something… like I am.” Luis focused his every bit of attention on reading her every expression as he continued. “Then do know I would… most like that, too.”
“Yeah…” Lesly absentmindedly uttered. Her eyes widened a bit, focusing after losing some light, and barking as she held his face gently, unbeknownst to only her. “I mean, no. Eh… yes! There are so many things going on, and who knows how hefty the rest of the year will be? There’s got to be something that those lunatics will put up with, at the very least. Nobody knows what would happen in the world. It’s better if we concentrate first. Then, when we’re like… 3 years into the next term, we can focus on… other things.”
“…” Luis looked at Lesly run her mouth nonstop. When she finished, her eyes were fidgety, glancing around his office and back at him nonstop. Luis gulped before agreeing, “You're right, Lesly. There’s no need to rush anything now, and I don’t want to just throw something at the pot and hope the potion will be perfect. But I do want you to know that… I do this knowing my little wife will be glad to see I am… true to my emotions even after she left me.”
“Oh, Luis…” Lesly held his head more gently, softly gazing down at his face. She darted her breathtaking black eyes left and right before saying, “T- the rest of the year might be really heavy. But with Fox’s help now, we might just do well. I have a few things in mind. Even if Fox grants us enough votes, I think we need some more ‘elite’ power. Then, we could… think about ourselves once we’ve finished with these things and you’re president again.”
“Yeah, that sounds pretty good.” Luis nodded, still with his head held backwards and looking up at Lesly. She looked at his sharp gray-black eyes before nodding with her tongue licking her lips a bit more. Her eyes changed to his mouth. “Just normal, right?”
She said nothing more nor waited for him to say anything else and lowered her head again. This time, their lips moved, and some saliva was exchanged, stationed near their lips and teeth.
… Luis walked to a storage precinct within the presidential precinct. He wore a nice suit, but one that he took inspiration from Fox. It was very proper and lavish, but it also radiated humbleness. While he felt a bit weird, it reminded him of those his deceased wife used to buy him all the time when he first started the ‘recruitment’ for entering the world of politics, becoming an official polie.
He stepped into the back of the precinct, went through the backdoor, and walked before the rows and rows of news reporters who were all too unhappy not being able to flash him with photos nonstop. Only advanced, no-flash cameras were allowed to take pictures.
“Hello, everyone,” Luis stood before a simple, wooden podium that was easy to move. The glass microphone had a murky, swamp green color, quite new in the microphone glass ‘world’. Nobody responded to his greeting, including BLF news anchor.
“I will be quick with the introduction before letting some of my cabinet members detail the success during the last 30 hours.” Luis nodded and continued, “First, let me speak of the results. The capital city has been cleansed of the organized crime infiltrated from the north to the south. The floor charge and connections with some… high-profile members in the city made this a bit more possible.”
It was all the PSD intelligence’s work, but if he could sow discontent between those connections and the organized crime, with the District’s eyes everywhere, the ‘political purge’ could begin later on earlier than anticipated. There was already a good trend of finishing tasks before time.
“The situation was confirmed successful 3 hours before the estimated time. There were no civilians hurt, except for the criminals, of which more than a thousand perished during the cleansing period. There was no violation of the Humane Key, and all reports of incidents or denouncing come from people who suffered an accident in their home, or who were refused more than one ration of supplies for their household for having more people.”
“As it happens— some citizens invited the homeless who didn’t listen to the public warnings the days before. First, I want to clarify that these reports will be taken seriously, as they should all have been formulated, and that I am contented to know that Lys helped Lys without merit for rewards or fame. These people denounced but didn’t demand a reward or remuneration.”
“Second, there were incidents where civilians struck the armed civilians, the criminals. Some deaths were caused during these events. Know that these will be attended and judged accordingly, and that the judges in charge will know they are working for the people still. There is no difference between law. Blood is our greatest judge, and to deny the truth or a dignified sentence is to deny one’s blood.”
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“Third,” Luis spoke at a regular pace and explained without a hurry. “The streets weren’t damaged, and there were criminals who were arrested during the chase to expel them from the city. The Yopbartes gang, the responsible party for the organized crime in the region, has been banished from the capital, and soon, Proteros.”
“Fourth, with what I just spoke about, I want to announce this to the rest of the country. We…” Luis looked deep into the camera he’s been ignoring so far, with the news reporters ready to take his words in digital or physical. As usual, he was going to use an apologetic tone to his voice, but… Luis blinked before standing with his back straight, and looking at the news reporters like he was reminding them they were here for him, and he was there to notify the people; calm.
“I have given the order— opened the doors to exterminate the hidden threat of the organized crime across the nation.” Luis’s words stunned the news reporters. “We’ve been studying this possibility since the first term’s second half, and we’ve prepared enough. We have the equipment and skill to go after this operation. Finally… we’ll rid Lýmoca of this needless pain.”
“President, do you-” A news reporter stood up and shouted, but her voice was too small at the center of the rows. Luis immediately looked at her and lifted his chin for a moment, gesturing with his hands, “Please wait until you have seen the details of the operation. This is transmitting to the entire world, and not a bit is false. It will also answer multiple questions. I promise you, we’ll stay for at least 2 hours with me answering as much as my mental capacities can allow. You can even chase me if I am faulty to my word.”
Some laughter echoed from the seats in front of the stage. It was a minority compared to the vast press conference ‘room’, but it was also new, and so well managed by Luis Heartez.
The president nodded at the news reporters before gesturing with his left hand extending backwards, “Please welcome the General, Defense Secretary, Secretary of Security, vice president Lesly Rivera, and Chief Secretary of Security.”
The people came walking in that order, with Lesly bringing Fox from the back like an aunt. The outfit he wore was as the usual, with Lesly being the most formal and good-looking. The other woman in Luis’s cabinet present was the Secretary of Security, who was the national guard’s director for now, and oversees the police force and judicial branch’s power.
The General Edgar Plomo took the podium first and looked at the others while saying, “I want to thank everyone standing behind me for the glorious advance towards a Lýmoca out of the hands of organized crime.”
He looked at the camera before awkwardly looking away, finding comfort in the news reporters. “Like many, I suffered from young as I watched 2 of my sisters have their lives taken from them, refusing to become something they are not. Even then, I do not wish the death of so many young people who were only wrong in thinking this was a path towards a lifestyle.”
“Thank you everyone for coming, I am Lýmoca’s military forces, General Edgar Plomo, commander of the army. I will explain the processes in an open, public-divulgation format. My section here will be about the cooperation between all forces to bring this operation to a formal success.”
“My comrade, the Secretary of Security, will explain the methods of the police force and the arrested criminals' well-being, as well as their future in the preemptive prisons for a severe process. The honorable, vice president Lesly Rivera will speak to you the results from the treatment to the citizens and the following procedures where everyone, including criminals and the Ly forces, will record their experience through polls.”
“Lastly, the recently arisen Chief Secretary of Security will explain the methods and warnings for the Lys in the upcoming events to bring this cleansing to the rest of the country. Lýmoca has already started mobilizing the navy to secure all the ports, and the national guard to protect the airports. I hope we show you how well-secured we’re keeping our trade routes in this conference. You may ask us questions after we finish explaining. Thank you, I will begin…”
The General began explaining, with Luis standing a couple of meters behind, not giving the news reporters any attention to their calls or signs. When the General finished, he answered some questions, mostly controversial and of unnecessary value, as it is with whoever the opposition’s news wants to target next in Luis’s government.
When the Secretary of Security’s turn came, she revealed the thought-out process for the criminals, which was pretty doable, and more careful than most in Lýmoca would have thought. Furthermore, there were many mentions of rewarding when revealing details on the crime world, whatever they knew.
Whoever brought out things not known before would receive even more pleasing rewards as organized crime prisoners. Safety was a basic reward for all volunteers.
Many reporters doubted all her words when her section finished, but they were replied more or less in the same manner, concise and to listen well to what they just heard. Then, Lesly Rivera’s turn came.
Compared to the other 2, she was treated rather fairly, but not even she was saved from the attempts to strike at her credibility and bring embarrassing facts about her from what ‘the people’ think of her. She was pretty much let off easily.
However, her explanation of the social programs to bring every participant party, even the sheltered civilians, to transparent their psyche after such events; was well received. Lesly had a positive mindset towards this and invited as many as possible with a smile that nobody could refute. She left the podium to Fox, who walked forth with an impassive expression.
Receiving Lesly’s wink of encouragement, he took the podium and faced the news reporters. He looked at everyone before blasting word after word without pausing. Some news reporters begged him to slow down, but Fox went on, ruthless and petty.
When he finished, the first person to lift her hand, with a fella beside her who didn’t match her beauty and aura, was from BLF. She had milk, pale white skin, long black hair, and big, intense eyes. This was the one and only hot damn shortie from the BLF that Fox once met when he was just a teenager.
Years have passed, but she only grew more attractive; alluring. Her drooping breasts and supple bottom drew even the air to look at her figure, and it would be the air’s honor to do so. The man beside her had also grown a little. He had darkish brown skin, black eyes and short hair. His height was pretty much average. They were Angelina and Eduardo.
Despite the years, it seemed like Angelina was too fond of Eduardo to replace him, even as BLF grew and took independent news reporters in social media and gave them a net home. Angelina smiled and began with not a question, “Fox, do you know who I am? I once saw you coming up the hill with your mother in a wheelchair. I was the first person lucky enough to record you with my partner in crime over here.”
“…” Fox knew, yes, but he put a little act. He looked at Angelina as if he was seeing a memory in person, and she added, “You’ve grown so much since then. I could even have said to record the step you took to become Lýmocan. A Ly. A couple of years later, you’re practically directing the national security of an entire country. Congratulations.”
“I do remember you, miss Angelina.” Fox lowered his head, whose face was just about to smile. When he lifted it again, he was recomposed. Angelina nodded and finally uttered, “I’m Angelina from BLF, I come here with my cameraman, Eduardo. CSS, my question is, did you participate in the operation?”
“Yes, I did.” Fox answered without needing to look back at the President. Angelina nodded and commented before giving the attendant to pick up the microphone attention, “Congratulations! I know your mother would be extremely proud. I can’t wait to see Lýmoca anew!”
“Chief Secretary of Security, I’d like to ask, how long would…” And so, Fox began answering some questions. He received more than Lesly, who had answered the most so far, but that was because any question from an opposition news anchor would be thrown away and Fox would select another reporter immediately after.
Some lame bootlickers demanded he answered the other reporters first, to which Fox treated them like he did to the opposition media and continued until no one dared to lift a questioning word again. Angelina lightened the atmosphere, but he was still a ‘killer with license’ among the ordinary people.
“Okay, that’s it? Alright, an applause for these people who have orchestrated a historical record and operation throughout Lýmoca. Who knows, maybe even the world.” Luis smiled before nodding at the clapping reporters and choosing one. “You over there.”
“President, I have an important question, what will you do if something wrong occurs? Or if the opposition only throws news that will put the operation to ‘free Lýmoca from organized crime’ at risk? Thank you,” the reporter sat down after speaking, unlike Angelina.
But that was fine, this reporter was just a man, while Angelina was a hot damn shortie.
“Yes, in fact.” Luis looked behind, and the screen that the others used to show the graphics, images, and results of certain things showed a new piece of information. “As you can see, this is a schedule. From now on, I’ll make a press conference every morning— around early morning. I will hold a meeting with some of my cabinet, and hold security meetings every day first, from now on. Every day of the week, I will show the results from the nationwide operation until its completion.”
“This will be a difficult journey, but more than anything because of its variables. Lýmoca does not accept war, so any aid from a foreign nation is thanked, but… no thanks. Lys’ business is Lýmoca only. With this, you’ll see the truth, and that there is no error that will occur.” Luis faced everyone before nodding at the reporter who asked, preparing to signal another.
. . .
The 5th day of the 2nd month’s week came to its late evening, where Fox left earlier on, excusing himself with the vice president. Even if he was bothered, putting an image was everything.
As he walked around the presidential precinct, noticed by various news anchors which he ignored and was in turn only watched from afar, too afraid to do otherwise, Nala appeared. She wore a maxi dress with an opening on the lower legs area, to show her shoes and cute smooth black socks.
“Are you a model now? That’s a strange type of business.” Fox teased. Nala stepped to his right and walked beside him, matching his steps. Her head faced him with fully open eyes, saying nothing in the absolute. At last, she blinked and tilted her head slightly to the front.
“Baby, I’ve been asked when do we make a baby. So many reporters were intent to know this yes or yes. I said that after getting married, if he has the balls.”
Fox grabbed her waist, pulling her to him. She felt her body ‘forced’ to stick to his, with her head swaying a little, looking at his taller self. He looked down at her, breathing on her face. Nala slightly gulped a few times before saying with an innocent expression, “They all laughed, what about you? What’s your reaction?”
…