by Jaime Mera
“How much time do we have?” Estabon asked.
“What do you mean?” Eduardo replied thinking he was going to take on the mission to find out the information himself.
“I mean I can get the information if I get near the Secretary of Defense and other leaders, and you’re too much of a target.”
“What and you’re not?” Ramus and Eduardo replied.
“I’m not the founder of the Federation, and I’m high enough up the chain to have a reason to be in the United States. Ramus can’t do it without someone finding out. I can as the named architect of our cities to include parts of Tokyo, I’m perfect for giving speeches in MIT, Virginia, DC, and Miami.”
“So, you think you can tour the US just before the war, and think no one will try to kidnap or assassinate you?” Ramus asked.
“Only Eduardo and I can get the information from so many leaders in seconds without leaving a trace. I just need some time to position myself in the right location. And since the visit is at the last minute, chances are slim anyone will be ready to kidnap me.” Estabon made his case ignoring a possible assassination attempt.
“A tour won’t do it. We need to know if they will use nuclear weapons and how to best mitigate casualties on both sides. So you will need to stay put around the DC area from Alexandria to Annapolis.” Eduardo said.
“A vacation?” Estabon shrugged in his seat inside the completed Bogota convention center.
“Well we did live there and you can visit the memorials, universities, and military schools with your military background and martial arts credentials.” Eduardo replied.
“That sounds like a reasonable plan, but what about security?” Ramus asked.
“They won’t allow Estabon to go near high officials if they think he has a telepath in our security team, so we let them use their security to guard him.” Eduardo came back.
“In that case they will send SIA telepaths to see if he knows anything, so I guess I will see you soon Estabon, and get you ready for that.” Ramus rose stepping away from the navigation console displaying digital maps and tracks of all airspace over Colombia up to Florida and down to Argentina.
“Wait a moment. I have a few hours of flight time to do. I’ll see you when I get back.” Estabon stated and left the mental conversation preparing to fly his customized hypersonic Hawk fighter.
Eduardo sat quiet as Ramus stood watching him. “What’s wrong Eduardo?” He asked.
“Estabon has always been the one who takes unnecessary risks... I think it’s my fault.”
“What do you mean, we’re all taking chances?”
“No, he doesn’t have to personally lead our Air Force into battle, I should be doing that?”
“Are you seriously talking about ideological philosophies of leadership? He’s doing it so you won’t. Just like he went off on his own in Vietnam, so no one could say the brothers are looking out for themselves. If anything, you’re taking the biggest risks. I’m sure that there’re many people out there who think if they can kill you, this Federation movement will die with you.”
“Of all the billions of deaths I have witnessed and seen in other people’s memories and experiences, my father’s was the worst. It will be just as painful when my mom passes away. But I don’t know if I can bear to see Estabon die.”
Ramus walked up to Eduardo, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I thought I couldn’t handle the weight of the world when my entire family was murdered, even my closest friends. But Harvey told me something I will never forget.”
“True heroes don’t hold the world up, they stand when the world is down.” Eduardo repeated Neutronium’s words to Ramus when they first met decades ago.
Both men smiled in agreement as they took an early lunch; leaving the bridge with the second highest ranking person there.
Chapter 8
---
Do You Believe in Fate
University of Maryland College Park, 4 miles NE of Washington DC
The acme of two hundred graduates tossing their caps in celebration of success was but a starting point for Brenda Lesley Weatherly. She would stay on the property, only to move into a single room of St. Mary Hall continuing with a Masters in Political Science. The evening schedule was open for interpretation as her three older sisters wanted to take her out on the town. Her mother however, had hoped for a structured party at home.
Chrissie hugged her little sister with pride smiling wide for the camera. “What are you looking at Bren?”
“Oh, nothing.” Brenda quickly turned her eyes to the camera as the flash flickered.
Courtney and Silvia jumped in as Chrissie backed off guiding her stare in the direction of Brenda’s distraction. Chrissie stiffen her lips, but slowly made a corner curl.
The group photo was past as Chrissie stood looking back and forth between Brenda and the crowd of people twenty meters away on the graduation floor. Brenda finally strolled away from the photographer’s control and in front of her eldest sister.
“Why are you looking at Estabon Ramirez?” She whispered into Brenda’s ear.
Brenda’s blue eyes swung to meet Chrissie’s intrusive glare. “Do you know how many people want to talk to him about politics?”
“I don’t think politics is on their list of questions.” Chrissie turned to face the crowd with an opening of Estabon in an elegant black linen suit. His black hair was styled with short sides and medium hair on top. “He’s young and handsome.” Chrissie said with surprise now that she could see him better.
“Who’s young and handsome?” Courtney butted in with Brenda in the middle.
“No one.” Brenda objected.
“Councilmember Ramirez.” Chrissie pointed at the crowd which seemed to stay heavy with students and passing professors.
“Wow, he’s nothing like the old newspaper pictures.” Courtney smiled with a gaze of wonder.
“He’s too old for you.” Chrissie said.
“Well he looks my age.” Courtney replied and walked towards the crowd.
“Where’re you going?” Brenda grabbed her by the arm.
Courtney gently pulled Brenda’s hand from her arm and kept walking. “I’m going to invite him to come with us to the club.”
Brenda stepped forward to intercept her sister, Chrissie grabbing her from behind with both arms. “Let her go, he won’t accept.”
Brenda twirled towards her. “How do you know?”
“He’s older than me, and I’m sure he has other things to do.”
“What’s going on girls?” Janet, their mom wrapped her arms around them as Silvia came from behind.
“Courtney’s going to ask Estabon Ramirez out on a date.” Chrissie laughed.
Janet’s face froze in shock. “What! But he’s too old for her.”
Chrissie and Brenda turned around to face their mother and Silvia. “Don’t worry mom, she’s not interested in him.”
Janet’s brows narrowed. “Then why is she asking him?”
“Bren…” Chrissie started to say but Brenda placed a hand on her mouth.
“I bet her she couldn’t get him to go with us to the club.” Brenda smiled in triumph.
Janet straightened up her posture. “Really?”
Silvia’s wide eyes and open mouth attracted their attention away from their mom.
“Estabon, this is my mother, Janet Weatherly.” Courtney loudly announced as all eyes turned next to Courtney, standing behind Chrissie. Estabon held his arm out, with Courtney clinging to it. Two secret service looking agents stood behind them. Estabon’s straight nose and smooth flowing mouth was mesmerizing as he spoke.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Weatherly.” He slightly bowed keeping a friendly smile. “Your daughter is very assertive and wasn’t kidding when she said you had a wonderful smile.”
“You’re not old at all.” Janet accidently muttered in awe.
“Thank you.” Estabon curled the corners of his lips.
All of the sister
s stood tall with an inch separating them from their mother. But even with high heels they barely stayed at eye level with Estabon’s crystal brown eyes. Brenda stared at him kiss Silva’s extended hand and shake Chrissie’s firm hand. But stood frozen as he likewise stood staring back at her.
“Congratulations Brenda.” He finally said after Chrissie introduced her.
Brenda snapped out of it, grabbing part of her long blonde hair from her front and moving it to the back of her gown. “Thank you Mr. Ramirez. It means a lot to hear that from you.”
“You all can call me Estabon. As for the two men behind me, well they don’t talk very much.” Estabon smiled.
“Mom, why don’t you come with us?” Silvia suggested, her blonde hair was styled into a curly feather pixie cut, a match to the current Madonna look.
Janet looked at Estabon and his bodyguards, then at her four daughters. “Your father and I will find something to do. As for you, Estabon. I want you to make sure my girls make it home safe and sound, preferably before morning.”
“Mom.” Courtney objected.
“Estabon gently placed his hand over Courtney’s. “It’s alright. I promise as a gentleman, they will be safe with me.” Estabon looked into Silvia’s and Courtney’s eyes first and stopped at Brenda, before looking at Janet.
“Thank you.” Janet said, but Estabon knew she was just being polite, and wanted to ask many more questions about him now that her daughters were exposed to a ruler of a country with great controversy and influence.
“So what is the car situation going to be?” Estabon asked.
“Sir, you have to use the motor cage, we can’t guarantee your safety in another vehicle.” Agent Nevis said from behind him.
“You have a motor cage?” Courtney asked with excitement.
“It’s SIA’s fancy limo, but yes it can hold all of you, if you don’t mind leaving your vehicles in the parking lot.” Estabon said.
“My husband will meet us there in his car, and our mom drove us here so we should be good.” Chrissie stated.
“Wait.” Brenda took off her gown and gave it to her mom. Her dark blue party dress with silver lining exposed her arms and neckline along the back.
“We’ll walk you to your car first Mrs. Weatherly.” Estabon insisted as he told them about the SIA telepath assigned to him which was why the crowd around him had dispersed.
The women were amazed to hear about his academic achievements and the fact his schooling was in Maryland.
They finally saw Janet off and entered into the SIA motor cage. Courtney clung to Estabon every time she got the opportunity, sitting next to him with Silvia on the other side. “What are you doing Courtney?” Chrissie asked slightly squinting her eye. “Did you forget about your boyfriend?”
“We broke up two weeks ago.” Courtney smugly smiled.
“Don’t you have more than one?”
“She thinks I’m jealous.” Brenda smirked; positioned between Chrissie and Nevis across from them.
“Courtney, you don’t have to do that.” Estabon didn’t keep her from holding on to his arm. “Your sister needs to enjoy her time on Earth. I would’ve never dreamed of being in a limo with four gorgeous and very well educated women. You see, I skipped all of the parties when I was younger. My best advice for you is to enjoy the moment, because you rarely get a chance to be with people you love and like being with. Besides, I think Agent Nevis likes you a lot.” Estabon watched Nevis rolling his eyes.
Courtney looked at Nevis in doubt.
“They think I have some telepathic ability, which I don’t, but one thing I do have is a very keen eye. Agent Nevis has spent forty percent of his time eyeing you, ever since you came up to me. So I’m assuming he thinks you’re going to assault me or he really likes you a lot.” Estabon smiled as he fixed his glare into Brenda’s sparkling eyes with sunrays shining through the tinted window.
Chrissie saw the sparkle in both their eyes as Brenda cracked a smile and shyly looked away outside, pretending to be enthralled with traffic and the campus scenery.
“So, Brenda what are these questions your sister said you wanted to ask me?” Estabon relaxed his hand on the side arm rest.
“How did you know that?” Chrissie asked.
“I heard you whisper it.” Estabon said, seeing Nevis’ reaction at the corner of his eye.
“Can you hear my heart, because there was no way you heard that from that far, over the crowd?” Chrissie spoke, thinking maybe the SIA telepath was invading their privacy.
“Well to be honest I heard indiscriminate mumbling, but I did read your lips. My Japanese instructors taught me well. But enough about me. Ask me anything.” Estabon looked at both women.
“Why haven’t you married or had girlfriends in the past?” Silvia blurted, being informed by magazine gossip.
“I spent most of my time studying and learning the martial arts, before I went to Vietnam. After the war, my brother and I worked to be able to become rulers of Colombia.” Estabon took a breath in thought. “This is my very first vacation since eighth grade. And I don’t think a fourteen year old girlfriend counts for your context.”
“So you never went on a graduation party or anything?” Brenda asked, now focused on his face.
“No, the only parties I went to were dinner formals in the past four years, mostly in Japan. But don’t get me wrong, I can dance and like parties very much.”
“What is your view on Middle East progression of the Israeli state and how that impacts territorial and religious strife?” Brenda slowly crossed her arms.
“Having spoken to Mr. Shamir on several occasions and others in the region; I believe the Jewish or Hebrew people will continue to move back into Israel over the years. This will cause many changes which can become very volatile. The push for better relations and compromises in the settlements will not go away for the next few decades.” Estabon casually replied to the abrupt change of topic.
“That’s a very pessimistic viewpoint, maybe that’s why there’s no major progress.” Brenda almost snapped back.
“That’s the viewpoint of what most people tell me and what I objectively see. I personally think the Middle East will become united within a few decades, because someone is going to intervene, like the superhumans. But don’t quote me, since this is for your ears only.”
“Really.” Brenda thought silently. Estabon saw her already existing admiration for him grow. She had been following his history and speeches he gave in the past, the wrong impressions she had of him were now being put to the side as she viewed him as someone she was very attracted to, intellectually, morally and physically.
“As you can see my little sister’s mind is always on politics.” Chrissie extended her hand out to Courtney.
Courtney reached out with respect, but frowned as Chrissie pulled her out of the seat, and moved herself into the open seat.
“What are you doing?” Courtney weakly objected.
Chrissie pushed Courtney between Brenda and Agent Nevis. Estabon wanted to smile, but knew if he did, Nevis would know he was reading people’s minds. “Don’t tell me Brenda doesn’t have a boyfriend and has nothing better to do than follow my past study habits?” Estabon said as Chrissie crossed her legs and placed her hands on her knee.
“Oh, no, Bren had two boyfriends, but they didn’t pan out.” Silvia said waiting for Brenda to jump in.
“Understood.” Nevis said, unnoticeably touching his ring on his index finger activating his collar microphone. “Excuse me Ladies, Councilmember, we’re here.” The limo stopped in front of the night club, derailing the line of conversation.
The group entered the club escorted with four SIA agents, while twelve others waited outside protecting the motor cage and four other escort vehicles. Estabon’s visitation to the United States was kept to a low roar with SIA and corporate influence on the media networks. Estabon represented a positive relations platform between the nations, but a nightmare to control, especially since it was
not an official visit or extensively planned visit. The only reason the State Department allowed such a trip was SIA’s assurance the risks were worth it.
Estabon followed the women’s lead, catering to their discussions of pop culture. Drinking and dancing added to the chaos as Nevis focused on monitoring Estabon’s welfare by staying close to him. The other agents stayed closer to the exit and entrance doors to be able to cover the outer sections around Estabon. Chrissie’s husband, Zachary took up most of Chrissie’s attention, while Courtney was able to convince Nevis to sometimes dance to a song. But they mainly sat and talked, as Silvia made her way around the floor.
“Silvia looks very drunk.” Estabon stated sitting next to Brenda. “You don’t drink very much do you?” He eyed Brenda’s nursed Pina Colada.
“No, it’s not all that exciting in the mornings if I get plastered. I see you’ve drank before, for not going to too many parties.” Brenda motioned to several Irish Car Bombs, a Gold Rush and two Whiskey Sours, plus two beers.
“Well, I did drink a lot in Nam, and my metabolism is super high. But that’s not what you’re really asking, is it?” Estabon let out a slip as he sensed Nevis and another telepath look at Brenda’s surface thoughts.
“Do you believe in fate?” Brenda turned her body on the cushioned bench like sofa towards him.
“I believe of all the women I have known, I have never felt so happy or at peace than I am with you.” Estabon softly replied.
Brenda laughed. “You barely know me!”
“I know you have been watching me since you found out I was in the auditorium, and you have many of the same interests and hobbies that I do.”
“Really... and your keen senses told you all that?” Brenda placed an elbow on the back cushion and her fist on the side of her face.
“Actually, Chrissie did.” Estabon smiled.
Brenda looked at Chrissie and Zack dancing. “I don’t know what to say, except don’t believe everything my sister says.”
“She just wants you to have a life.” Estabon stood up and extended a hand. “Can I have this dance?”
