World’s leaders put their countries and militaries on red alert as they waited for the first signs of the American Empire’s ships to appear on the horizon. World would constrain the American Empire to the North and South American continents.
The Great Leader Dies
President Davis lay back on a doctor's examination bed, wearing a hospital gown on August 4, 2058.
Jerrick saw the best doctor in the country. The doctor managed an upscale clinic that only saw the top party officials of the National Workers’ Party.
Doctor performed numerous tests on him for his annual checkup. Then the doctor requested President Davis to dress and wait in the VIP lounge.
Lab needed an hour to perform the various tests.
After 40 minutes, the doctor quickly popped in the lounge with a concerned expression on his face. He politely requested, “Mr. President; please come with me.”
President Davis stood up and followed the doctor into his office.
Doctor sat behind his mahogany wooden desk and gestured for the President to sit in a beautiful, dark red, leather armchair on the other side of his desk.
Sitting down, the President smelled the foul, subtle stench of death circulating in the air.
The President slowly exhaled and said, “From the concerned look on your face, you are about to give me bad news.”
“Yes, Mr. President. I do not want to be the one to inform you, but we found a cancerous growth.”
“Okay; spill the beans; is it treatable?” The President’s voice crackled from the obvious bad news.
“We found a growth on the pancreas. Unfortunately, we do not have much success in treating pancreatic cancer.”
“Is it treatable?”
“No, Mr. President. I wish I could tell you differently, but this cancer is particular nasty. I wish I could treat you.”
The President bowed his face into his hands. He did not want to hear this bad news.
After several minutes, President Davis raised his head with a sad grimace spread across his face.
“Okay doctor, tell me honestly. How much time do I have?”
Doctor’s hands trembled a little as he told the most powerful man in the world how much time he has left. Then he stated in a wavering voice, “Sir, you have anywhere from a year to two years.”
The President asked softly, “Will I suffer?”
“In the beginning, you’ll appear normal. Once the cancer has almost consumed the pancreas, then the cancer will become painful. Then death is imminent.”
Doctor’s eyes became watery while the tears were ready to flow. He wanted his famous patient to live.
Then the President exclaimed, “Doctor, thank you for this news. You do not need to shed tears for me. It means my mission on this earth is almost over, and I still have time to prepare for my death. I must pass the leadership of the American Empire to the next generation.”
The President jumped from the chair and shook the doctor’s hand. Then he added, “Please keep this a secret from everyone. I want to appear strong and potent until the very end.”
“Yes sir, I understand. This conversation will remain strictly confidential between us.”
President Davis exited the doctor’s office with his head bowed down.
A few days later, a strong, healthy President addressed the nation.
It saddens me to give you this speech today.
I was your ruler for 41 years.
Unfortunately, I will not be here forever.
I am only a man.
God gave me a limited time on this earth.
Now I know I am approaching the end of my life.
Thus, we must prepare for the day, when I will no longer be your ruler.
I do not want you to be sad.
I did many great things.
But I also did many terrible things.
I used this limited time prudently and built this almighty Empire.
However, in all honesty, it was never my Empire.
It was always the people’s Empire.
I only sat at the helm and told people what to do.
Your hard work and effort allowed this Empire to grow and flourish.
I could not have done this alone.
That is why I am going to let you decide.
I give you the right to vote.
You have two choices.
You can vote for a republic.
If the majority of the people support the republic, then I will allow the political parties to reform.
I will open all public offices to the voters.
If the majority wants me to appoint my successor, then I will abide by your choice.
I will caution you.
Choose your decision wisely.
After I have relinquished power, I will lose it forever.
I am way too old to get it back.
Furthermore, cast all your emotions and feelings to the side.
Base your decision on which choice will give you the longest prosperity, the brightest future.
Country was in an uproar.
Members of the National Workers’ Party were shocked. Has our leader gone mad? He wants to bring back the Republic.
If the Republic returned, the new government would go after the members of the National Workers’ Party. This party never legitimately held power; it seized it. The new government would lock them up and charge them with crimes against humanity.
Jerrick sat in the Oval Office on the couch near the fireplace. He stared at a stack of documents on the table in front of him, gathering dust. He poured a tumbler of scotch that sat precariously on the table’s edge.
His furious wife entered the room, and she immediately started in on him.
She screamed, “Jerrick, what are you doing? I thought we agreed Aric would be your successor.”
Jerrick looked up at Thalia with a blank expression on his face as he replied dryly, “Thalia, I never agreed to that. Besides, I do not know why you are worried. I believe the people will make the right choice.”
“What do you mean? What is the right choice?”
“Thalia; trust me. I know what I am doing. When times are good, people never like change. For people to want change, they must be unhappy with their current circumstances. They must be unhappy with the current leadership. People in the American Empire are happy and content.”
“But Jerrick, what about Aric?”
“Aric resembles me; he talks like me; he is smart and has half my DNA. If the people cannot have me, then they will take the next-best alternative, which is my son. I am sure my son will be an excellent ruler.”
Thalia approached Jerrick menacingly as if she prepared to attack him.
Jerrick continued, “Besides, if Aric is approved by the people, then he has legitimacy. I never was a legitimate ruler. I never asked the people for their approval. I just seized power and never looked back. Then I expected the people to fall in line and obey me.”
Thalia stood two feet away from Jerrick. She was a cat ready to pounce on its prey.
“Thalia, I am dying.”
Thalia’s anger melted away, and she asked, “What?”
“I am dying. My doctor thinks I have from one to two years to live.”
Thalia sat next to Jerrick on the couch and rested her head on his shoulders.
Then Jerrick slid his left arm around her to pull her in close.
“Jerrick, why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“I did not want anyone to know. I want to appear strong, all the way to my last breath.”
Thalia whispered, “Do you really think the people will vote for our son?”
“Thalia, have faith in me. I put a lot of effort into constructing my Empire. Do you think I would allow someone else to come along and screw it all up? I am serious about my Empire lasting for five centuries. I built something that will stand for centuries.”
The President picked up his scotch and sipped it. <
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Thalia wrapped her loving arms around Jerrick and scooted her head closer to Jerrick’s face. Then she sobbed with tears running down her cheeks.
Jerrick returned the scotch to the table and caressed Thalia’s back as she cried in his arms.
***
President Davis allowed all Americans to vote on the first Tuesday of November, November 5, 2058. Over 90% of the citizens voted on that historic Tuesday.
Poll lines stretched several blocks away from the polling stations. People stood happily and calmly in lines, waiting for their right to vote.
American Empire came to a crossroad, and the President allowed the people to choose their fate.
As the President expected, the people of the Empire were happy. Good-paying jobs were plentiful; the great cities of the North and South Americas were flourishing and growing rapidly. Eighty percent of the people wanted the American Empire to continue.
Aric Davis won by a landslide with 70% of the votes; Dan the Vice President got 10% while the rest went to the third-party candidates.
People wanted the American Empire to continue and thrive, and Jerrick’s son would take over. A second generation of Davises would rule the Empire.
***
The President’s doctor was correct. By September 21, 2059, the pancreatic cancer hit President Davis hard. He remained strong and potent until September. After September, the cancer just sucked all the life from him.
The President appeared pale and weak and aged 20 years over one night. Large deep wrinkles formed over his face as his strength and vitality surrendered to the cancer.
Doctors segregated the President into a separate wing by himself, giving the best medical care for their most prestigious patient.
President lay weakly on the hospital bed with various tubes and wires connecting him to a stack of machines, surrounding his bed.
Jennifer, Dan, Chad, and many others stood around the leader’s bed.
“Jerrick, you can’t die,” Jennifer shrieked as tears streamed down her face. She grabbed the President's right hand, holding it in her hands.
“I am sorry. This cancer is ravaging my pancreas; my body becomes weaker by the day. Doctors cannot do anything about it. Plus, I am old,” Jerrick stated apologetically.
Chad asked, “What will become of us?”
“A transition of power is imminent. You guys are marked. A new leader can purge the party members. Most likely, my son will replace me, but the military could stage a coup and appoint one of their own as President. Thus, all of you are in danger. That is why I gave you all new passports with new identities. You can go anywhere in the world and would be forgotten. You can disappear and live out the rest of your lives in peace and tranquility.”
“Do you think your son will start a new purge?” Dan asked because he was concerned about their safety.
“I do not know. I utilized a purge to establish my leadership and strike fear into people’s heart, so they would obey me. He may do it as well to define his leadership.”
Chad inquired, “Do you think your son will make a good ruler?”
“I do not know. Only history can answer that question. I raised my son right and taught him everything I know about leading. However, he is not me. My son grew up in luxury and privilege. He had everything handed to him. I grew up with modest means. Having little money defines a person. Poverty defines a person’s character.”
Dan persisted, “Jerrick; you didn’t answer the question. Do you think your son will be a great leader?”
“You know, I think he will be fine. If my grandson or great grandson becomes ruler, then probably not. My family tree will forget their roots. They will forget where they have come from. Eventually, my family tree will start producing bad leaders who become too rich and spoiled.”
President Davis looked around the room and saw everyone’s sad face.
The President continued, “Guys; don’t be sad! We accomplish something great! We did something few people could accomplish in their lives. We built something that will last for centuries. Don’t worry about my imminent death. Remember all the things we have accomplished, when we built this magnificent Empire. We have made history together!”
The President grabbed a tissue and wiped the tears from Jennifer’s cheeks.
After his cabinet and top officials had left, his wife and son entered the room. They ran to Jerrick’s bed and hugged him.
Both his wife and son were crying as tears flowed down their cheeks.
“Aric, do not cry. You must be strong.”
“Dad, I don’t want you to die.”
“I know, but my time has come. I cannot do anything about it. You must be strong. You will be the ruler. People have elected you.”
“Dad; I do not know what to do. I do not know how to lead?”
“I prepared you for this day. I taught you everything you needed to know. Besides Aric, you have one thing I never had, legitimacy. People never elected me as ruler, but they elected you. You must continue my work. I also drenched blood on my hands. This blood will never wash off. I executed people, innocent people. Your hands are clean. I will go down as a controversial leader, but you can become a great ruler with clean hands. All your deeds can be good while my misdeeds do not become yours.”
His son leaned down to hug his dad while Jerrick hugged his son.
Then Jerrick continued, “I love you son, take care of my Empire, or should I say our Empire. Be strong! Tomorrow, you must give a speech in front of the Senate. Then they will confirm you as the legitimate ruler of the Empire.”
His son pulled back. His eyes were watery, but the tears stopped flowing. Then his son turned to leave.
Before his son had opened the door, Jerrick shouted, “I left you two South American countries you can easily conquer: Chile and Argentina. Add those countries to the Empire. Remember, be strong; you will make a fine ruler. Remember everything I taught you. Then history will record you as a great ruler.”
Then Aric walked out the room and returned to the Whitehouse to prepare his speech.
Thalia stayed in the room, sitting on the edge of the Jerrick’s bed, leaning over to hug him.
“I love you, Jerrick,” she whispered with tears streaming down her face.
“I love you too, Thalia.”
Thalia pulled back and looked at Jerrick surprised.
“This is the first time you ever told me,” She replied while she studied him, to see if he had made a cruel joke.
“I know, but I was never really sure you loved me.”
“What? Jerrick, how can you say such a thing?”
“I never was sure because I represent wealth and privilege and power. Many women would marry me, but few would love me truly.”
Thalia laid her head on his upper chest and whispered, “In the beginning, that was true. I married you because of your power and prestige. I was also angry with you because you invaded my country, but then I fell in love with you. I saw you were doing good. You built new schools, hospitals, and housing for the poor in Mexico; you restored law and order, and brought plenty of good-paying jobs to Mexico. Then I madly fell in love with you.”
Thalia just laid there for several minutes until Agent Harris entered the room.
“Mr. President; I have some important information for you.”
That was Thalia’s cue to leave the room. She kissed Jerrick on the cheek and walked slowly out of the room. She turned to look at her president before she closed the door.
Jerrick never allowed Thalia to be around, when the boys talked shop.
Agent Harris began, “Sir, I have one last guest for you.”
“One last guest? Who could it be?”
“Sir, please give me a couple of minutes.”
Then Agent Harris left the room and returned five minutes later, helping an older lady come into the room.
The President looked at the old lady, and his face brightened. He said, “Amaliji, what a surprise. I t
hought I would never see you again.”
Then the President turned to Agent Davis and added, “Aren’t you full of surprises.”
“Jerrick, I wanted to see you one last time. Agent Harris came to Moscow to get me and told me about your condition. I came as soon as possible.”
“Amaliji, you are speaking English. It has been a long time since our days in Moscow.”
“After you had left Moscow, I took courses in English. I tried to come to Michigan twice to get you.
“I know Amaliji. I received your letter a long time ago. I still have it with your pictures.”
“Jerrick I just want to know, are you done building your Empire?”
The President became silent for a minute as he closed his eyes pondering that question.
Then he answered, “In all honesty, I think I am done. I accomplished everything I set out to do, but Amaliji, we cannot run away. I am dying. God is calling me home. I had fulfilled my destiny.”
“I know, Jerrick,” then Amaliji bent down and hugged the President, resting her head on his chest.
The President wrapped his arm around her.
“What about your husband?”
“He died four years ago.”
“Amaliji, I am so sorry. Did you ever love him?”
“Yes; when I realized he would be gone; I fell in love with him.”
Amaliji became silent for a few minutes, and then she asked, “Jerrick, have you ever wonder how our lives would have turn out if you didn’t leave Moscow?”
“Yes, some days I was quite alone at the top. I dreamt of you many times. Several times before I married Thalia, I thought about sneaking out the Whitehouse and never return. Then I would sneak into Russia to find you.”
Then the President began crying. He stored a lifetime of tears for this occasion.
Amaliji pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped some of the tears away.
“You know if you did make it to Michigan and asked me to return to Moscow, I would have done it.”
“I know, Jerrick. Fate would not let me take you away. When I first saw you in the café with Lidya, I knew something was special about you. God would not let me keep you. Now I see why. He had a mission for you.”
Agent Harris looked at the President, and saw him crying. Most powerful man in the world was reduced to an old dying, crying man. If the world only knew, but Agent Harris would never tell anyone. He would take this secret to the grave with him.