Vast meadow in the middle of Amstell Continent

0830, 2 April 2008

An old man, a young man, and a little girl, the three of them stood under a sky clear of clouds.

The girl looked around her with sparkling eyes. Previously she had to pass through snowfields and dark small alleys, so naturally her mind was now filled with questions.

"Grandpa, what is this place?"

The old man knelt in front of his granddaughter before replied softly, "The locals call this place Amstell Continent."

". . . Amstell Continent?"

The girl tilted her head while her grandfather continued.

“Eight years ago Grandma discovered this place by accident. Unfortunately, this is also where Grandma died. So, will you help Grandpa guard Grandma's final resting place?”

The girl firmly answered, "Claire will guard this place with all her might."

The old man then turned to the young man beside him. "O'Neil, you know I and Samantha treat you like our own children, and we know you decided to enter the military because you didn't want to compete with Robert in managing the corporation we left behind, even though your talent for doing business was much better.

But at least, promise me that you will help Claire protect this place, because once Nouel's existence is discovered, the whole world will fight over this place."

"Consider it done."

The young man replied casually, but the Old Man immediately smiled because he knew that his adopted son had never denied the words he said.

- - - - -

Apartment 2701, Royal Crown Tower, San Francisco.

1300, 14 Nov 2023

After gulping down a large piece of waffle, Claire looked at the Marketing Director Slane.

"TF Amethyst will bring sufficient military strength, but I've decided the front line of TF Amethyst's defense is economic power. So, how confident are you, Director Slane?"

Marketing Director Slane casually replied, "In two years I will control Amstell Continent's economy.

After that, no local authorities will disturb TF Amethyst and we can start collecting natural resources other than Nouel, without the need to deploy military force."

Claire smiled in satisfaction. "Good, you'll lead the trading wing of TF Amethyst, as well as hold the third highest position."

"I don't mind leading the trading wing of TF Amethyst, but don't give me a flashy position. I don't want to be a High Value Target."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

"I'll arrange it according to your wish then."

- - - - -

Airspace 150 km to the north of the Antarctic Continent.

0130, 24 Dec 2023

In the cabin of CH-47J Chinook, Vex studied the technical data regarding Nouel. Plants that are similar to barley, very easy to grow, and can produce 2-3 harvests in a year.

Nouel grains could be processed into dry biogas or liquid biogas, with a chemical structure similar to natural gas but having greater efficiency and combustion potential, as well as being more environmentally friendly.

Vex put down the document in his hand before turning to Gen. O'Neil. "Nouel has economic value above petroleum and natural gas. There is also a potential giant consumer named US of A. So, are you sure we won't use military means as a shortcut?"

Gen. O'Neil nodded three times. "If military power were the primary means of TF Amethyst, I wouldn't recruit you as an XO, but a trigger happy idiot."

Vex pondered for a while before saying, "Well, I know how to build ground and air assets and help you operate them. But I'm blind to navy assets."

Gen. O'Neil replied casually, "Don't worry, someone is already taking care of the planning for Amphibious Strike Group. Besides, for the first two years we'll just be sitting around on Amstell Continent."

"Understood."

Vex then leaned his head before closing his eyes.

*****

Author's note:

In 2004, a member of Jesuit Refugee Service gave me a book 'Say You're One of Them' by Uwen Akpan, a Jesuit from Nigeria.

The five short stories and novellas in the book give voice to an African child growing up in the face of incredible adversity.

As a real example, how in many conflicts, children managed to survive while their parents and families were killed. The journey of living hell for these children then begins. Rape, abuse, torture, and other savagery were repeatedly inflicted on these poor children by animals in human clothes.

To this day, the impression I get from the book is still very strong. Sometimes, it makes me imagine a world where these children will find sanctuary.

Until finally, last year I braced myself to pour my imagination into this book, with the hope that people who read it would be moved to care more about the unfortunate children in this world, whose number continues to grow until now.

Thank you.