Chapter 173: Becoming Governor
Matthew Hesh and Amber boarded a sleek Amerathian military transport bound for the newly acquired northern provinces. The hum of the aircraft’s engines was a steady reminder of the technological superiority that had secured Amerathia’s victory. Seated near the window, Matthew gazed down at the landscape below—endless stretches of jungle, rivers, and rugged terrain that would soon be transformed into a hub of industrial power.
Amber, seated beside him, tapped on a clipboard filled with logistical plans. "So, what’s the first order of business when we land?"
"Surveying the oil fields," Matthew replied without hesitation. "I’ve brought a team of inspectors with expertise in petroleum extraction. We need precise assessments of where to drill, where to build refineries, and how to lay down transport routes. The faster we can start production, the better."
Amber nodded. "You’ve got everything mapped out. I assume you’re expecting some resistance, though."
"I’d be naive not to," Matthew admitted. "There are still factions loyal to Gran Colombia. Some of them might see this as occupation, and we can’t rule out the possibility of sabotage. That’s why I’ve arranged for security forces to accompany us."
Amber glanced toward the back of the aircraft, where several armed Amerathian security contractors and soldiers sat in silence, checking their gear. "Good call. We can’t afford delays. Not with other nations watching how we handle this."
Matthew leaned back in his seat and exhaled slowly. "We’ll show them we’re serious. This region is going to be a showcase of Amerathian industrial might."
The pilot’s voice crackled over the intercom. "Governor Hesh, we’ll be landing in fifteen minutes. Prepare for descent."
Amber raised an eyebrow. "Governor Hesh. Still getting used to that title?"
Matthew chuckled. "It’s just a title. The real work starts now."
The aircraft touched down at a makeshift airstrip near a former Gran Colombian military outpost. The area had been secured by Amerathian forces, but signs of recent conflict were evident—burned-out vehicles, craters from artillery fire, and hastily repaired barracks. A group of local officials, soldiers, and engineers waited to greet them.
As the transport ramp lowered, Matthew and Amber stepped onto the tarmac. The heat and humidity hit them immediately, making Matthew wipe his brow with a handkerchief. General Carter Hayes, the commanding officer overseeing security in the region, approached with a brisk salute.
"Governor Hesh, welcome to Fort Nueva Esperanza," Hayes said. "We’ve secured the primary oil fields and key infrastructure points in the area. My men are on high alert for any hostile activity."
"Thank you, General," Matthew replied, shaking his hand. "I appreciate the work you and your team have done. I’ll need regular updates on security conditions, especially near the drilling sites."
"Understood. We’ve already neutralized a few small groups of armed rebels in the area. Nothing serious yet, but it’s best to stay cautious," Hayes said.
Amber gestured toward a group of inspectors unloading equipment from the aircraft. "The oil survey team is ready to get started. We’ll need guides to take us to the primary sites."
Hayes nodded. "I’ve assigned a detachment to escort you. The main oil fields are about twenty miles east of here, near a region the locals call Cerro Negro. It’s been untouched for years, so there’s a lot of ground to cover."
The convoy departed from the airstrip in armored vehicles. Matthew, Amber, and the inspectors sat in one of the lead trucks, bouncing along a rough dirt road carved through the dense jungle. Soldiers stationed on the trucks’ gun mounts scanned the surroundings, alert for any signs of ambush.
Matthew leaned toward Amber. "Once we identify the best drilling sites, I want construction crews mobilized immediately. We’ll need pipelines, storage facilities, and a refinery close to the coast. The faster we build, the faster we secure our position."
Amber scribbled notes on her clipboard. "Already on it. I’ve contacted Hesh Industries to begin shipping heavy equipment. They’ll have what we need within two weeks."
One of the inspectors, a tall man with a bushy mustache named Carl Jenkins, spoke up. "Governor, I’ve worked on oil fields in hostile environments before, but this is a whole different beast. What’s the long-term plan for local relations? The locals won’t just sit back while we take over their land."
Matthew folded his arms. "We’re not here to take over. We’ll offer them employment, education, and infrastructure improvements. If they see tangible benefits, most will support us. As for the rest… well, that’s what the security teams are for."
Jenkins nodded. "Fair enough. Just be ready for pushback. People don’t forget wars overnight."
The convoy slowed as they approached a clearing. The lead truck halted, and General Hayes signaled for everyone to disembark. Matthew stepped out and surveyed the landscape. In the distance, black soil and rocky outcrops dotted the horizon—signs of oil-rich land.
"This is it," Hayes said, gesturing to the expanse. "Cerro Negro. We’ve confirmed shallow oil deposits here. Your team can start the survey immediately."
Jenkins and the other inspectors began unloading their equipment—seismic sensors, drills, and core samplers. Amber directed the operation, ensuring everything was running smoothly. Soldiers set up a perimeter around the site, keeping watch for any signs of trouble. @@novelbin@@
Matthew crouched and ran his fingers through the dark soil. It was rich, heavy with hydrocarbons. This was the future—the foundation of industrial dominance.
Jenkins returned after a brief examination of the terrain. "Governor, this place is a goldmine. Preliminary readings suggest high-pressure reservoirs beneath us. We’re looking at decades of extraction potential."
"Exactly what I wanted to hear," Matthew said with a satisfied smile. He turned to Amber. "Get in touch with our logistics team. I want construction crews here within the week."
As the sun began to set, the team continued their work, drilling test wells and mapping the land. The sound of machinery echoed through the clearing, a sign of progress amidst the remnants of war. Matthew stood at the edge of the site, watching as the future of Amerathia unfolded before him.
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Amber approached and handed him a water canteen. "It’s a lot to take in, huh?"
Matthew nodded. "This land has seen destruction, but now it’ll be the center of growth and power. We’re building something that’ll shape the world for generations."
"And you’re at the center of it," Amber said with a small smile.
"Not just me," Matthew replied. "All of us. This is a new era, and we’re just getting started."
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