I took a slow breath. “Yes. But they demand action. We must reinforce more roads. Build stronger bridges. Train more diesel technicians. Prepare the workforce.”“Elijah is right,” came Rafaela’s voice through the comm-link. “I’ve put in requests for expanded fuel depots, energy audits, production forecasts. Our world has changed—overnight.”As night fell, the general population still buzzed. Stories of roadside sightings, jaw‑dropping videos, and carnival-like crowds filled every tavern and inn. Merchants in Zaredon noted a spike in interest—freight contracts were incoming. Even in Shark Region, logistic drivers were lining up.Over dinner at Black House, Yggdrasil asked me, “Papa, can I ride in one?”I laughed, ruffling her hair. “Someday soon, princess. They’re ours now.”Rafaela poured tea, her eyes shining. “This is just the beginning.”“And the rest of the UNA will follow,” I added softly. “Our roads will see progress. Our trains will carry freight. Our future isn’t medieval—it’s
“Does this mean tourists and travelers get to ride too, or is it just freight?” he asked, a trace of excitement in his voice.“Passenger routes are in planning,” Professor Hartfield confirmed. “Second-phase implementation will connect cities with high-speed rail. Tourism, business, and families will benefit all the same.”Quara chuckled softly. “I might have to take a train to my next interview.”As the program neared its close, the camera panned to a final montage—images of freight trains gleaming in the sun, container trucks loading produce, factories firing up along new rail corridors. The future wasn’t just coming. It was here.Professor Hartfield gave a last nod. “We’re not just building tracks. We’re building arteries—for our economy, for our people, for our shared destiny.”The camera slowly zoomed out as Quara turned back to the screen.“This is Aeternum, moving forward—faster, stronger, and together,” she said. “From all of us here at Prime Time Forum, I’m Quara Raedrim. Good
General Alessia stepped forward, arms folded, her Wasteland uniform immaculate. “And military use?”I nodded. “Freight trains will be doubled as rapid military mobilization units if needed. We’ll be laying down multi-purpose rails. You’ll get your deployment channels.”She gave a small approving grunt and stepped back.Elijah broke her silence next. “This is a complete logistical shift. The Aeternum market won't just expand—it’ll explode. You’re proposing a national industrial surge.”“I’m proposing,” I replied, voice firm, “the next Aeternum Boom. You saw what happened when our agriculture caught up to our tech. Now imagine what happens when delivery catches up to our output.”Across the lawn, conversations buzzed anew.Queen Zanesia of Zaredon stepped beside me. “My ports will be ready to receive expanded freight volumes. Our harbors will need more cranes, but it’s doable.”“Good,” I smiled. “We’ll coordinate with Andrea’s office for funding. We’ll need refrigeration cars, modular l
Jelina nodded. “Much appreciated, General.”We gathered more closely now, forming a convivial circle across the lawn. Bright chatter rose above birdsong and fountain mist.I looked at each face: these were the builders, the dreamers, the hands shaping Aeternum. Taking a breath, I spoke.“I’m proud of this. So much has happened in only three years. But imagine what we will accomplish—together.” I let the words hang softly.They answered in nods, soft smiles, and a unified energy. No veiled diplomatic posture here—only genuine pride and excitement. A vision was coalescing: a nation deeply connected by purpose, ready for its next leap.Soon, we moved inside for the formal cabinet session. But on that lawn, under the open sky, we had already begun—quietly, joyfully, confidently stepping into Aeternum’s promising tomorrow.Under the warm shimmer of a late morning sun, the wide emerald lawn of the Black House glowed with life. The usual calm air of formality was brushed aside today as laugh
Across the city, ministers buzzed. Minister Rafaela paced her lab, her mind skipping possibilities: logistics? education? medical policy? Andrea shifted her resources team into overdrive. Bina, Mina, even Elijah—each sensed the moment was far bigger than a cabinet reshuffle.Back in my office, I pressed my palms flat across the woodgrain. I sensed their energy. Elation waiting to bloom.“Elijah,” I said softly, “They must feel that this meeting is important, not ominous.”She nodded. “We’ve done that. Your call invited them—no cryptic warning. They expect significance.”“Perfect,” I sighed with relief. “Because today, we begin a new era.”As the afternoon shadows lengthened, the Central Cabinet Hall filled. Governors and ministers took their places around the great oval table—Queen Emiliana’s Cloisters, glass domes reaching for the sky above. The slight flutter of silk, murmur of anticipation.When Zanessia and Aqeesha arrived, their presence added a solemn flourish to the room. Refug
“It’s good you brought it up,” I said. “Rafaela and I just heard about container trucks for freight. I think it’s time to upgrade our transport system—on land and rail.”Andrew’s face crinkled into a grin. “Container trucks?”“And freight trains,” Anton added, excitement flickering in his eyes. “Hauling directly to Agriculture City, to ports…”“That’s the plan,” I confirmed, nodding with purpose. “We’re rolling out a fleet of high-capacity container trucks, and expanding our railway system. Freight trains are in development.”Their relief was clear. They believed wholeheartedly in their work, and now they saw the government backing them.“I knew I could count on you to listen, sir,” Andrew said softly. “We drivers just want Aeternum crops to reach the world.”Anton chimed in, voice warm: “When we haul produce, it’s not just cargo—we’re delivering Aeternum’s promise.”I placed a hand on each of their shoulders. “It’s you—people like you—who help me see what matters. Keep telling me wha