“This discovery did not happen overnight, and its benefits will not appear overnight either. But it gives us something invaluable: choice. Choice in how we power our economy. Choice in how we protect our national security. Choice in how we build a future that is strong, stable, and self-reliant.
“With that, I’ll take your questions.”
“Mr. Vice President, critics say this project locks the U.S. into fossil fuels for decades. How do you respond?”
“I reject the idea that responsible oil development and investment in clean energy are mutually exclusive. We are doing both. The revenue from this project directly supports the transition to cleaner technologies. Energy transitions require stability, not shock—and this provides that stability.”
“Why Robicheaux Oil and Gas? Were other companies considered?”
“Yes. Multiple domestic and international firms were evaluated. Robicheaux demonstrated the strongest combination of technical capability, safety compliance, and domestic refining capacity. This decision was made through a competitive and transparent process.”
“When will Americans see an impact at the gas pump?”
“This is a long-term project. However, markets respond to certainty. The confirmation of supply alone has already influenced forward pricing. As domestic production increases, we expect downward pressure on volatility over time.”
“How will local communities be protected?”
“Community impact agreements are mandatory. Local governments will have oversight, emergency-response funding, and guaranteed infrastructure investment. No community will be left carrying the burden without the benefit.”
“Is this the largest oil discovery in history?”
“Based on current verified data, yes—both in geographic scope and estimated recoverable resources.
“This moment will be studied, debated, and scrutinized—and it should be. That’s how democracy works.
“But history will also record that when presented with an extraordinary opportunity, we chose responsibility over recklessness, cooperation over isolation, and long-term strength over short-term gain.
“Thank you. God bless you and thank you for your work.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“Well, that was some finely polished bullshit for sure,” frowned Christian.
“What do you mean? It was a good speech,” said Major looking at his teammate with genuine confusion.
“It was good but it wasn’t exactly truthful. I guess I just hoped that someone might actually tell the truth for once. Like, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” he frowned.
“He couldn’t very well call out the POTUS right away,” said Chief. “He lied about a few things but nothing that couldn’t be verified if they needed to. What we can expect now is one very pissed off POTUS.”
“Do you think he’ll try to retract on the statements that the Vice President made?” asked Bone.
“I don’t think he can without looking like a complete idiot. Besides, if I had to guess he’s probably fighting with Santori right now. He’ll be occupied for a while but damn sure not forever. We’ve got to make a plan for when he does attempt to come for us or for the farmers,” said Chief.
“We need to prove that he and Santori were in on this together,” said Sebastian. “If there are fake e-mail messages in the Vice President’s box, then surely there are some for the POTUS as well. We just have to find them.”
“Hey guys, love your confidence in our skills, but in order to do that we’re going to need to be inside the White House and close to his computer,”said Hiro.
“And just how do you suggest we do that?” asked Chief. “He’ll recognize us for sure.”
“He won’t recognize U-Jin or Tanner. No offense to either of them but the POTUS is someone that would expect his IT experts to be of Asian heritage.”
“Oh, that’s right,” said Christian nodding at the screen. “He made a comment once that all the good tech people come from China and India. He made that comment while in India.”
The others just rolled their eyes, laughing at the insanity of the statement.
“Let me see if the Vice President can help us get inside on this,” said Chief. “I’ll call you back.”
“Hi, do y’all have a minute?” asked Ernie stepping inside.
