Doomsday Pillars

Chapter 22 - West Regent

Indonesia has 17,504 islands, scattered over both sides of the equator, and with about 6,000 of them inhabited. The largest are Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Before Alex can finally think about saving the humankind, he must first make sure the people around him, his countryman can become the foundation.

There will be 5 Doomsday Pillars drop in Indonesia, he needs to make sure that all 5 will be properly managed. The location is Central Java, West Sumatra, South Sulawesi, West New Guinea, and Bali. Alex will surely be taking charge of the one in Bali while for the other 4, currently, he had no idea. He needs to start contacting some of the other leading figures before the apocalypse comes.

Alex flies to the Island of Sumatra, in the west, there is a small city called Bukittinggi. There are many big cities in Sumatra island, 2 of them like the city of Medan in the North Sumatra is the third largest populated city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. There is also the city of Palembang it is the 7th populated city in Indonesia, it can be said that the island of Sumatra is the second most populated island after the island of Java. The place that Alex is visiting is the city of Bukittinggi. It only has a little more than 100.000 people.. It is a small city, a little part of the west Sumatra, the westernmost city in all of Indonesia.

Alex arrived in the city, then took a drive to the hill for another one hour to the countryside. When he reached there, Alex was a bit surprised, there is nothing rural about this countryside. The place is bustling of people not less populated than the main city of Bukittinggi. It is a simple village in the countryside with one main point of interest, there is a compound so large that it covers almost all of the village, it is the military academy.

A military academy is a place where the Indonesian military soldier trains, Alex can see many people in uniform walking around the village, some are in a group wearing big backpack seemingly wanting to go training in the mountain. There should be more than 10.000 soldiers are being trained in here. The place Alex is going to visit actually is not this military academy, but a villa in another corner of the village, it is the place where the village leader or the Regent live.

With a glance, ordinary people can see there is something special with this Regent's villa. the place is located on a small hill with a spectacular view of the mountains, there are flowers and fruit garden all around the compound, there are many gardeners that can be seen working. The main compound is surrounded by a high stone wall. The entry door is a big double solid wood door, and there are guards outside the gate, Alex can tell the guards are highly trained, they should be from the army special forces. Alex makes an introduction, gives a letter to a guard to be shown to the Regent.

A few minutes later, Alex was welcomed inside the compound and directed to a lounge. The lounge is as big as a basketball court, there are at least 8 guards standing outside the lounge. Alex waited there for an hour before 2 people walk in, one is a young man who seems to be an assistant, the other is an old man in his 70's he's one of Indonesia top figure, the man in the future known as the West Regent.

Alex stands up and give his respect said "Greeting to General Suryo."

General Suryo is not a common man at all, The last 70 years since Indonesia was established, there has only ever been 4 general ever received the highest 5-star commander in chief title. He is one of them and the last living one. He has been in the army all of his life, he was the top figure who was in charge of the national safety during the national power struggle 20 years ago, which created a mass riot. He also manages to eradicate the North Sumatra separatist movement who killed more than 15000 people. He is a National hero, 15 years ago to ensure national safety he was elected as vice president, although he has high chance to reflect as the president he chose to step down, retiring from all post and choose a small regent post near his hometown. But although he's retiring he's still one of the most influential figures in Indonesia, especially in the military. The military academy was established there as an excuse for many high-rank generals to visit him, although he thought of the military as his own family so he enjoys teaching now and then.

"I am just a retired general you can just call me Regent Suryo now."

"Please sit down." the Regent said

The Regent continues, "This is a very interesting letter, you must be an interesting person, what's your name?"

"My name is Alex."

This is the letter that Alex trade with a spirit stone from James Randall, one of the most powerful families in Indonesia. During Regent Suryo's long career, the Regent gets acquainted with the Randall family. He and the Randalls are very close. Although their relationship is close, they want to keep it as mutually beneficial, so they always exchange favors, and each favor is not to be trifled with. This letter Randall made means a huge favor, hence James' hesitance to write it.

"So, Mr. Alex what can I help you with?"

"Mr. Regent, I have always wanted to meet the hero of the nation and have pleasurable chat, but currently my visit is to bring bad news. I have strong information to believe that the country will be faced with a huge disaster and I hope we can work together to face it."

Protecting the country will always be the Regent first priority, but the Regent just smiled.

"I am already a retired old man, let us just leave it to the young."

Alex response "I'm afraid the disaster will be faced by all the nations, young or old, it is a catastrophic disaster with an expected casualty 80% of the population."

The Regent startled, his experience makes him a great judge of character, the man in front of him is serious and speaks honestly. At least this man believes this to be the truth. Plus the letter from the Randall, he knew who James Randall is, not just his father or grandfather, James has resources and power, he won't be playing around with this.

"Tell me more about it." the Regent said.

"Please believe me that I can't tell you much, but I need you to help me with preparing something, later you won't regret it."

Alex can't tell too much detail, as it might backfire to him and lose the Regent's support.

"I need a few military equipment and vehicles, I have the list ready here."

"Also, I need soldiers, I need you to lend me a few platoons of your Death Squad soldiers."

Regent Suryo took the paper and looked at the list. The wrinkles on his face are even more showing now.

"Just with this letter, you are asking a bit too much don't you think?"

"Sorry Regent, the letter was actually to receive your friendship, as for this request....."

Alex raises his finger and touches his ring, suddenly 50 pieces of gold bars that he took from the black snake island appear in front of him.

Now the Regent surprised...