The Holy American Empire

The air in Panama City hung heavy with humidity and unease. The skyline glittered just beyond the tinted windows of the presidential palace, but inside, beneath the sterile glow of the conference hall lights, the atmosphere was taut with fear.

Around a long oval table sat the leaders of seven nations — men and women pulled from comfort into crisis. Refugees were pouring out of New Canaan, fleeing under cover of night. They claimed to be members of a faith called the Children of Ishmael. No one knew much about them, only that the Holy American Empire had branded them heretics. Their stories spread quickly, though governments dismissed them — too inconvenient to acknowledge, too dangerous to ignore.

⸻

Panama City — The Summit

President Morales of Panama opened the meeting.

“We cannot ignore the signs any longer. The HAE is growing by the day. If we wait for the next border to fall, it will be too late to stop him.”

Brazil’s Minister Rocha leaned forward.

“We are not declaring war — only unity. Trade, intelligence, and coordinated defense. Alone, we’re vulnerable. Together, we may stand.”

The Guatemalan minister nodded reluctantly.

“We share a border with New Canaan. We don’t have the luxury of pretending distance protects us.”

Then Ambassador Ruiz of Belize spoke, his voice measured but firm.

“You are not forming an alliance — you are painting targets on your borders. Kane will see this as provocation. Belize will remain neutral. We cannot risk the wrath of the HAE.”

No one pressed him further. Belize had made its choice.

Morales turned to the remaining leaders.

“Then the rest of us move forward. Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Peru. Together, we form the Coalition of the South.”

Signatures were made, documents sealed. The pact existed — a paper wall against an empire forged in fire and faith.

⸻

Later That Week — INN Evening Broadcast

“In a historic summit held earlier this week in Panama City, seven nations have signed what they are calling The Coalition of the South — a trade and security pact aimed at strengthening regional cooperation.

Member nations include Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Peru. While officially a trade initiative, analysts suggest its true purpose is to deter the growing influence of the Holy American Empire.

Notably absent are Belize and El Salvador, both of which have declared neutrality, citing fears of provoking the HAE. The Holy American Empire has yet to respond.”

Images of leaders shaking hands filled screens worldwide. Their smiles were tight, rehearsed, and for many, the first public sign of unity against Kane.

⸻

Cut to Kane

Far from the celebrations, deep in New Canaan, Kane watched the footage on a massive monitor. The glow reflected across his face, sharp and unforgiving. His jaw tightened as he observed the flags, the signatures, the smiles.

Silence filled the room. Then, quietly, a smile curved his lips — not a happy one, but a calculated expression.

“Looks like the pieces are being set.”

The monitor went dark. His reflection lingered a heartbeat longer, burned into the glass, a silent promise of what was coming.