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“I’m happy about what they’ve done,” said Ram Boy, “but I’m not sure I understand it.”

Lolita smiled, allowing herself a sense of elation at the events. She was mad at Cobie, sure, but this was her plan, and seeing it finally work made her feel so proud. “With Google-Facebook and Lloyds of London following them, the Odysseus Corporation gained control of Earth.”

”I know that,” said Ram Boy rolling his eyes and they both laughed.

“Once Cobie began talking the stocks of every single company began to drop drastically. Everyone was selling. Naturally, the Odysseus Corporation was buying them up.”

“Naturally,” said Ram Boy sarcastically.

“What Cobie announced was that using 52.5% of Earthgov’s shares, they had voted to sell Earthgov back to the citizens of Earth. They were essentially restoring Earthgov as a public institution and Government, not a Corporation.”

“But…how…?” said Ram Boy.

“Cobie and Timberwolf secured the documentation of Earth’s actual takeover, and therefore, the legal and business precedent used to do it. And so, using that, he was able to justify their actions. This should be enough for everyone to skim over the legality of it.”

“They sold it back to the citizens?” asked Ram Boy, skeptical.

“At a discount,” she said. “Don’t forget, this was all done before 4:00 PM EST Earth time. The market was still active. Like I said, the stock prices had plummeted.”

“And what was that second part?” said Ram Boy.

“The Corporate Debt,” said Lolita, “the Treasury Bonds. The Odysseus Corporation had amassed a huge sum of Treasury debt. In the trillions of credits.” She paused now to be serious but couldn’t suppress a smile. “The Odysseus Corporation has agreed to waive all of Earth’s debt.”

“Meaning…?” said Ram Boy, who believed he knew but had to be sure.

“Meaning all of the trillions of dollars Earth has on its book as liabilities have suddenly been moved to assets. All of that debt doesn’t need to be paid. Earthgov just basically had its treasury completely restored. They have trillions and trillions of credits—they’ll have everything they need to be operational again.”

Ram Boy smiled. “I want to be mad,” he said, “but it is a pretty amazing thing. We’ll have to have a talk when he returns…but I see now his intentions are good, even if his methods sometimes appear to be suspect.” He turned to her, asking “Then all of that money the ‘investors’ spent…it’s all gone?”

“Yes,” said Lolita. “It was basically a donation. The Triumvirs, the other investors, all of them—they made no profit. All of that money is simply gone. It may seem like it was a waste but what it did was fix Earth’s balance sheets. It was symbolic more than anything. There was no better way to spend it.”

Ram Boy smiled. “So Cobalt and the others…they didn’t profit from this.”

“The opposite. With this, Cobalt effectively spent every single credit he had. He’s virtually penniless now outside of his business holdings. Yes, he can regain income that way, and likely has funds for his spy games…but really, he’s now penniless.”

Earth

Cobalt Kid and Timberwolf sat together at a dingy bar, sipping a glass of scotch together. They were in good spirits.

“So what next?” said Timberwolf. “Things won’t just go back to normal, will they?”

“Unfortunately no,” said Cobalt. “The Corporations still have private armies of mercenaries, and they won’t go down with out a fight. The key will be the Earthgov military and which way they swing…”

“Which Seahorse is already taking care of,” nodded Timberwolf. “I guess its Civil War then. Which means its out of our hands?”

“Yes,” said Cobalt, “but I have faith. Faith not only the RMB, but the people of Earth. From Elena St. Clair and the Lloyds of London brokers, to the military to the common people. The Civil War is going to happen, but the momentum is on their side.”

“And Ricimer?” said Timberwolf, a small part of him still wanting his blood.

“Kicked off of Gold Capital Holdings Board immediately,” said Cobalt, “and his reputation is ruined. He’s finished. I doubt he’ll even play a part of the Civil War. But maybe one day he’ll turn up.” Cobalt suspected Timberwolf’s next question. “Gold Capital Holdings has elected a new Chairman of the Board: Elena St. Clair. They have no idea where his motivations lie. And through her, I think we’re going to see Gold Capital Holdings return to its traditional role as a investment bank. Not my favorite institution but we’ll have to have faith she can do it.”

“Then it seems to be heading our way,” said Timberwolf. He took a deep sigh. “I’m going to make sure of it though,” he added.

Cobalt raised an eyebrow. “You’re staying behind?”

“Yup,” said Timberwolf, pouring them both another drink. “Seeing you have faith in the people of Earth is actually pretty inspiring. But I’ll just verify that faith. Make sure Seahorse convinces the military and Elena straitens out Gold Capital Holdings. And do what I can to help the people of Earth win this Civil War.”

“Well, Earthgov needs to fill its Government, and put together a Senate to pass some legislation making sure the legal actions leading to the Corporate takeover and the recent buyback never happen again. So, while you’re here…”

“You’re unbelievable,” laughed Timberwolf and they both laughed loudly.

“But seriously, Lon,” said Cobalt, “as always…thanks.” He stuck out his hand and Timberwolf shook it. Then they picked up their glasses and clinked them together.

“Sweet ass sweet.”

Prime Minister Maya adi Lva immediately recognized the new Earthgov as an official legitimate entity and the UP offered assistance in any way they could, save military action. This would have to be won by the people of Earth.

Just as Faraway Lad had convinced her, she now set about convincing the United Planets. While she had her detractors, she was widely hailed as a political and economic genius throughout the galaxies. Within several months, the events that took place on Earth were widely perceived as the result of her planning and action.

She was so widely applauded that for the first time since the United Planets had been founded, she did something no other Prime Minister had ever done before. She ran for a third term in office.

Her relationship with the Legion of Message Board Posters grew stronger. But now, for truly the first time, she understood what kind of power they really wielded. And she realized she would have to be more cautious…and wary of them.

Cobalt Kid returned to Legion World, proud of his recent endeavors. As always, time had moved on during his absence there, but he quickly reimbursed himself in daily life.

Ram Boy and he had a quiet understanding for the remainder of Ram Boy’s term as leader. Ram Boy would not interfere with Cobalt’s various plans, whatever they were, but Cobalt would keep Ram Boy apprised of all things. Cobalt accepted it, always eager to make another ally.

Much of his great fortune now gone, Cobalt now dedicated the remaining funds he had to his Great Game. Thus, beyond his glamorous businesses, his living quarters were a modest apartment above the Travel Agency he owned.

He did not have many personal effects, but those he did have were incredibly important to him. And chief among them all, was one which now had even greater personal significance to him.

A 21st Century gold watch.

*Timberwolf reemerged on Legion World roughly 5-6 months later during the Revenge of the Red Bee.

*During the Revenge of the Red Bee, Ram Boy utilized his communication with Cobalt Kid behind the scenes.

*Pillum first battled Cobalt Kid and the LMB during The Psionic Spear and The Horn of Undoing .

*Maya adi Lva is secretly the Universe-1 version of Earth-4’s criminal mastermind, the Trumpeter, as revealed during the Horn of Undoing .

*In addition to the History of the LMBP, one can also get a better sense of Earth and The Corporate Takeover of Earth from the LMB Wiki page.