The Inaugural Address

PART III - CHAPTER VIII

8.

"Scorpio secret service has an updated count of survivors, Alexandria –" Penelope said from behind a pair of binoculars at the northern observation deck in the Blenheim compound, overlooking the battlefield below. "We have 3 confirmed sightings of 4 parachutes, and we estimate 4 survivors of the Taupo helicopter attack."

Alexandria sat behind a large holographic diagram of the battlefield, which was updating in real time as casualties were detected by Ariesan security footage, secret service intel, and various other detectors. Standing beside her was General Constance and various security personnel. Alexandria looked focused, but furious.

"Any confirmation of identities of the survivors?" She asked, examining the diagram before her.

"Yes, Alexandria. In order of ejection: Valerie Dunes, Kaster Avar, Jasper Langford–" General Constance began,

"Otherwise known as Leo by the rebellion," Penelope added in.

"And the last to eject was Brock Mavers, who ejected moments before the aircraft was hit a second time." General Constance continued, looking toward the Empress, who did look back.

"Thank god," Alexandria said, with a small sigh of relief.

"Thank god?" Penelope replied. "We almost annihilated the leader of the rebellion, why are you relieved?"

"Penelope, shut up, please." Alexandria responded quickly, shocking Penelope into silence. She then turned to face General Constance. "General, it is my understanding that automatic ballistic missile defense systems were turned off so that our Ariesan reinforcements could fly into battle and assist in stopping Alexander and his loyalists, correct?"

"That is correct, Empress." General Constance replied.

"I want to know then who fired missiles at the helicopter carrying Brock Mavers." Alexandria said, bluntly. "Furthermore, I would like whoever gave the command to fire the missiles pulled off of ballistic missile control," Alexandria paused, as if to consider one last time what she would say next. "I want them pulled off ballistic missile control and arrested immediately."

"Empress, we're in the middle–" General Constance attempted a response,

"Yes, General, we are in the middle of conflict. I know. I also know that whoever targeted the aircraft carrying Brock Mavers did not follow my strict command to only attack the forces loyal to Alexander. We are not at war with the rebels. Now, send your soldiers to remove and arrest whoever gave the command to shoot at Brock's helicopter."

"Well enough, Empress," General Constance replied, nodding to one of the security personnel, who then left for the ballistic missile control center. "We will need someone to send commands to continue using the missiles, and we are incredibly short on personnel."

"I see," Alexandria looked around the room, as if to locate a replacement. "General,"

"Yes?"

"Where are you currently posted?" Alexandria asked.

"Providing you council, of course." General Constance replied briskly.

"Ah, I see." Alexandria again looked around the room, letting her attention eventually fall onto Penelope, who was still silent. "Penelope is in charge of the secret service, which altogether is enough council for me! Why don't you go call the shots for the missiles?"

Silence fell in a large circle around the Empress and the General. General took a moment before replying.

"I can have my team–" The General began,

"No, I'd rather have you. That is, as long as I can trust you to follow my command. I can trust you, General, can't I?" Alexandria replied.

"Of course, Empress." The General replied, "I will go to the control center now. Please inform our pages if you need anything."

"Or we can call you," Penelope replied, somewhat out of the blue.

"That too, whichever is easiest," The General said, nodding before leaving for the control center.

"Nice work getting rid of the Ariesans!" Penelope cheered shortly after the General left the observation room. "Just us and the secret service now,"

"Penelope," Alexandria replied, unamused by her. "You know I love you. And I appreciate you. But, I'm going to need you to be quiet now." Alexandria then turned to her anonymous security personnel. "Agent 0, do we have the ability to retrieve Brock and his group?"

"Yes, we can send out a party to retrieve them and bring them back here." A member of the personnel, Agent 0, replied.

"I will go with them, I want to assure their safety," Alexandria responded. "We can take one of the Ariesan tanks, that way we'll be safe. Afterwards, we can head back and plan some type of united front with the rebels."

"There you go again with the rebels, Alexandria." Penelope butted in. "When will you understand they aren't our ally? As soon as they have you they'll kill you."

"That's not true," Alexandria replied, transferring her attention to Penelope. "They could've killed me the night I met Brock if that was the case."

"Believe what you want, all I know is that they all want to overthrow you. Alexander. The rebels. I say leave the rebels to the mercy of Alexander, let them kill off each other." Penelope responded.

"I will not stand for more bloodshed,"

"Alexandria, you may not have a choice."

"I always have a choice. And my choice right now is to go out and get Brock before Alexander does."

"Alexander, or Philip..." Penelope added.

"Don't even get me started on Philip," Alexandria scoffed.