Blood, Fire and Steel

Chapter 3

I wrinkled my nose in disgust at the feeble mayor breaking apart right in front of my eyes. He had the audacity to ask for money to fix a problem that he caused! If he hadn't been so soft on crime and criminals, the prisons wouldn't have been overrun and none of this would've happened. I wasn't about to spend billions on a third-rate city known for its prisons, crime and low productivity rate.

"Then I'm afraid you don't understand how dire the rebel situation is, mayor. If we don't drive them back, there will be total anarchy. Except it won't be in a city, Byrne. It will be across the whole country. I'll let you in on a secret. Yesterday I had to take money from education to buy a vital piece of defence equipment. Would it be fair to the rest of the country if I took billions from something else to fix one small city?"

"Young children are DYING in Nauwick, Your Royal Highness!" he cried, "would you like me to show you pictures of them?"

"There are children all over the country that I have to protect from the rebels, mayor."

The light died in Byrne's eyes as he saw that there was no hope. He slumped his shoulders, looking much more frail and older than other men his age. He buried his face in his hands for a moment, and I swear I could hear a quiet sob. He was quite pathetic to watch. He had clearly lost all hope. What he would want most right now is a lifeline. I let him have a short moment to wallow in despair before I threw it in.

"I'm not- completely unsympathetic to your situation, Hector," I said, going in for a personal touch, "I saw what the city looks like as I flew in today. I know that you and your people need help. The military predicts that, with the new technology we have acquired over the past few months, we will be able to drive the rebels back quicker and more efficiently than before. They predict that the worst of it will be over in less than six months. Then, once the threat has passed, I will send financial aid to Nauwick. I might not be able to give you everything that you want in one go, but you will be our first priority. In the meantime, my government will...urge humanitarian organisations to help you and assist you in any way we can afford to. Nauwick will always be on our minds."

Byrne looked up immediately, his eyes damp and ringed with red.

"How much money?" he asked immediately, straightening up.

I shook my head sadly. I had to be very careful with my next words, or else this would seem like just a bureaucratic brush-off.

"I can't say yet, Lord Byrne. But you have my word. We are not going to leave you alone in the deep end. We just have to deal with the biggest threats first."

"How do I know that this isn't just another empty promise?"

"Because I'm going to declare it in front of the media. I can't go back on my word after that.

He nodded, more or less satisfied with my answer.

"My message would be more powerful and give more hope to the people if you joined me," I added.

"That would be a good idea, yes."

Moments later, we were standing on the dry lawn in front of the mayor's mansion, constantly assailed by brightly flashing lights and a barrage of questions.

"One at a time, please!" I yelled at the group of journalists.

They fell silent reluctantly. I pointed to a dark-skinned woman at the front of the crowd.

"Yes?" I prompted.

"What is the government doing to restore peace here in the city of Nauwick?" she asked.

"The military will send 500 soldiers here to assist the local police force and help restore law and order. My government will also give one million dollars worth of aid to help with recovery efforts."