The Fifth Pillar

Chapter Thirteen: Declaration

The room was filled with media in each seat and some even standing up, all awaiting before a podium with the star branded in the center.

To each flank was a flag standing idle. One of Black, White, and Blue. The other was pitch black with what seemed like something blue and white in the center. 

The wait felt like years before Jackie walked out from stage left and towards the podium with a look of steel on her face.

Everyone stood as she took her spot behind the podium.

"Uniz." She spoke.

They all sat and prepared their cameras. 

Jackie took only but a second.

"Ladies and Gentlemen." She finally spoke, "Today I have called for your meetings today for an important reason."

All cameras focused onto her, all eyes watching.

"Recent events have made us reach a breaking point with our neighbor." She releveled, "First it started with a simple border dispute. However, our neighbor had refused to even sit down and talk about it like adults."

The faces off the press were a mixture of shock and blank.

"Then a convoy patrolling our border was attacked, drawing the first blood of this conflict. SGT Mila Sidorova. A young woman, aged not even thirty, had been nearly split in half. Now instead of an inspiring bioengineer looking to make her mark on the world for the better, we have a casket that will be buried and a grieving family with nothing but a folded flag and grief."

The crowd had a few tears in each eye now.

"I wished for a peaceful end to the border conflict for weeks." She continued, "However it seems their time-stuck nation will never leave the Industrial Age technologically, mentally, or diplomatically."

She re adjusted her feet to stand more straight.

"So we call for all men and women in our army, air force, and navy as well as reserves to be prepared for war against a nation who has wronged us too many times. If they wish to resolve this conflict peacefully then we are more than open, but I personally feel they will not even bat an eye at us. I feel they will lose ground quickly and try to drag their friends into this war, for they have no honor nor dignity to accept defeat as long as that child stays in that office."

Now the cameras flashed. Just what they were waiting for.

"If this breaks out into war, and when we win, then we ensure her reign ends and a more friendly leader takes her place to allow better communication, not only for us, but also the many other nations of these lands. No overgrown toddler should reign a nation so important to the world. We will never allow it."

Her steely eyes never faltered.

"We are lucky that they possess no air force and their navy is just repurposed merchant ships, or else they'd see even more unnecessary death and destruction. Knowing her, she'd order a nuclear strike if they had the weapons. They haven't even discovered what a rifle is. Spears and swords are all they can muster as a defense. I do not think I have even seen bows."

She seemed joking. But she went back to serious.

"Any questions?" She asked.

Hands went up and she pointed to one. He stood up.

"Gamindustri press. What do you plan to do if you do win, do you plan on taking them over or puppeting?"

"No. We will not dismantle their government, nor annex any land, nor will our new leader be a puppet. They will simply be someone in their ranks who isn't stubborn. We wish to see them reformed to a more friendly nation that will never allow such acts to ever happen."

Another hand was chosen.

"Southern Papers. Do you have anyone decided yet?"

Jackie nodded.

"More than likely we will choose her sister." She responded, "She has proven herself much more friendly and capable. I have full faith she would lead them to much more glory than their current has even dreamed of."

There were no more hands.

Jackie nodded.

"We hope for a quick end to this with minimal damage to ether side, but I know very well that Black Heart will be too stubborn to admit the faults she has shown so blatant to even eye of the blind. May we come out better than before. Niachaj viečna sviecić zorka."

She walked off the stage as the audience clapped. Dekota awaited her after the steps.

"You look like you're angry." She remarked.

"Angry you don't have any food waiting for me." Jackie joked.