Civil War

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

(7:45 PM, San Antonio, Texas, September 25, 2026)

"We have confirmation there were no survivors?"

"Not from the Senate chamber. A few lucky people in the outer parts of the building have somehow survived, but everyone in the Senate chamber was killed."

From his seat, Governor Abbott slams his fist on the wheel of his wheelchair in anger. He's already seen the images of the Strike Eagles captured over Austin, and he knows exactly what happened. "I knew he was desperate, but I honestly didn't he'd go this far. Not yet at least," Abbott responds.

"Well, your desire for symbolism really saved all of our lives, Governor," Ted Cruz says. Abbott nods.

Unknown to President Davidson, most of the targets of the air strike were not only not in the Capitol Building, they weren't in Austin at all. The day before, Governor Abbott had decided to make his speech on the results of the vote in San Antonio at the Alamo, invoking the heritage of Texas fighting for its freedom against oppression as he delivered his address. Over 90 percent of the members of the State Senate and State House of Representatives, as well the Texan members of the national Senate and House of Representatives who had fled Washington since the vote was announced, had come to San Antonio with the governor to take part in this historic press conference. Only Lieutenant Governor Patrick and a few Senators had remained behind to count the votes and keep things running in Austin. While they had all perished, save one representative that was actually in the hospital due to a broken leg following a fall on a hike, the governor, the Supreme Court of Texas, and most of the legislature had survived by Governor Abbott's desire to conduct the press conference at the Alamo.

One of Governor Abbott's staff who is with him now speaks up as he says, "Governor, we were able to compare the last progress report from Austin with reports sent in in the last hour from the counties who had not been counted yet. While we may not have the exact numbers, we have a clear result of the vote."

Governor Abbott firms his face. "Alright," he says. He pauses a moment to think about things before he says, "I will begin working with Gardner to prepare my new speech immediately. In the meantime, I want all military forces in Texas on high alert. Contact all airports throughout the state. I want all air traffic shut down immediately, and I want F-16s along our borders. And I want the State Guard and all local police forces ready to deal with any violent action by anyone within our borders."

Aides around him rush to carry out his orders while Ted Cruz walks off to speak to assembled reporters to inform them of the change regarding the governor's press conference. Momentarily, Abbott is left alone with his thoughts, all of which are focused on one thing: ensuring the freedom of Texas, and ensuring that President Davidson one day faces justice for his crimes.

(8:30 PM local time, San Antonio)

In the square before the Alamo, absolute silence reigns. Never has this square been so quiet. There is no auto traffic, and the massive crowd gathered to witness Governor Abbott's address in person is not making a sound. Even the reporters and news crews are absolutely silent. All that can be heard is the noises of birds and insects. Some can very faintly hear the distant sound of the engines of the 2 F-16s currently patrolling around San Antonio to prevent any attempt at another airstrike by the US.

Governor Abbott finally approaches the podium set up for him right in front of the Alamo. Even still, the crowd is quiet. Not clapping of cheering, but absolutely silent as they all silently know what is about to happen.

The governor taps the microphone to make sure it is working. Then, he begins his speech, speaking solemnly and his face betraying no emotions, "This evening, I had planned to make a simple speech on the outcome of the recent vote held here in Texas. However, the events that happened in Austin less than 2 hours ago have changed not only my remarks, but the history of our nation."