Civil War

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

(December 3, 2026)

In the White House Press Room, reporters from multiple news agencies are waiting anxiously for the president to enter the room to give his speech. Early that morning, President Davidson had announced a news conference in response to recent sanctions and the official recognition of Texas by Mexico and Taiwan. This has been a dramatic escalation of the situation, and the world is waiting for the official response by President Davidson to this new development.

Finally, as the clock strikes noon, President Davidson enters the room. The chatter that had filled the room quiets down as the reporters wait for the president to speak. He steps up to the podium, takes a moment to clear his throat, then begins his speech.

"In the last few days, the governments of Mexico and Taiwan issued announcements that they have granted official recognition to Texas as an independent country. This announcement has generated much shock in our country, and rightfully so, for it goes against the precedent of international law for decades."

"For many decades, the United States and Mexico have enjoyed a good, peaceful relationship. Similarly, the United States has enjoyed a good relationship with the people on the island of Taiwan. This great betrayal of the relationships we have enjoyed is a great affront to the United States, and we will not stand for it."

"I first speak to the people of Mexico and Taiwan. By this recent move, you threaten your relationship with the United States of America. Recognizing an illegal rebel movement is tantamount to an act of aggression against the United States of America. We demand that the governments of Mexico and Taiwan renounce their recognition of the so-called Republic of Texas, or entirely risk relations with the United States."

"Secondly, I speak to leaders of countries throughout the world, warning them against a similar action. We in the United States government will not tolerate international recognition of these rebel groups, and any government who does so will risk diplomatic relations, trade deals, and other international agreements with the United States of America."

"The United States will not bow to the pressure of these radicals who seek the overthrow of a lawfully elected government as outlined in the Constitution of the United States. We will continue to utilize all efforts to restore peace to the United States and ensure that these secessionist states are returned to the United States of America."

The president's words spread rapidly around the country and the globe. However, despite his rhetoric, his speech has not caused the intimidation he had hoped for, as he is soon to find out.

(December 4, 2026)

In front of the still-under-construction new Texas State Capitol in San Antonio, Governor Abbott wheels up to the podium that has been set up for him. Behind him is Luiz Alberto Figueiredo Machado, who, until a few weeks ago, had served as the Brazilian Ambassador for Climate Change, but has now been appointed to a new role.

"Thank you," President Abbott says to acknowledge the applause he receives before he begins to speak, "Today, I am here to announce a historical agreement. Yesterday, President Davidson of the United States of America issued a declaration that any country that entertains official relations with the Republic of Texas risks relations with the United States. Well, today, we are here to show the world that the present regime in Washington cannot intimidate the world in such a way."

"Today, I am here with the brand new Ambassador of Brazil to the Republic of Texas, His Honorable Luiz Machado, to announce that the government of Brazil has voted to officially recognize our independence and sovereignty. I ask the ambassador to step forward to recognize the start of official diplomatic relations between the Republic of Texas and the Federative Republic of Brazil."

Ambassador Machado steps forward, and he and Abbott shake hands in front of the flags of Texas and Brazil, which brings about an eruption of applause. The two men exchange a few words with each other before they relinquish the handshake and Abbott moves back to the podium.

"I am also here today to announce a historic deal between Texas and Brazil. As has been noted in recent news, prior to our vote of independence, the former aircraft carrier John F Kennedy was sent to Brownsville here in Texas for scrapping. However, following our declaration of independence, the Texan Navy took control of the retired aircraft carrier, which had not yet begun the process of scrapping. However, due to our limited shipbuilding capacity in Texas, it has been determined we are unable to realistically return the John F Kennedy to operational capacity for service in our Navy."

"However, our friends in Brazil do have such capability. Therefore, I am proud to announce today the sale of the former aircraft John F Kennedy to Brazil. Brazilian ships will soon arrive in Brownsville to take control of their new vessel and tow it to Brazil, where she will be refurbished before entering service with the Brazilian Navy. We also are pleased to announce a contract with Brazil for the sale of 24 F-35C naval stealth fighters for service with the Brazilian Navy, with delivery expected in 2 to 3 years. We hope that this historic deal will serve as a symbol of this new level of friendship between our two countries."

There is a loud eruption of applause from the assembled crowd. Abbott waits for a few moments for the applause to die down again before he speaks again, "I now invite Ambassador Machado to come forward and speak."

There is applause for the ambassador as he steps forward. Machado smiles and waves a bit before he begins to speak, "To the people of the Republic of Texas, I am here today with the well wishes and friendship of the government and people of Brazil. We are pleased that our negotiations with President Abbott and his administration have been fruitful, and we look forward to great friendship between our two countries."

"I have been greatly alarmed throughout this year to see the decline of the United States of America into a more and more authoritarian state. Yet, it brings me joy to see that in places like this, the American dream is alive and well, and that there are still those who wish to preserve the freedoms that America is known for. We in Brazil have great respect for the willingness of the people of Texas to fight for their freedom."

"I also wish to announce today an additional deal with the government of Texas. The government of Brazil and our military leadership are pleased to announce an official program to train pilots of the Texas Air Force to fly the JAS-39 Gripen multirole fighter. The first group of student pilots have already been selected and will soon be departing for training in Brazil at Anapolis Air Base. We will not be able to provide Gripen fighters to Texas directly at this current time, but it is our honor to be able to train Texan pilots to fly this aircraft so that the Texas Air Force may be able to operate Gripen fighters in the future."

Again, there is applause from the assembled crowd. With recognition from Brazil, as well as the funds that would be gained from the sale of the Kennedy to Brazil, this would be a huge boost to Texas' war effort, and give Texas more resources to build up its war machine.

The situation is rapidly changing, and in DC, Davidson is getting more frustrated than ever. Now, three countries have officially recognized Texas. While Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida have not yet received any official recognition, Davidson knows for certain that there are talks ongoing between Mexico and Florida regarding official recognition for Florida. It won't be long before the other three secessionist states start receiving recognition, and that's going to make things all the harder for him. With this new announcement as a backdrop, Davidson begins issuing orders for a fresh military assault on the secessionist states to bring an end to the war once and for all.