Civil War

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

(December 27, 2026)

Just outside the press room of the Legislative Palace of San Lazaro, President Pardo is reviewing her notes for her upcoming speech. Right now, her press secretary is giving some preparatory remarks and prepping the press for the press conference. At last, she's giving remarks on an issue that has been debated in the legislature of Mexico for almost a month now.

The door into the press room opens, and an aide sticks his head out. "Madam President, we're ready," he says.

President Pardo nods. The aide steps aside, allowing Pardo to walk through the door and into the press room. As she does, her press secretary announces, "Ladies and gentleman, The Honorable President Claudia Pardo." There is some respectful applause from the assembled press as Pardo makes her way into view.

Pardo steps up to the podium, acknowledging the applause before waiting for it to stop. Once there is quiet again, she begins her speech, "Today, I am here to make another address to the world regarding the situation in the United States of America and the civil war that has broken out in America. Almost one month ago today, I stood at a podium not far from here to announce Mexico's official recognition of the Republic of Texas. Shortly before that event, three other states of the United States of America declared their independence: Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama. And only 11 days ago, they were joined by the state of Mississippi, which saw devastating damage and forced displacement caused by a series of military engagements between American military forces and those of Texas and the other independent states."

"Mexico has monitored the ongoing civil war in the United States, as well as public sentiments of the remaining states of the United States, very closely. To see the spread of violence and increasing deprivation of liberties in the United States has been the cause of much concern to us here in Mexico. For that reason, I am here today to make two announcements."

"First, I am here to announce that as of today, the Mexican government is hereby granting official diplomatic recognition to the following as independent, sovereign nations: the Republic of Florida, the Federative Republic of Louisiana, and the State of Alabama. Today, we declare that official diplomatic relations have begun, and we officially invite ambassadors from those states to Mexico City."

"In addition, I am here to announce that, as of today, our remaining border with the United States of America is officially closed," Pardo says. This is met by a lot of murmuring and shocked sounds. Pardo motions for quiet. Once the reporters have quieted down, she continues, "In order to prevent our border from being used to smuggle weapons, mercenaries, or any other resources into the United States, as well as to prevent the spread of the ongoing chaos in America into our country, our land border with the United States is completely closed to all traffic. We will be deploying units of the Army to the border to ensure this is so. In addition, all air traffic from the United States will monitored very closely, and we will be tightening inspection procedures of all passengers and cargo inbound on any flight that came from or originated in America."

There is some more murmuring from the assembled reporters. Pardo pauses for a moment before continuing, "This measure has been taken due to the danger of the civil unrest in the United States spreading into our country, as well as a documented incident of Nicaraguan mercenaries that were supposedly hired by the United States government to fight for them in the ongoing civil war. These mercenaries in question were arrested near Nogales as they were attempting to sneak across the border. We will not allow our border to be a gateway for the United States to gather more resources with which to torment and afflict its people."

"Once again, we call upon the international community to do what they can to stop the violence in America. The recent UN Resolution is not enough. More steps must be taken to force the government of the United States to halt its aggression and make things right. And until that time, Mexico will continue to do all we can to bring peace to the once great country of America."

(December 28, 2026)

In the city of Tallahassee, as the sun is nearing mid-day, the Florida State Capitol is abuzz. Countless reporters are gathered outside to bear witness to a press conference that has been called by Governor Ron Desantis. In the last 24 hours, Florida, Louisiana, and Alabama have all received the official recognition of not only Mexico, but also Taiwan and Brazil. Mississippi has not yet received such recognition. Whispers have said that its in part due to the devastation and depopulation following the Mississippi campaign, and the belief that Mississippi will not be able to survive as a country on its own, and could soon devolve into a lawless land.

At exactly noon, the doors to the Capitol open, and Governor Desantis comes walking out of the Capitol, guards following alongside him, as well as three ambassadors from Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Desantis makes his way to the podium and taps the microphone before he says, "Welcome. Welcome, everyone, on this fine winter day." This brings some laughs, of course, since it's Florida and still as sunny as ever.

"Today, I come before you with a truly historic announcement. Since the US government's first failed attempt at an assault on the state of Texas, four more states have joined Texas in declaring our independence from the United States of America, seeking to maintain our liberties from an increasingly oppressive government. While Texas has expressed their desire, and their ability, to remain fully independent, Florida, and the other three states, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, have recognized the value of working together, increasing our chances of survival, not only in war, but also economically. After much negotiation, we have the decision to unite."

Desantis is quiet for a moment before he says, "Today, I announce to the entire world the formal establishment of the United American Republic, which encompasses the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana." There is a lot of applause from the assembled crowd. Desantis raises his hand in acknowledgement, but waits until everyone quiets down before he continues speaking.

"After a vote by the other governors and state legislatures, I have been selected as the first President of the United American Republic. As my first order as president, i am announcing that, for greater security, the capitol of the UAR will not be located here in Tallahassee, but will instead be located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition, in order to better protect ourselves, we will be forming a new military command structure. And today, I am pleased to announce that General John Evans will serve as the first military chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the UAR."

"At this time, we ask that those countries that have recognized the members of the UAR as independent countries to grant the same recognition to the UAR. We also wish to express to the other states of the United States the following: we seek the preservation of liberties promised to us in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Should you decide that you are willing to stand up and defend those liberties, we will welcome you as part of the UAR should you choose. But regardless, we encourage all in the United States of America to stand up for their rights and freedoms and defend them, even against your own government."

The news of the establishment of the United American Republic spreads quickly across the world. Unlike some of the previous announcements of independence, this announcement is one that many have been expecting for weeks. Although some are surprised that Texas chose not to join the UAR, most people are not. However, to many people, this gives the UAR a little more legitimacy, as now it is seen not as individual states fighting for themselves, but multiple states uniting into a new country to defend their freedoms.

By the end of the day, the governments of Mexico, Taiwan, and Brazil have issued press releases all confirming that they grant official diplomatic recognition to the UAR. And all the while, in Washington, President Davidson is actually really starting to fear. With the states of the UAR now united and working together, they will be a much more formidable fighting force. And if more military personnel defect to them, they will become an even greater threat than Texas.

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Hey, everyone. First author's note here in a while. I hope you who read this story have been enjoying it so far.

So, just today, I realized that with the timeline of the story, I missed something pretty major expected to happen in 2026 in the United States: the World Cup. I'm not planning to go back and edit past chapters to address it. So, just to add context to any future mentions, yes, the World Cup did still happen in this timeline, right in between the deaths of the two Supreme Court judges. It helped ease some of the tension in America for a little because of the excitement surrounding the Cup, and there was not any real power moves made by Davidson during the time of the Cup.