XxXxX I don't know what the problem is with the quotation marks. I'm trying to fix it. XxXxX
"Altair! Listen to me, you cannot risk yourself out there! The damage is great enough, but if you were to be hurt then who knows the effect that would have!" The President's order rang out amidst the chaotic screams and explosions flooding into the room through the radio speakers.
"Madame, I must! They are my people, and do not deserve to die like this!" The normally calm Nation glared at his President, his determination visible in every movement.
The President laid her hands on his shoulders. Listen. After this raid we can attempt to barter peace. Just talk to Meras, threaten a counter-attack if he does not stop this horror!"
"Madame President! He knows as well as we do how our weapons are depleted! We cannot-" His reply was cut off by a scream of pain; the cause revealed itself moments later on the newscast monitor.
"They're bombing schools! We must reply in some form; make them aware that this cannot continue!" the President urged, arms supporting her Nation until the agony passed.
"What am I to do?" Altair said as he regained strength. "Their weapons bases are underground, you know that! The only tool left to us is-"
"The Skaros. I know. Maybe it's time to use it."
"Never! You remember what the scientists said, nuclear wasteland! I am not slaughtering innocents in such an attempt to parry blows! We don't even know if that will stop the attacks! They may bomb us into nothingness even if nothing exists of their land." The last statement took on an accusing tone.
The President spoke softly: It is the only thing we can do."
"Do you hear me! I am not slaughtering innocents!" He broke away from her grasp, and stepped to the door.
"Altair! What are you doing?"
"So few remain of my people. I'm leaving, and taking them to a new world. One where we may revive our culture and our lives."
"That is foolish!"
"Foolish it may be. But it is our only hope. Azera has predicted death if we do not escape. Already Kelsara has gathered her people."
"Leave, then, if that is your wish. But I will remain until the end."
"So be it. Farewell, Madame President. I hope you will survive and live on when I am gone."
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"America, has anyone every told you how damn paranoid you are?" England growled, "There is no way, I repeat, no possible way that she has hidden nuclear missiles in Egypt!"
"But the satellite feed-"America protested.
"Had been tampered with! And not very well done, I might add! We went over this already! Japan?"
The quiet Asian nation nodded, and spoke. "Yes. The images in the feed were quite clearly computer-generated additions, and besides that, the network had picked up interfering signals at the time when the film was supposedly recorded."
America was not impressed. "But what if it's a trick? She wants us to think she's lying, while she actually did place those missiles..."
"That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard," Spain commented.
Before America could make an indignant reply, there was a knock at the doors of the conference hall.
"Yes? What is it?" England called.
The doors opened and a man entered. This was Ian Keller, Speaker for the Earth. The only human besides world leaders allowed to know of the Nations' existence.
"Gentlemen," he began timidly.
"And ladies!" complained Hungary and Belgium at once.
The Speaker cleared his throat. "Ahem, ladies and gentlemen, there is, it seems, an issue that requires your urgent attention."
The Nations now cast their attention from arguing amongst themselves to the Speaker's announcement.
"A group of Nations has arrived at the Embassy, and they say they seek your help."
"What?" China questioned, But we are all here, aru!"
"That is exactly the issue in question," the Speaker said, running a hand through his close-cut grey hair, "They are... not of earthly residence."
"And what the hell is that supposed to mean!" England questioned.
Japan clarified. "He means, Igirisu, that they are extra-terrestrial. Aliens, you might say."