"The Third Sorceress War, Act III: Terra Rossa"
7. Prime and Load
1
Irvine slowly got dressed. He first put on his white shirt and buttoned it up. Then he put on his pants, the rough texture of serge wool betraying how comfortable they were. His jack boots, which he by now found very comfortable, followed. He slid on his jacket and buttoned it up, and shrugged a few times to adjust himself. When he was ready, he went to the mirror to see what he looked like. Immediately, the scars lining half of his face caught his eye. With one finger, he traced the lines sunken into his cheeks... today, he thought, all debts are paid. One way or the other.
Rinoa, by his side, was standing in her underwear, a black dress slung over her am and black flats in her hand. She came over to him and wrapped her free arm around him.
"The helicopter's waiting." He said.
"Let them wait." Rinoa answered, "I want to enjoy this."
"Is everything ready?"
"What's your hurry? We still have a couple of minutes..."
"I know, I just... I want to get started."
Rinoa sighed contentedly.
"You know, I blame the wine." She said.
Irvine smiled.
"I kinda blame the wine too."
"Would you still do everything you've done, if you knew it'd be like this..?"
"The first lesson you learn as a sharpshooter is that once you pull the trigger, there is no way of stopping the bullet. What you do or think before pulling the trigger doesn't matter. What matters is that you be ready for what will happen once you do."
"And... were you?"
"What's the sudden second-guessing, Rin?"
"We already pulled the trigger, lover. Just wanted to see if you were all set."
"Maybe just one more thing's missing."
"Yeah? What's that?"
"A kiss for luck."
"Happy to oblige."
2
Laguna buttoned up his jacket and adjusted his tie before proceeding to the podium. He could swear he could hear his footsteps on the hard wood echoing in the grave silence of the parliament's chambers. The four steps it took for him to reach the microphone felt more like a mile-long death march. For the first time in his entire career as the president, Laguna faced the parliament and found not the jury-of-his-peers ready to pass judgment at the slightest provocation, but an audience to what he had to say.
With a deep breath, he began.
"I'm sure you have all heard by now. The President issued a 24-hour notice to the Balamb Training Facility, telling them to surrender. It is clear that she intends to pursue this aggressive strategy and, it isn't inconceivable that she will be coming on our doorstep next. She has already claimed to have uncovered evidence that Esthar was supporting quote-unquote terrorist groups in their endeavors against her so-called unified Galbadia. Yesterday evening, Galbadian news outlets fell to silence, and communications report that their signals were being jammed. We have to assume that it's a press blackout. If I may be blunt..."
"Please do." an MP said, inducing a round of nervous chuckles. Laguna allowed a half-smile.
"Rinoa's ready for war. The question is, are we?"
"This isn't a new question." The Minister of the Interior said, "What does the General Chief of Staff say?"
"The General Chief of Staff says that the president's question isn't if we can go to war." Mir said, inviting another round of nervous laughter.
"Then what does the president want to ask us?" the Minister of Foreign Affairs asked.
"I would like to request the parliament's permission to assume emergency powers."
Sighs and murmurs of resignation followed.
"The Ministry of Foreign affairs wants to know, Mr. President. What do you intend to do, exactly?"
"It's clear that we can't avoid direct conflict, and it's also clear that President Heartilly intends to come for us, and soon. If given emergency powers, I will begin by declaring a state of emergency. Then, I will assume the control of the military and with the aid of Ocean Garden and SeeD, I will embark on a campaign that aims primarily to occupy Deling City and kill the sorceress."
"And you believe that you can?" an MP asked.
"Can what?"
"Kill the sorceress."
"With the entirety of the Ocean Garden at our disposal, and no incentive to hold back at all, I don't think it'll be out of the realm of possibility at all." Laguna said.
The MPs and Ministers exchanged glances. There were some hushed exchange of words, but nothing overt and nothing that gave away any of their thoughts or opinions. Laguna shook with the terrible possibility that his request might be denied.
"We'll put it to a vote." The Minister of the Interior said, "All in favor of granting the president emergency powers until the end of the current conflict?"
The entire chamber voiced a hearty 'aye.'
"I hope you will be able to do all you have just told us you would, Mister President."
Laguna hoped that he would be able, as he was willing and almost ready. Almost.
3
Once Deling City had disappeared over the horizon, Irvine picked up the mobile comcaster. There was a small cut-out section exposing the wires moving to the router, which was attached to the top of the device, that needed to be switched on separately. He turned both on and toggled with the frequencies until he reached the desired one.
"G-Missile Base, come in, G-Missile Base, this is the Field Marshal, over."
Static.
"This is G-Missile Base. You are broadcasting on a secure frequency. What is your clearance? Over."
"Clearance Level Omega-Angel. Over."
Static again.
"Confirmed. What can we do for you, Field Marshal Kinneas? Over."
Irvine felt a weapon in his hand. Prime and load, he thought.
"Commence Operation: Blitz. Over."
"Uhh... could you confirm that, sir – did you say commence Operation: Blitz? Over."
"Confirmed. Over."
Static.
"Understood. Operation: Blitz is go. Hyne be our guide. Over."
"Over and out."
Irvine shut off the comcaster and leaned back, content in having just pulled the trigger.
