"What are we becoming? Will this war be the end of this world as we know it as the Empire rains down laser blasts or will we succumb to ourselves? Will victory be too costly to the point that we have lost our humanity and become what we have sown to destroy: a militaristic state with little value of freedom?"

An unknown protester in a speech.

Chapter 15: Promise for the Future

Captain Jason Burrows looked at the mass of people lined up near the UN headquarters across New York City. A massive group of protesters was protesting the ongoing war with the Empire, the undermining of their country's sovereignty to the UN, and most of all the controversial new conscription decree that was being put in place by the UN.

The UN was an organization that existed because people had faith in its existence. It had been given broad abilities to prosecute the war with the Empire and had prevented large-scale opposition from forming against it. This was likely due to propaganda and careful public relations along with trying not to target the resources of the general public. Rationing had occurred of some strategic resources but in most cases, they were rare earth minerals that members of the general public did not have regular access to, though as time went on there was the grumbling of higher taxes and rationing of more common items such as some foods and fuel.

But right now the biggest issue facing Earth is manpower. Not that they had lacked it within the billions of people but the men that could serve. But the issue was people with military or other relevant experience that would be willing to serve. Over ten million now served in various roles both fighting on the front lines across many worlds or supporting the war in logistical and support roles, a truly massive number. But more and more were needed, and more could be mobilized.

This decree would give the UN the power to conscript anyone they wanted into the UN's military. Failure to do so would result in large fines and arrests. At this time millions were protesting around the world, also trying to stop such a law from being passed.

There was good reason to be angry, even though the UN spokespeople claimed that this conscription would only be used on people who were directly needed in the war effort. It was painful for him. He looked at a group of people that he had been with in the past. He was a New Yorker like them and came from a dad in a blue-collar job and a mom in the theatre similar to what he was doing. He had been a high school history teacher until recently when the world had changed like no period in human history.

He had decided to join the UN forces after reading up on as much information as was available about the Empire. The UN was offering good pay and he could take an early retirement package at his high school, and his former status as a Lieutenant in the army who had service in Iraq earned him an officer's commission.

On the world of Lillenka his platoon had been deployed as one of the first units in a landing to attack the world's capital. At that time only a Lieutenant had led his Platoon to rescue an encircled company which while wounding him had given him metal and promotion to Captain. That had been a month ago and he had been cleared to return to light duty which meant guarding the headquarters building for a few weeks before heading to the front.

Members of the NYPD were attempting to control the crowd but were unsuccessful. There was simply not much to be done, since the protests had been mostly peaceful. He hoped that it would stay this way. Many chanted slogans like "end the war" and "no draft" among other more obscene terms.

If only they could do what these people were calling for. Maybe it would be useful for these people to see what they were fighting for and that if they stopped it would lead to death or slavery. He did have a large megaphone, and even though he was supposed to use it for crowd control they never said he couldn't use it for something else, especially since there was a threat of them turning violent and overwhelming him.

"Listen up everyone, I don't want to fight this war any more than you do." The crowd died down. "It's hell out there, but if we don't fight we're going to be dead or enslaved. I know that some of you think that this is a hoax, but if it was a hoax where did these damn wounds come from!" He roared. "And we're going to need to make sacrifices to win this because the Empire has far more men and ships than we have. I wish we could have a choice, but we simply don't. And you will all be compensated well for your services, whatever you end up doing. Cause as hard as times might be now they'll be much better when we win. Cause I might be a lowly Captain, but I'm pretty sure civilians will get access to the new technologies that the rest of the galaxy has. Think how much that will increase the standard of living around here."

Many of the protesters continued to protest but some were swayed by his speech. But some turned their backs, and many were thinking that while these measures were reprehensible they were a preferable alternative to Imperial occupation and subjection. They turned back, leaving the line of protest.

"I know you're tired of this war and want things to go back to normal but the empire will spare no expense to annihilate us. We must do everything in our power to resist them. As one of our American heroes said, Give me liberty, or give me death!" He roared. "What we are attempting to do will not be easy, but if we can do so we will reap rewards like we never have had before. I cannot promise victory, but the more each of you contributes the more likely it will be for us to win."

A bit further north in his and Allisoj's house, William Johnson was watching a clip of the speech. This Captain seemed to be doing good for the group of people and the protest was losing steam. It would likely level off as the people were begging to take more stock of his words.

"This Captain has been creating quite the storm," Allison said as she walked into his office, leaning over to look at the video being played on Johnson's computer, saying what he was currently thinking.

"Indeed," Johnson replied, looking through Earth's personnel database. He soon found what he was looking for, Captain Jason Burrows.

"Looks like an impressive record." He said, looking over the reports on his career.

"Especially for such a short career so far." She replied. "I think that he can be of major use to us. You don't have anyone running public relations do you?"

"No, I've never really considered why that should be important," Johnson said.

"It is, I mean you are a fairly mysterious figure to the public. Changing that could be useful for the war effort." She said.

"I mean I guess." He replied. "I don't really like being a public figure, since everyone is always trying to ask me a question.

"That's why giving you a person to do that for would help you."

Johnson paused for a moment. "Alright." He replied. "I'll speak to him about it."

"That sounds like a good idea, Will." She said.

"Now that I come to think about it it's probably a good idea." He replied.

The next day Captain Jason Burrows was led into William Johnson's office by two guards.

He saluted and Johnson got up to shake his hand.

"You made quite the stir yesterday, Captain," Johnson said. "Considering that that was just on the fly it was a damn good speech."

"Well thank you, sir, it's the least I could do since I wasn't back on the frontlines."

"I want your advice, Captain," Johnson said. "How would you say my public image is?"

"To be honest sir I'd say it's complicated. A lot of people don't know what to think of you since you seem so distant and unrelatable but have done so much for this world. I think if you spent just a bit more time in the public spotlight you'd solidify your public image." He said.

"Do you have any ideas on how to do that?"

"Well maybe consider taking some interviews or making an online presence. Maybe even make yourself into a meme."

Johnson chuckled at the thought. "Thank you for the feedback, Captain. I'm tempted to put you in front of a camera but if you want to get back to the front I'll find a place for you."

"Well, sir the more Imperials I help kill the fewer can bear down on Earth."

"That's the spirit. You should have new orders in a few days." Johnson got up and shook his hand. "Thank you for your service."

That evening he decided to tell Allison about what he had talked about with the captain.

"I mean I'm not an expert in this either but I think it might work." She said, "It might help calm the public down."

"It should help at least," Johnson said. "If it helps the war effort it's worth it, considering it won't take that much effort to do."

"You don't have disagreements there," Allison said. "Though I do disagree with our current state of dress."

"Then let's change that," Johnson replied with a sly smile. He knew exactly what was going on and was ready for it.

Authors note: yes I know every scene with them ends in a sexual implication, and I see no problem with that.