Lifetime of War
Chapter 11: Республика, Республика, защитить нашу республику
I was tired and had just gotten out of a very lengthy discussion about the war with the councilors. The night cycle was just beginning as I ate outside a small restaurant that I had taken a liking to over the past month.
In the common area an immense crowd had begun to form. Gigantic holographic TV monitors activated- those only used for the most critical of situations. I looked at those monitors and saw the Human capital building in all its decadent spender.
The cameras swung from the palace balcony to look down on the horde of Humans on the palace grounds. Many of them were holding signs saying 'kill all xenos,' even more shouting their anger. It was impossible to tell what a single person was saying.
Minutes passed before the Empress of the Republic walked onto the balcony. She wore the same dress the day the war began. The front half of her hair was pulled up and tied in the back with the back half running down to her mid-back.
She stood there looking over the raging crowd in static silence. Several moments passed before the Empress raised her right hand and the crowd fell silent. She opened up her arms as if to embrace them all.
"My people, sons and daughters of Terra… when the Republic was first founded there were doubters and decenters. But in the centuries that followed; no Human has waged was against another Human, and no disease has ran rampant. Never before have we Humans gone so long without war. That was until we discovered alien life forms.
"Ten years ago we made contact. They tried to assassinate me, your reluctant leader. Then they sent their armadas to claim what is rightfully yours!
"If it were not for General Williams and the Legions under his command we would all be in our graves. I ask 'why? We have done nothing wrong. We violated no rules.' The answer is clear my people. We are fighting for our very existence and our future!"
She paused slightly to look upon the crowd who were stone silent.
"In the beginning we lost world after world; system after system. It was then, in our darkest hour, when it was sure we were to fall that I asked for time, and that time was granted by you. You my people have rebuilt our strength, our pride, and our people!
"Less than a year ago The Round Table was assaulted, held on by General Williams, the Legionnaires. We have beaten back the foe from our lands, yet our time has not yet come!
"My people, I vow to you: this invasion will not go unpunished! Today, after ten years of retreat and humiliation, it is the duty of every Human to punish our enemies! As of today I declare an official state of war against those who wrongly attacked us and all those who would dare oppose us!"
As the screen faded to the Republic's black raptor I saw my pad lighting up. On it there were countless messages for help and reinforcements. The Humans had begun flooding over our first lines of defences.