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Cohen speaks behind a simple wooden lectern, and all around him was blackness, save a single spotlight shining onto him from above. A gray map of Earth is displayed behind him, its gray color replaced by blue with every word.
"The world has, up until now, been controlled by the all-powerful and all-inclusive nation known as the Earth Federation Alliance. They have done their part in maintaining peace and prosperity amongst the good people of the Earth."
The now entirely blue map is suddenly recolored red.
"However, with the advent of the Coordinators, their objective changed. Instead of being a nation devoted to the well-being of its citizens, it became a little boy dedicated to proving its misguided sense of superiority."
The image changes to a still image of the destruction of Junius Seven, along with images of people in mourning…images depicting both Naturals and Coordinators.
"And now, faced with the deterioration of their war, faced with the inevitable loss against an enemy that they made themselves, faced with a despicable situation that they inflicted upon themselves, they turn upon their own civilians, their own people…as if the problems will be solved by these foolish actions."
More images appear, detailing every Federation loss so far…namely Panama Base and especially Josh-A.
"With their past atrocities, they have killed so many…and for what? To simply satisfy their own misguided sense of superiority…so that they wouldn't feel so small on the world stage." Cohen smirked. "Their time is now past."
The stage around him lights up, and sitting behind him is an array of people, dressed from all walks of life. Three flags are boldly represented, one of Usea (two white rings surrounded by a ring of stars), one of PLANT, and one of the iconic three connected triangles of the Independent State Allied Forces.
"In light of the current events, I hereby proclaim that we, the Knights of Belka, shall rise up to become the new protectors of the people! We shall be the shield for the weak, the sword of the brave, the justice for the oppressed, and the despair of the wicked!"
The blood red map appears again, this time slowly returning to a lighter shade of blue.
"With the courageous men and women here as my witness, I hereby declare the formation of the Republic of Usea! Let all who harbor strength and justice in their hearts come! We will stand and become the new world order! We will bring this dark world into its deserved new era!"
The men and women standing behind him, wearing an assortment of uniforms from both EFA and ZAFT, as well as the garb of many non-military professions, stand and clap in unison. The audience, unseen, makes its presence known by cheering and clapping. Cohen shouts over the noise.
"If you desire peace and justice, come! We will greet you with all of our love! If you desire to test our resolve, come! We shall meet you with all of our fury! For WE are the Knights of BELKA! WE! ARE! USEA!"
Cohen raises his fist in triumph to deafening cheers, and the screen turns black.
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Author Notes: Yep.