Chapter 2: Press Conference

Steve Martin closed the door to his blue sedan rental and began making his way towards the press area. He was man of his mid 30's with dark hair, brown eyes, plump build, and a goatee. He wore a dark suit and tie, white shirt underneath and was early by all accounts. The conference itself wasn't set to start until 3pm and it was only noon. But he wasn't the only one who had the brght idea to show early. Most of the major news outlets already had boots on the ground the day before or possibly even sooner than that. This press conference was a very big deal. Not only was this the first major press event by the EDF but they were also set to debut the first of their Titan Defense Vehicles as well as. TIDE V some of the early reports had dubbed it. Martin himself thought the name was ridiculous but he also knew that if you were to spread word on something, an acronymn or nickname helped feed the intrigue. Despite that slight annoyance, Martin was still eager to attend. This was news and he had a duty to report it after all. As Martin approached the airfield where the press conference was set to be held, he was immediately surprised. The area itself was what he expected: rows and rows of fold out chairs and spaces for news equipment and reporters who would record live. The elevated platform with it's own chairs and a podium for the speaker and a large flat screen tv in an elevated position above for the crowd. What surprised him was who was there. Not only did he see every major news network, which he expected, he also saw several major news outlets from different countries. He could make out representatives from Britain, Germany, Russia, and Japan. There were news stations being setup for Spain, France, China, and even Korean correspondents were present. On top of that, there also appeared to be an empty bandstand for an orchaestra, perhaps for a closing send off? In his years as a correspondent for United World News out of Chicago, he had seen plenty but never had he seen something like this. Usually a major announcement from a President or another major political leader would garner such a response. Not a military reveal and certainly not one where they were revealing a weapon of some kind. He took a seat toward the back with what he felt would be the best view. Pulling a pad from his pocket he began jotting notes, gathering his thoughts for what was sure to be a very interesting press conference.

"Madison, would you hurry up. We're gonna be late to this damn thing," Dr. Mark Russell said, knocking on the door to his daughter's hotel room.

He was sporting a red polo shirt and khakis, not his typical ensemble but one that could pass for civilian more easily. He wasn't trying to be some secret agent spy, just pass off as normal, ish. Since his work in Monarch with Godzilla and some extent Kong, Dr. Russell had become a bit more of a celebrity in the public's eye. Though not as much in front of the camera or lectures like Dr. Andrews, he was well known enough. And someone from Monarch appearing at this upcoming press conference from the EDF was bound to cause reporters to frenzy. The public had a vague idea of what the EDF was and it seemed the opposite of Monarch entirely. A defense force created to combat Titans. Definitely didn't seem to agree with the Monarch creed. But the public was also unaware of Monarch's "partnership" with the EDF as well, which is why Dr. Russell and his daughter would be attending the press conference. Unofficial Monarch representation. He shook his head and knocked again.

"Just a minute," Madison called out as she finished pulling her blouse on and slipping on her shoes. She took her phone off the table and slipped it into her back pocket as she opened the door and brushed past her father. He sighed and came up beside her as she hurried on. She pressed the button on the elevator and then turned to him.

"You know as well as I do that this whole thing is a sham. We shouldn't be working with these idiots. they literally want the opposite of what we do," she said, tapping her foot impatiently in wait.

"Madison, I'm not happy about any of this either. The whole thing isn't ideal but it's better to work with them and try to influence a change than to just let them go unsupervised."

"Dad, since joining Monarch I've done everything I can do to help try and keep the balance between the Titans and us. It's what mom would've wanted us to do, not work with a group of assholes who just want to kill them all in the name of peace. And you know that's what they really want."

Dr. Russell shook his head as the elevator doors opened and they stepped inside.

"I've seen both sides of this kiddo so I can understand it a little better than you. Too many people have been caught in the aftermath of Godzilla and the others. That's a lot of hurt. Remember I used to feel a bit of hatred and misunderstanding myself towards them."

"You may not realize it, but sometimes you still act like you were the only one who lost Andrew back then," Madison scoffed, "I'm telling you that something is off with the EDF."

"And I'm telling you that you need to stop chasing conspiracy theories," he retorted as the elevator dinged and opened up to the ground floor.

"Well just remember Dad, Bernie the conspiracy theorist and I knew about Apex and you didn't listen then either."

Both of them headed out of the hotel and onto the busy city streets of Honolulu. The air was hot and humid but the salty smell in the air was fresh. She hailed a cab for them.

"Madison, if the EDF is bothering you so much, why are you even here. We could've gotten Dr. Andrews or even the Director to come to this thing."

She turned and looked at her father. Concern shown on his face for her. She knew that he was only trying to figure things out as best he could.

"Just a feeling. And that you need me here with you," she said, getting into the cab. Dr. Russell rolled his eyes with another sigh and climbed in after her.

The beastly form crashed through the waves, barreling though the water like a freight train. It's fur glistened with the salty water of the ocean as it pushed itself along, swimming hard and fast. The ocean pushed back, forcing the creature to use much of it's strength to keep it's pace up. It swam like a large dog, it's powerful limbs displacing the water as it pushed onwards. It's mind was a flurry of instinct. The creature continued to press on as the source of it's angst lay in the distance.

Steve Martin returned to his seat just as the rest of the press were beginning to fill in the other positions. Having taken a little walk after his notations, he was able to get a better view of the turnout for this event. So many folks were here from all over. You'd think a major political announcement were to take place. He chatted with a few of them and everyone had along the lines of the same information he had. He had hoped to glean so new information from some of the other foreign news crews but the only different information they had was that they were asked to attend and show the folks back home what the United States had been up to. Posturing and showing off. Ever the political message. Martin had made a couple more notes before adjusting himself to comfort. The seats were filling quickly as he looked at his watch. 2:30. Some of the seats on the platform were beginning to be filled as several military personnel began filing in from the area in the back. A concert band also began setting up at the bandstand. This TIDE V better be worth all this pomp and circumstance otherwise the EDF was going to look like a total joke to the world. Something stirred within Martin though as he sat there. A feeling, a hunch, something he couldn't quite put a finger on. Whatever it was, he was sure he wasn't the only one there with that feeling nestled in his gut.

A young woman in her mid 20's came up to address the General as he finished adjusting his officer's hat into place.

"General sir, Captain Storm wanted me to inform you that they are ready on their end and merely await your word."

"Thank you Kathy," he said with a smile.

"Good luck with the presentation sir. I know it's going to go well."

"Here's hoping," He said, nodding to her as she walked off. You're only trying to do your best for the world, he thought to himself. It has to go right. He stood at attention as another man in his 40's with a suit and tie made his way out of the back and to the podium. He walked quickly toward the podium and tapped on the microphone.

"Excuse me everyone. May I have your attention please?"

The chatter amongst the onlookers died down. As the speaker looked about the floor, he noticed two of the chairs on the stage next to him were empty. He didn't let his disappointment show as he continued.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you all for coming. I know that there is a lot of speculation about what exactly the EDF has to show you today. But before we get to all of that, I'd like to turn the microphone over to the commander of the EDF, General Douglas Gordon."

He led the floor in applause as General Gordon approached the podium. Martin noted his regal looking pose as he reached the podium, writing it on his pad while the others clapped. Cameras trained on the General as he cleared his throat.

"Ladies and Gentleman here in attendance and those of you watching around the world, thank you again for making the trip here. As you're aware, the Earth Defense Force was founded 2 years ago to be a driving force in the defense of not just our nation, but for the world itself. Presumptuous as that sounds it's the truth. We at the EDF take this role very seriously and with pride. Together, with assistance from Monarch, we have researched and developed a new weapon, the first of it's kind anywhere. Today, it will be on full display and we will go into detail on what it is. But before we get into that, I think we should get into the real reason we're unveiling this specifically here." Douglas shifted some as he looked out over the crowd. Cameras clicked as others continued recording and broadcasting. He continued.

"The location we chose to host this announcement is as much of importance as the reason why we're here. West of here is Pearl Harbor, important in our eyes as the first true moment that we entered World War 2. But more importantly, it's when we as a country came together and bounced back from a terrible tragedy. But there's another tragedy thats more recent in our minds than Dec. 7th. And it was also here, in Honolulu, that we faced another tragedy. Some of you may have forgotten or perhaps you were unaware, that Honolulu was the sight of the very first publicly broadcasted Titan incursion. It's where Godzilla and one of the creatures dubbed MUTO first clashed. Devastation occured in their wake. It may not have been to the degree of severity that some of the more recent attacks have occured, but nonetheless it was just as important. The first time humanity as a whole saw these animals. Thats why I've chosen Honolulu as the unveiling of our weapon. Because we are bouncing back, ladies and gentlemen. Today is the beginning of our species having the means and strength to defend against Titan attacks. And yes, I am correct when I say attacks. No matter the reason, anytime these Titans rise up we are the ones that pay the price. 2 years ago after the events in Rio De Janeiro I knew we had to do something. And that is why the EDF is here. The reason why we will no longer look at Titans as beings to fear."

Gordon took a breather as he let the passion of his truth sink into the crowd. Every word he spoke he believed with the fullest of his being. And he knew they could feel it. He knew they would understand. He pulled a kerchief from his pocket and wiped some of the sweat from his cheek before continuing.

"Now that y'all have heard me on my soapbox," he paused briefly as some of the crowd chuckled, "Let's show you the taxpayers and the world what we're referring to."

The General took a remote from the podium and pointed it towards the television screen. The tv ignited and the picture displayed showed Captain Storm seated in a chair. He was wearing a helmet and a clear visor. His flight suit was a mix of light green and dark blue. The camera view was of Captain Storm from the waist up and in the background to his left and right you could see additional crew, two per side, facing the camera as well. They all smiled and waved to the crowd.

"Let me introduce you all to Captain T.J. Storm and his noble crew. They will be just some of the brave soldiers who will be defending us whenever a Titan threat looms. Do you have any words for the folks out here Captain Storm?"

"Thank you all for your faith in us and we promise not to crash the new car on our first day out Dad," he said with a chuckle that got a few laughs from the crowd. The General also couldn't help but laugh as he turned back to the podium.

"Ladies and Gentlemen if you'll be so kind as to turn to your lefts, my right, and watch the airfield."

The General stepped back a little as the crowd turned. Martin adjusted as needed and eyed the field. They could make out the horizon, the ocean in view behind the airfield. Nothing else was visible. the crowd whispered among one another. Suddenly, from directly above there was an almost completely silent whoosh as a gust of air struck the crowd. Looking up they could see what it was. The weapon the EDF had promised. It was 50 feet in length with a width of 40 feet in the front half and tapering off to half that in the back. It looked incredibly bulky, as if there was no way to support it's flight. And it was quiet. Almost no sound was heard aside from a slow melodic hum from the engines themselves. The crowd was in awe at the sight. Martin himself watched wide eyed as he looked over the design. From what he could see, it almost looked like a metallic raindrop. The ship made a circle over the crowd and came to rest above the airfield again. As it began to descend, the concert band began playing a triumphant sounding melody, as if a God were descending to grace the mortals with their presence. It hovered 20 feet off the ground before stopping completely. General Gordon looked up at the screen.

"That was quite the entrance Captain. I think it's safe to say you made an impression among these fine people."

"Just doing my job sir," Captain Storm said with a smile. Gordon turned back towards the crowd.

"Now that you've seen the new kid on the block, let me give you her stats."

All was quiet at Monarch Outpost 4, located in southern California. The crew of scientists and researchers were busy about doing their daily routines, looking over figures and other bits or information and results. Soo-Nying Reiwa took a sip of her coffee as she ran another scan from her console. It was her only fuel to keep her body moving on the long shifts that she endured. As she took another sip, the scan beeped back in red. Reiwa nearly spit her coffee in response as she dropped her cup down and began clicking away on the keyboard. The screen zoomed in on the anomaly as the red blip on the radar became enlarged. The hear signature of a Titan came into view, it's red outlined body taking shape of a massive Titan with shorter legs and two long arms swimming through the the ocean. Before it were two dark lines that appeared to be tusks. Reiwa picked up one of the internal phones and immediately dialed out. The bleeping sound began to hit the other monitors as Reiwa panicked into the phone.

"This is an emergency! Titanus Behemoth is about to make landfall in Hawaii!"

General Gordon gestured to a digital readout on the screen that showed a blue print version of the EDF's newest creation.

"We call this the Super X. She may not look like much but this little lady has some teeth to be sure. If you'll look at the screen here you can see the exact layout and ordinance I'm referring to. She's equipped with 4 anti gravity thrusters, similar to the HEAVs that Monarch uses to traverse to and from the Hollow Earth. Unlike the HEAVs however she has an armor plating on the outside that is composed of chromium and tungsten for durability and protection for our crew inside. While not 100% indestructible, the Super X itself can take a hit and dish one right back. It's equipped with two on board Type 90 Maser Cannons. These weapons use super charged volts of electricity that fire a heated beam of energy capable of melting surfaces and flesh, hitting a temperature of over 2,700 degrees fahrenheit . With sustained fire, the Super X can burn a hole through just about anything. But that's not all. She's also equipped with white phosphorous flares that can help illuminate an area as well as act as a distraction in extreme circumstances. The highlight of it's arsenal is the powerful cadmium missiles. Almost every Titan gives off a nuclear signature. And similar to Godzilla, these Titans can feed off radiation to sustain themselves and even become more powerful. The cadmium missiles pack not only a powerful punch, but the cadmium itself acts as an absorbent material when it comes to radiation. Hit a Titan with enough missiles and it's possible to essentially "bleed out" it's radioactivity, rendering it a weaker foe and driving it away or, should the need arise, kill it."

Mutters from the crowd erupted at this. Steve Martin watched on, concern washing over his face as he continued note taking, his eyes fixed on Gordon. Hands began raising as suddenly everyone had questions. Gordon raised his hands and motioned for everyone to settle down as he cleared his throat to continue speaking.

The taxi still remained stuck in traffic only a half mile from the airfield. Dr. Russell looked at his watch. 3:41. They were so very late.

"Dad, just relax. It's not like you didn't try to miss the presentation. We'll get there soon enough and then we can find out what the General has to show everyone. It's going to be..."

Madison was suddenly cut off as a loud beep escaped from her and her father's phone. They both answered simultaneously. But before a response could be given, they knew what was going on. They could see the large, mammoth looking Titan exploding from the water in the distance and stomping onto dry land.

Behemoth could feel the ground beneath it's feet in the water, allowing it to gain more momentum as it continued pushing its way onto dry land. It burst forth from the ocean with a roar as it made it's presence known. General Gordon looked off in the distance where Behemoth had arrived. The crowd turned and panic began to rise among them. As everyone began to panic and move, Gordon shouted into the microphone.

"Everybody just remain calm! Captain do you read me?"

Captain Storm came on the screen again with a nod.

"Might as well put her through the paces. Engage!"

The screen went blank as the Super X began to rise and dash out across the airfield and towards the city. Behemoth roared once more as it began to charge towards the city. As Behemoth was about to crash into the nearest building, two beams of blue and red energy zapped into Behemoth from the side, stopping the creature mid stride. Behemoth leaned to it's right, losing balance and crashing onto it's back, smashing into some smaller buildings. Madison and her father jumped out of the cab and watched as the Titan crashed to the ground, not far from where they were. More people exited their vehicles, running past the duo as Behemoth began to raise itself back up. Thats when they saw the weapon. As Behemoth stood, the Super X began firing a barrage of missiles into it's chest, causing Behemoth to rear back oncd again and stumble onto it's haunches. Explosions and roars echoed through the air as Mark and Madison watched on. Behemoth righted itself and bucked forward, a massive arm arching to swipe at the flying antagonist. The Super X strafed right quickly and circled as Behemoth launched forward, two more beams of energy firing from the front and into the back of the creature's head. Another painful roar and the smell of burnt hair became prevalent. It tried to turn and swipe once again, the Super X jumping up into the air and over it's head. It began flying back towards the airfield, Behemoth in pursuit, roaring in rage as it swiped its horns left and right trying to catch the annoyance. Once clear of the city, the Super X really opened up. It shot forward and 180ed as it came rushing back at Behemoth, firing another salvo of missiles directly into the creature's face. The Super X shot up and over as Behemoth continued moving, crashing forward and onto the ground once more. The crowd watched on as Behemoth lay only hundreds of feet away. As Behemoth began standing once more, the Super X fired it's masers into the back of it's right knee, causing the creature to buckle. Behemoth struggled to maintain itself, trying to stand when another barrage of missiles collided with it's back, dropping the beast once more. Behemoth lay on it's side on the ground, it's roars turning into whimpers of pain as it's breathing began staggering. The Super X loomed over, circling the fallen Titan slowly as if a vulture waiting to feast. Murmurs and gasps of panic turned into excitement at what was being witnessed. Martin held his breath watching the events unfold, unsure of what to think or feel in that moment. Gordon smiled once more and addressed the Captain.

"Captain Storm, how are you and your crew over there?"

Storm appeared on the screen once more for the crowd.

"We're doing just fine sir, no issues to report and we managed to down the Titan with minimum damage to the city and populace. How should we proceed?"

Martin turned and looked at the General who was focused on the scene before him. As he watched the General, he saw the hesitation.

"I think this threat has ben effectively neutralized Captain. Keep watch and escort the creature back to sea. Give warning shots as needed to ensure he makes it out in one piece."

The Captain acknowledged and disappeared off the screen.

"Ladies and Gentlemen as difficult as it may be, please direct your attention back over to me. I don't think we need to worry about our friend here anymore. Now you just saw what the Super X can do in action, as unexpected as it was. This technology is what's going to keep not just our civilians here in America safe but the EDF will be willing to share this technology with the rest of the world. We will help protect you from this menace and now you know it works. And this is just the first step. Even now we are researching and developing further advances to add to our forces to protect humanity. We couldn't have done any of this without your support and your belief in the EDF."

The crowd turned to look at the fallen Titan once again as it let out a pained cry. Behemoth struggled to stand as it began half limping/half crawling back towards the ocean, the Super X following along while making the occasional loop from left to right. The crowd continued watching as Behemoth finally sank into the water, drifting away as it's pained echoes filled the air. The Super X made it's way back to it's original position on the airfield, hovering once more as the crowd began to clap and cheer. The band had started it's fanfare back up to celebrate it's victory. Martin put his notebook back into his pocket, stood, and began to leave as the General began motioning for everyone to sit back down and to settle.

"Well that certainly got the adrenaline pumping didn't it," Gordon said with a chuckle. "Now does anyone have any questions for me?"