In the meantime, the relationship between Britain and America was at a breaking point. The two countries were once again at the brink of war. The president had ceased diplomatic relations with Britain and had closed all British embassies. Escalating threats from each side only served to increase the tension between the nations.
Just as the relationship appeared irreconcilable, and war inevitable, a senator from Virginia proposed that America refurbish the Resolute and sail her back to Britain as a gesture of goodwill. The British were so taken by the gesture, the talks of war ceased. Years later, the Queen would return the favor with the gift of the desk as the ship was being decommissioned. The desk would serve as a reminder of a nation that valued her allies and resolved to war only when necessary.
Governor Baker unmuted the television as the president began his speech.
“My fellows Americans, I come to you with a heavy heart. Thes e are trying times that we face. Our nation hasn’t weathered a crisis of this scale since its birth. Yesterday, Senator Jackson Ames was assassinated in Indianapolis by a member of a radical, communist group. I express my deepest condolences to the Ames family. I deeply respected the man and looked forward to facing him in the election. Please take comfort in knowing that we have apprehended the individual responsible for this reprehensible act.
Senator Ames’ running mate, Governor Hawkins of Florida, released a statement earlier today stating he had no desire to continue the campaign in place of the senator. Until a new candidate can be selected, Congress has passed a resolution to postpone the election until further notice.
Several weeks ago, we were the victim of what was the largest, coordinated, terror attack in our nation’s history. Numerous buildings, bridges and planes were targeted with horrific precision. A group of right-wing extremists have been identified as the perpetrators of the heinous act that claimed nearly ten thousand lives.
And finally, earlier this week as you know, Houston was decimated by the most heinous act of all. A nuclear device was detonated in the city’s downtown district. Current estimates put the number dead at over two hundred thousand with just as many wounded. The FBI has determined that radical leftists targeted the city because of the stance the state of Texas has taken on the border.
My fellow Americans, I will not tolerate extremism from either side of the political spectrum. I will not allow our great nation to be destroyed by the radical elements in the population. We are a nation of moderation, and we shall remain as such.
Last night a nationwide raid was conducted against the perpetrators of these three acts of terror. Over three hundred domestic terrorists were killed or captured. Those that were captured will face a military tribunal in an undisclosed location to determine their fate. In addition to this, it was discovered that some of the terror groups were funded by powerful corporate interests.
Among those captured were Greg ory Strasser of Spire Dynamics, Eric Schleicher of Global Robotics and Kurt Ernst of The Gladius Group. These men and any others within their corporations that are found to be knowledgeable of the terror funding will be tried for treason. Until further notice, these corporations will be placed under the direct control of the Department of Homeland Security and their counterpart, the Department of Domestic Protections.
In last night’s pivotal hour of retribution, I was responsible for the fate of the American people, and thereby I became the ir supreme judge. I gave the order to kill or capture those responsible for these treasonous acts, and I further gave the order to cauterize down to the raw flesh the ulcers of the poisoning of the wells in our domestic life. Let the nation know that its existence—which depends on its internal order and security—cannot be threatened with impunity by anyone. Let it be known for all time to come that if anyone raises his hand to strike the State, then certain death is his lot.
This mo rning, Congress passed the Self-Defense of the State Act, which retroactively legalizes the necessary measures that were taken. The Justice Department has also drafted an opinion that outlines the legal precedence of the actions. The Attorney General will be distributing this letter throughout the media for dissemination later this evening.
Despite the attacks that have been launched against our liberty, please remember this, we have weathered grave difficulties before. I have complete faith that this nation and its people will remain standing and rebuild even stronger. I ask for your faith and support, for though we will persevere against those that strive to dismantle us, the days ahead will be difficult ones. Until we speak again, stay vigilant.”
The governor, astonished at what he had just heard, said aloud to the empty room, “And so goes the republic. God help us.”
Epilogue
i
Governor Baker straightened the notes in front of him as he waited in the underground media room. His staff was making last minute preparations prior to the broadcast. His pulse was racing and he felt lightheaded. He was living in the defining moments of his life. No matter what he did from this point on, he would always be remembered for this speech.
The lead broadcast engineer for Radio Lonestar tapped the glass that separated the control room from the media room to signal the governor that his cue was approaching. The governor watched in slow motion as the man’s fingers counted off to the start:
Three.
Two.
One.
“Greetings Texans, and to everyone else within the sound of my voice. I trust you all are aware of the recent events that have plagued our nation; the terror strikes, the attack on Houston and most recently, the death of Senator Ames. I trust by now you’ve all heard of the president’s actions and his remarks that were made two days ago. Before I go any further, I would first like to address the citizens of Houston.
My heart breaks for you. We can never replace those that we’ve lost, never. All we can do is honor their memory; I promise I will always strive to honor those we’ve lost. If I fail to do so, it is your duty to hold me accountable.
I would like to take this opportunity to present the Texas Medal of Honor to a hero and dear friend of mine. Special Agent Reese Byers led the emergency evacuation effort in your city. He successfully located and disarmed one of the nuclear devices, but perished trying to disable the second. He inspired the emergency personnel to risk their lives for people they’d never met, and ultimately gave his own life so that many of you might live. He is survived by his father and mother, Jonah and Rebecca Byers. Special Agent Reese Byers, you are a hero and a true Texan. You will be greatly missed in this hour of need.”
The governor paused for a moment to regain his composure, before continuing.
“Citizens of Texas, you have been lied to by your government. They would have you believe that the attack in Houston was committed by SPARC. This is wholly untrue. I have in front of me, evidence that proves otherwise. SPARC was used by people in positions of great power within our own government to execute a false flag event so that they might consolidate their power, and you were used as a pawn.