Chapter 37: A New Beginning
Chapter 37: A New Beginning
It seemed there had been a shift in the political game at the upper echelons of the Federation. On live television, the President finally issued a direct response to the Empire's accusations against the Federation:
"The Federation has never condoned any discrimination against immigrants from the Empire, whether they arrived legally or not!"
Previously, the Federation President had avoided responding to these accusations. But this time, he declared that such claims were baseless rumors. Even if isolated incidents existed, they were not political campaigns or events. The Federation, he emphasized, was a highly open, free, tolerant, and inclusive nation, a place welcoming to all peace-loving people from around the world.
As for the Empire’s unilateral threat of military action, the President stated firmly that the Federation would not engage with such immoral tactics. However, if the Empire dared to invade Federation territory, they would respond with a fierce counterattack.
The President's impassioned speech, delivered from the podium with fist raised for emphasis, was met with waves of cheers from a densely packed crowd. Television screens echoed with endless streams of political rhetoric, painting a picture of the Federation on the brink of becoming the happiest nation on Earth.
After finishing his cigarette, Lance turned off the cabinet-mounted TV and started his car to head back to the house.
Alberto hadn’t reclaimed the car, though it was worth no more than two hundred dollars. By all rights, taking it back would have been fair and legal, but he let Lance keep it. In return, Alberto considered it a small price to pay for a favor—a trade that was well worth it.
Back at the house, Lance’s companions were sitting in the living room in deep discussion. When he walked in, they all stood up.