Worsening

  Gant Comfor walked to the major capitol's garden, where a stage had been set up. The sun was a bit strong, but it only made him feel a little better. Being closer to the north, it was quite a bit cold, so this sun warmed up his tired, old skin. At least for his head and hands.

  There was a multitude of reporters ready to question and stress as much as they wanted before the stage. For someone as old as Gant, he was seasoned for something like this, with experience from the previous term.

  When he arrived near, all cameras were on him, even as some reporters spoke of their matters, they focused on the president. Gant waved a little, frowning and enjoying the environment until he got close enough to hear all the sudden noise and voices from the reporters.

  “We are here today to speak of the matter from the south. That which all of us know it is something far from what the world needed, but there’s no helping it. Because, this time…” Gant Comfor cut to the point, immediately addressing the only matter that’d make him go out.

  The people didn’t see him much, outside the major capitol or pictures from interiors, that is. The times they’ve seen their president outside on live footage are short. Security was one of the reasons, but just one. Although ANS has a renown assassination history of their presidents, it has been some time since the last incident occurred.

  Another was the ‘separation/distancing’ from such a high power from the ordinary. Even now, there was security, even when Gant wanted to buy a renown dish from a local joint, or take out from a fast food restaurant. There was not one given moment where a civilian could just walk up to the presidents.

  “Cerka and Torka have relayed their convictions to me. Many think they are like Lymoca, declaring war to other countries for their territory, but let me tell you the authenticity of their operation and mobilization.” Gant went on, immediately capturing as many ears and eyes as there were paying attention.

  “Torka is a small nation, only sisterly with Terka, which has now been taken. Well, it has been discovered in Melenon, by the efforts of just this small nation, an attempt to dictatorship.” Gant paused, giving everyone a moment to process before going again, “Cerka has found a similar situation. Both countries, Melenon and Argopolas, have been discovered to have an undergoing, governmental dictatorship. More will be told by the spokesperson.”

  Laen Worfield stepped up, already known to be the spokesperson for a bit of time. He smiled a bit, appearing polite, proper, and followed from the president’s words. “It is indeed truth that the neighbors from the south have been caught within these situations.”

  “Not only are the Melenon and Argopolas governments rebelling against the people with their acts of taking control over every major power in their country. They are also influenced by certain event in our recent history.” Laen paused, letting it sink into everyone’s minds.

  “I won’t mention or name here, I believe it is unethical… and unneeded.” Laen added before carrying on. “I must say, ANS won’t take any partake in this. But we won’t just watch from the sides, neither.”

  “What ANS plans is to aid the much-needed halt of these dictatorships.” Laen wore a frowning face, shaking his head. Behind him, and the president, who was only a couple of meters behind Laen, standing before everyone else behind then, were Asla Veyson and Heyn Poetswalt.

  Asla had a hopeful expression, not wanting their hard-thought plans to be all crushed because of timing and… ambition. But Heyn was more stern-faced. His hands behind his lower back, gazing down with stoic eyes. Anyone could tell the dissatisfaction.

  “ANS has committed to deliver Torka and Cerka the supplies and global image’s support to carry on with these activities. The operations to call down those dictatorships have been made before, make no mistake. Not from us, ‘ANS’, but Torka and Cerka towards Melenon and Argopolas.”

  “They failed— failed miserably, which has led to this necessary mobilization. Torka will free Melenon in a question or 2 months at most. Cerka will have the Valads back to their government, to Argopolas, and not to a few. This is the movement we’ve been waiting for, here in Moonblue.”

  “The south will take care of the south!” Laen exclaimed, “It’s just fitting, and it has been since the beginning. ANS wholeheartedly supports Torka’s and Cerka’s governments…”

  Laen went on a bit more, explaining the numerous affirmations to ensure the validity of their claims. From naming the Avican and Valad governments’ hidden deals and obvious signs of corruption, to the disappearance of children and the abuse of power to harass their public servants. There was also a heavy support to those countries’ opposition, and their honor.

  Just when the talk was getting good and culminating, with all ears promptly listening, all eyes reading with enrapture; Lymoca opened a live channel where the title said it all…

  … A podium appeared on the screen, with Luis walking into it right away. The angles changed, showing one of President Luis’s morning press conference setups. There were all kinds of reporters. From the usual, those that came earlier this morning, to more, which only appeared after certain scenarios, like the time Terka was sent its first Senior Minister.

  “Welcome, everyone. Welcome back to some.” Luis started. His cabinet was beside him, including those replacing the previous cabinet members. Lesly and Roam were there, with Butler, Egoaiz Prein, standing a closer step towards Luis behind him with the rest.

  “You can all see it in this live. This sudden transmission isn’t only to address the situation with the south. I would like to first speak of the happenings last night.” Luis put on a stern expression, light but obvious. He pressed his lips a few times before beginning, clenching his podium.

  “As you might have guessed from BLF’s stream that night, we were attacked.” Luis looked down, moving his right-handed fingers, still numb from when he shot that special agent. He looked up, eyes turning ever more expressive and relentless.

  “The response of our special agents was swift, but… many lost their lives. Including 3 members of the cabinet. We have scheduled for the intimate funerals of a few dozen innocents who were targeted that night. Let’s not talk about the people we might’ve lost, because it is many, and from everywhere— from anyone’s.”

  “Fortunately, most of us were safe, and we were evacuated to safety. It wasn’t until about 8 hours ago that we came out of our hiding spot. The presidential precinct has been secured, with no more threats. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been allowed entry at all.”

  “There are… suspects, and we can count on all of you to think about them with the recent events. But I’d like to ask you to not focus on this,” Luis paused, looking back before gestured with his left arm to those behind him. “We’d like you to focus on the bigger picture for us.”

  “The events last night have been investigated, and further research is underway. I said we want you to not focus on it, while the afflicted are protected and will continue to be so for the time being. Because I guarantee I won’t forget to resolve this matter before the end of my last term.”

  Luis stared at everyone, ignoring the cameras, and raised a fist to his collarbone. “But there is a time for everything, and while we mourn for the people we’ve unjustly lost last night… there are so many others who will suffer if we don’t target our focus to once again manipulation to the south.”

  The reporters were taken aback. This kind of talk… it was too easy to understand. After the tragedy, who wouldn’t want to get something in return? The easiest thing to do, to want, when there is no confirmation for more peaceful, easier gains, less hatred; is always revenge.

  Luis knew what they were thinking. Even if it was like that, as they were now imagining, or not, he continued. “Lymoca is considering… intervening in these 2 wars.”

  Clamor, clamor, clamor…

  Without a doubt, and surely not just in front of him, the people reacted to Luis’s words. It was almost like a golden hour that Lymoca is never going to meddle in the business of any other country, as Lymoca has never wanted others to do to them.

  “Lymoca has the capabilities, and more so the obligation to ensure that no such things as a sudden war, with no explanation from the perpetrators themselves, are taken lightly. When Lymoca was mobilized, we didn’t have an excuse, we had a dead body taken from us for no reason!” Luis suddenly barked, attracting all attention to himself, nobody else was in the picture.

  “Now, 2 countries decided ‘they can do the same’!? What gives!?” Luis frowned, joining his eyebrows in questioning form. A reporter stood up and was given a microphone, Luis looked at her as she went, “President, ANS has spoken of the dictatorships in Melenon and Argopolas, and of their negligence to stop with such plans.”

  “I am also being updated on ANS’s spokesperson’s talks,” Luis nodded and gestured to his left ear before supporting his hands on his podium again. “They call it dictatorship, but where’s proof? If it was so simple, and so obvious, why didn’t they turn to their neighbors?”

  “Because ANS is also their neighbor?” Luis heard something from his ear and added, with the reporter opening her mouth before closing it in vain. The President continued, “They didn’t even follow the HLS, nor did they internationally accuse them of misbehavior before.”

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  “They had hostilities? What problem? No evidence, no word, no guts to talk to their actual neighbors. This isn’t something new to us,” Luis shook his head dismissively. The reporter nodded and sat down, looking like bowing as she did after giving the microphone back.

  “We have the technology. We, us— Lymoca, Lys. We have, now, history of our army helping other territories besides Lymoca, and even Terka’s territory. More than wielding weapons, all our soldiers and national guard can act upon a tragedy, and they are free to do so.”

  “They are now— for being strong, helper of the people, talking and giving them the support they need. Receiving food, water, drinks from them, and welcoming the missing warmth from home. Not just Lymoca, but their very own families. They are capable, and now more than ever.”

  Luis looked at everyone and saw the silence in their very eyes. He didn’t continue in that regard, instead opting for formality. “The initiative has been put forth and is now being studied by the congress. By the urgency of the situation at hand, it shall be decided tomorrow late night at the latest. Let me remind you now: the Lymocan forces are made for the protection, but they were forged since ancient times for the improvement of their people. Ly or not.”

  “Now, on the basis of the situation last night, repairing has been taken into consideration, and…” Luis continued, giving a brief example before changing the subject that another cabinet member will detail later on. Meanwhile, in ANS, Laen Worfield was informed of Luis’s conference.

  … There was sudden silence. Everyone around the stage looked at Laen, who received information, while Gant narrowed his eyes. But it didn’t last long. Laen flashed a thin smile,

  “Some of you might be wondering what we will do now, with Lymoca’s announcement to support Melenon and Argopolas, but I assure you this is only a cry to stabilize things. Nothing will come out of it, and we will discuss this, as the two most important nations in the supercontinent.”

  “I know there might be some misunderstanding, especially with the erroneous use of ballistic missiles and artillery back then, near Lyclan Sea. Our situation with Zyck and KAA were resolved, and so was the small ‘clash’ between Lymoca and ANS, nothing worth speaking for.”

  “Furthermore, Lymoca would never intervene into another country. Be it inside another’s territory, or interrupting the transactions between 2 or more countries. They didn’t before, they surely won’t now. If they do… what? Are they going to try and annex all of the south now?”

  “As for the Avican and Valad people— you have nothing to fear.” Laen went on and on. His charisma and eloquence showed. “Torkan and Cerka forces will be tightly supervised by ANS’s military. There won’t be abusing nor destruction of homes, as there was abundance of in that Ters-Ly War.”

  Things were heating up, and the reporters loved it. Gant mentally smiled, not wanting to give this young man a reason to grow cocky and lose his cool. It would be a shame if this good seed was turned wrong before it could sprout into nutrients.

  … But in Lymoca, as Luis continued, practically finishing his report on the things his cabinet members and their sub secretaries would elaborate on, he received information from ANS’s live.

  “Wait a moment,” Luis walked back to the podium, with the cabinet member nodding and retreating back into their spot. Luis stood before everyone and everything again, “I’d like to speak a little more…”

  “That night, when these 2 countries outrageously declared war on Argopolas and Melenon, there was communication between their presidents and I.” Luis revealed, bringing attention to himself all over again. “President Marco and president Gustavo sent letters to me, to Lymoca. To see if we’ll respond to these transgressions, informing me of their fears.”

  “They wasted time because I was considering while hiding in a hideout where my life and those of hundreds of others were endangered. But I had the means to respond, only not the courage. I sat there, waiting for an opportunity, while my agents searched the precinct.”

  “Because of that, I made them waste a little more than an hour before they finally responded. They lost initiative, and their chance to respond quickly. They thought: ‘Lymoca showed they have the guts for crazy, so they would keep their word and come to the south’s aid, right?’. That’s what they thought, and I couldn’t help but wonder, isn’t this south vs south?”

  “I only realized, after everything was safe for me… How unsafe it is for others. If…” Luis squinted his eyes, licking his lips twice with the tip of his tongue. Just before continuing, his sharp gray-black eyes showed glints of craftiness that went unnoticeable by anyone.

  “… Lymoca didn’t have ANS as not only its one sole neighbor, but their greatest trading partner, commercial aid, and bonded a great cooperation between our governments, especially our migrants there. Who knows how many countries would have targeted Lymoca. Would we have had this much peace then?” Luis was playing bad, with fire; fire and bad.

  “Lymoca isn’t alone, despite some thoughts other people think they have of Lymoca and Lys. But the south isn’t just one entity. Its people have a diverse culture… ‘Culture’, something barely used nowadays. But the problem is not the people, nor their culture. It is their leaders who want this or that, and it never goes according to each other, because they don’t want the other to have it while they do, too. Much less benefit from it.”

  “Now, other people have been… gutsy. More than the ‘sinning’ Lymoca with the first Ters-Ly War. I will now reveal to everyone, so allow me to be preposterous. What I, as President of Lymoca, want to keep the south from and give them.” Luis turned severe, and his tone proactive.

  “No country in Moonblue supercontinent should have a crown made of the hands moving them, nor any crown. But be governed by the will of their people alone, in return to their government.”

  “I want to give them the chance to see there is no better method for their livelihood and their governmental administration than those belonging to themselves!” Luis added, “Whoever says they cannot govern themselves, haha… Shall be taken as an instigator against said people!”

  “Lastly, I want to declare the notion of the presidents of Melenon and Argopolas. They do not wish to fight and have already began evacuating their civilians from rural areas, bringing them to wide open spaces where even a kid can understand there is no military force involved. Should anything happen to these, then Torka and Cerka will be held responsible!” Luis was stern and threatening like never before, going all out to focus the matter on himself, nobody else, again.

  “Thank you. I won’t take more of your time,” Luis looked at them before turning to his cabinet, therefore walking away and leaving Lesly to ‘take care of the kids’. Lesly nodded back, feeling Luis had become a bit furious.

  … In ANS, Laen Worfield received information again, but he had no more to say. Any other word was equal to bickering, and no matter when, who, or what, ANS was the greatest country in the world. How could it bicker with anyone? Be it Zyck, KAA, or even a political entity like Iztos.

  Gant took it from there, having some more things to say, and understanding the same thing. Lymoca had chosen, haven’t they? It would still come down to their congress, but that was practically the same. It was undeniable, the people and the government were almost like one.

  Lymoca was sort of separating from common knowledge, and more so, leading this… ‘revolutionary’ finding themselves. Which the south seemed to give thoughts to…

  ***

  They next day, in the hospital room, advanced and high-end in the current world. In the presidential precinct. Late morning, close to the end of the morning press conference.

  Fox sat on a stretcher. His face haggard and sickened still, but his body wasn’t internally spasming. It was sometimes painful, other times funny and even worth exploring. But, more than anything, for the sake of the two most wonderful beauties, Fox let doctor Valle treat him.

  From the afternoon to this morning, Fox has undergone several treatments, tests, and further, new and innovative forms of scanning his body. Finally over, doctor Valle did some menial tests, such as hitting his relaxed knee and checking his polycoria pupils.

  “Alright,” the doctor exclaimed as he stood up, clearly in good but still old form. He gathered his tools, which were few, from the floor and faced Fox with known familiarity. “Everything’s in order. You are still human. I suppose you’ll be devastated, but I must read you your report.”

  “You already had it?” Fox asked, surprised but with an impassive expression. Doctor Valle nodded, “I just had to put more thoughts into it, you know? There is… a lot to explain, and I have to resume all of it up. It’s… not easy. Add to that what it all means. Sigh…”

  Fox moved the tip of his tongue around his mouth, finding that tiny piece of medicine candy he left for later, like a moment for now. He put it between his teeth and chewed, staring at the doctor and awaiting.

  “You see, going for the good things first,” the doctor went to his large case and opened it. He stored his tools and took a few documents out before returning to Fox’s front. The doctor smiled, thinking of something before deciding to share.

  “All of this was made possible because of Miros’s help, you know?” He smiled at Fox, who was instead inexpressive. Fox nodded, “Else, that dummy kid would be looking for that girl again. She’s fine now, but with his attitude, not knowing what’s best, lacking decisiveness…”

  “Heh, heh. You might send him to me anytime you want. He suddenly got interested in medicine. Any chance why he might do that? I remember hearing he refused others better and more qualified than me when he first joined the government. Why would he gain such an ardent interest now?” The doctor looked at Fox with downturned eyes from his corners.

  “Why would a kid care so much? There has to be something channeling that need. Ayo? He even told me to keep it a secret. But from what? Or whom…?” The doctor not so subtly kept looking at Fox, who blinked and shook his head a bit.

  “Get on with the report, doctor. I might have lost too much blood and might need vacations and privileges. What if I can’t bleed or pee from now on?” Fox defensively said, using a smooth tone and maintaining his expression. The doctor was baffled, blinking few times as he had to comply and couldn’t tease the big bad fox anymore.

  “In short, which is the good news,” the doctor looked at the first page of the document, which contrasted with the light. Fox could see it barely covered half a paper sheet, with the several others below it fully covered from top to bottom.

  “Your body is already able to move, Fox. Your body evolution is magnificent, and it seems it has gotten even better. It’s confirmed you will recuperate in about 2 months to no more sequelae,” Valle looked down at Fox, past the document, and reaffirmed with some nodding.

  “You really think of my body as an evolution?” Fox sincerely inquired. His thoughts coming back to some things. The doctor nodded, pressing his lips with ease as he nodded. “Of course. Not only your body, your mind is evolved, too. It’s… a bit too fast?”

  “In fact, have your, eh… senses improved above ‘the norm’ lately? You might be able to hear someone’s heart beating 2 hallways from here instead of their muttering. I don’t have the means to ‘calculate’ sensorial abilities, but according to your reports…” The doctor drifted a bit.

  “It’s 3 hallways. If there’s no other loud noise in between or around me.” Fox closed his eyes, thinking a bit. Nala widened hers, with Esmeralda not so much, as she didn’t understand there were limits to the body without enhancing one’s senses. “I also have this strange ‘reading’ of my surroundings. I think I can read movement before the air is pushed and swam through.”

  “Oh…” The doctor’s eyes showed fascination, before falling a little remorse. Fox frowned, inquiringly.

  …