I

“The war of Hellsum and Nagari has been declared!” the well-spoken narrator proclaimed with intense background music accompanying it, showing horrible videos of the war.

Clips of; explosions, firefights between Hellsumers and Nagarians, tank cannon spitting out their tungsten, buildings collapsing, and jets flying over the camera to drop their bombs into the city in the distance. All of that, within a couple of seconds.

“After a month of fighting in the city of Harut by the border, The Nagarian army emerged victorious and captured it,” the television displayed a video of Hellsum's soldiers battling Nagarians amidst the city's ruins. “Families flee the cities in shock,” the clip shows people from Harut fleeing. "However, many volunteered to resist the Nagarian invasion." The scene shifted to a clip depicting rows of men standing before a table, signing up for the army. "While the Nagarians might triumph in this battle, Hellsum's brilliant minds will secure victory in the war,” the television then played a slowed clip depicting Hellsum soldiers capturing Nagarian soldiers, followed by a scene showing a group of Hellsumers waving the nation's flag.

The television then turned off, and a room full of men in their suits and military uniforms sat in silence on a round table. Jung watched from the corner of the room, observing Henry near the television on top of a small stage, looking at the room.

“That’s our weapon. This one was intended for domestic use, to attract the people to join the army,” Henry explained to the room.

“And what about the world? You said if we gain international attention to the dire conditions here we would have support,” a man in uniform asked with a scepticism written on his face.

“Yes. We are working on it. We will need more footage to show the world of the ‘sufferings’ here. Once we have it,” Henry wiped his hands. “It’s done.”

"How long until the other one is completed?" a man in a suit asked Henry.

“Depends on the situation. But if I’m going to estimate it off the top of my head, I’m going to say…” Henry hummed while looking at the ceiling. “Two or three weeks,” he continues. “I’m not experienced with creating television tapes and news. That would be the minister of information, Mr Thomas,” Henry stepped away from the stage. “But since Mr Thomas is not in the field here with us, we have someone else,” Henry gestured to Jung at the corner of the room, sitting on a wooden chair. “Let me introduce you to the senior journalist of Hellsum World News, Mr Ignatius Jung. While Mr Thomas has a background working with agencies, Mr Jung has pure knowledge in writing news.”

Everyone in the room gave a small look at Jung before turning their heads back to Henry. They judged him with a look, none of the men gave a smile or a polite acknowledgement of Jung. Stiffly, they turned their attention back to Henry.

“So the three of you will work together?” a man in a suit asked Henry, his hat slightly covering his face.

“Yes. Although there are independent journalists out there, the three of us would suffice,” Henry stood in front of the table and the audience.

“Can’t you find more journalists so we can publish it much faster?” another old man in uniform asked.

"We don't have the budget. The government allocated funds for the HSA to Tek-Tus," Henry explained with a sigh.

“I got to say. This may be a great opportunity to gather support,” a man in a suit said. “The problem with the funds is also worrying.”

“We already have support. We belong with the west, Nagarian with the east,” the man in uniform said.

“Not quite true. The Nagarian is neutral. But in this conflict, they are more likely to receive help from Eastern countries. They also receive obligations from other countries. Western countries,” the man in a suit paused. “I believe this war is not about the West or East. Not to show ideological prowess, but life.”

“Well whatever it is, I want Hellsum to be on top of them,” the man in a uniform stood from his seat. “I guess that is all, gentlemen. And as for you, Mr Henry. Permission granted. You can have Jung on the frontline.”

Jung looked at Henry, mouth agape. He couldn’t believe what the man just said. He watched the people in the room leave so Jung and Henry could leave last. The two of them walked out of the room into a hall.

“What was that?” Jung whispered as they walked.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“What was what?” Henry asked back.

“About the frontline?”

“Oh, that? It’s nothing to be worried about,” Henry stopped at a door in the hall. “Just think about your next task. Speaking of which, this is our new working room.”

Henry opened the door, revealing a spacious room with a small curtain to divide into two parts. There are large tables with radios, typewriters, and other furniture that belong in the office. One item caught Jung’s eye. He saw them only on TV commercials, but not in real life.

“Welcome to our new humble abode. This is our information room. We will work here and sleep here, just right on the second floor up there,” Henry pointed to the indoor balcony. “What do you think?” Henry smiled and turned around to see Jung’s reaction.

“Is that what I think it is?” Jung pointed to the object on top of the table, barely holding his excitement.

“It is. The state-of-the-art Rostech personal computer. A desktop computer,” Henry patted the computer. “Your new workstation. You can write and help work with your videotape.”

“How do I use it?” Jung observed the object, looking at the back and the front of the computer.

“I don’t know. But I have a manual here somewhere…” Henry opened a drawer and handed Jung a small book. “But before you get excited, I’m about to introduce you,” Henry approached the drapery and revealed someone behind it. “I would like to introduce you to The Nurse!”

A young lady sat on an office chair, with a radio headset covering her ears. She placed the headset on the table and rotated the chair around, presenting herself to Jung. Smiling with her lips and her glassy blue eyes.

“Hello, Mr Jung,” she extended her hands. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Jung shook her warm hand. “What’s your name? Are you a journalist as well?”

“No,” she politely answered. “I’m not a journalist. As for my name, just call me Nurse.”

“It’s a codename,” Henry explained.

“What is she doing here?” Jung asked Henry.

“She is going to be your nurse,” Henry said.

“Why would I need that?” Jung raised his shoulders.

“Because it’s going to be very risky from here and out,” Henry placed his arms on Jung’s shoulder. “You will go to the frontline, recording the battle.”

“I thought I’m here as a journalist,” Henry gulped, his heart racing faster.

“You are. But in desperate times like this, we need you out there,” he shook Jung’s shoulder gently. “Don’t worry. It’ll be okay. Trust me.”

“Whatever happens, we will be here. Guiding you,” Nurse said with a sweet smile.

“I don’t know if that’s comforting or worrying. I’m no soldier, I can be a burden there,” Jung argued.

“I have soldiers who will accompany you. I made some calls, you won’t have to worry about anything. Just the camera, that’s the only thing you need to worry about,” Henry let Jung sit down on a couch. “I need you to be ready for the hardship forward, Jung. I think you understand what’s happening now.”

“I do. But, is there no other way?” Jung looked at them weakly.

Henry and Nurse didn’t answer, they only stared at each other with a worried look. Nurse decided to sit down next to Jung and stroke his back.

“Don’t worry. We suffer first, then enjoy the result later,” Nurse assured the outcome of their work.

“Thanks. I’m not worried, I believe, but…” Jung stopped.

“Yes?” Nurse tilted her head.

“Nevermind,” Jung chuckled. “Is nothing. I think I can handle it,” he gave a slight smile.

“That’s a relief,” Henry took a folder from a nearby table. “Tell me, Jung. Let’s get over your history.”

“My history?” Jung repeated, looking up at Henry.

“Let me see,” Henry searched the papers inside the folder. “Here we are,” he grabbed a paper and placed the file back on the table. “Are you ready?”

“For what?” Jung watched Henry’s face grinning.

“Preparations! Now first… Is your name Ignatius Jung?” Henry’s eyes looked to Jung while his head still tilted down at the paper he was reading.

“That’s correct.”

“Good. Appearance… tall and handsome?”

“Amen,” Jung answered. “I hope that’s in the paper,” he chuckled.

“Alright,” Henry laughed with Nurse. “Next question,” Henry eyed Jung, preparing the questions. “Ignatius Jung…” Henry gave a long pause. “Did you, or did you not; steal important documents belonging to HSA at Castle Hook?”

Jung’s eyes opened wide, looking at the agent in shock. He tried to speak, but couldn’t. Jung stared at Nurse and Henry in confusion.

“That was a long time ago. I was pursuing the cartel!” Jung gave his explanation.

“What do you think, Nurse?” Henry asked, nodding at her.

“He said it was a long time ago. I think we can give him a chance,” Nurse shrugged.

“So be it,” Henry crumpled the paper and threw it away. “Welcome to the war, Jung. You have a great task tomorrow.”