''What is Peace?''

The Human on the podium begins his speech.

---

''Target Locked, USH 2nd Home Fleet engaging rebel forces.''

---

''What is Prosperity?''

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''SCATTER THESE SCUM!''

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''One can not speak of either without the keystone; of freedom.''

---

''THE GALACTIC COUNCIL DECLARED INTENT TO INTERVENE!?''

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''We were promised both when we joined your council, but what you have given to us is neither.''

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The Human gestures at the delegates in the room.

''So I ask you then, did you really not expect us to yearn for freedom like our forefathers?''

---

Radio static.

The screen glitches out before picking the signal back up.

''The USH has devolved into chaos as different factions have declared the start of a civil war against the governm-''

The Apossian reporter turns away from the camera, in shock.

''We have live news.''

''It has been reported that the Nalshian Republic declared to intervene on official diplomatic channels against the Galactic Council if they are to support sides in the USH Civil war.''

---

The Human giving his speech smashes his fist onto the podium, quieting down the room.

''The USH parliament has agreed in a supermajority to the proposed presindential decree to withdraw from the Galactic Council.''

...

...

...

''WHA-''

''HOW-''

The shouting voices merge into an unintelligible chorus.

---

A crack.

A pain filled screech.

She screamed as hard as she could, but her voice could barely escaped her mouth before another hand squeezed her throat, making her choke.

---

''If you say so old man.'' Cel sneered at me, taking revenge in her own right.

''Old?! I'll have you know I am in my mid 80's. I'm middle-aged! The average life expectancy for humans is 140!''

---

‘’Just like how a stray cat that’s on the verge of starvation will stick with you after you feed it once, people will often give their lives up for yours if you save them once.’’