The Announcement; November 22nd

I straightened my uniform as I baked under the hot studio lights. A few crew moved about frantically preparing everything. Soviet flags were placed on either side of the podium, a soft… wait… was that Risen from Ruins being played?

I'd heard something about a national anthem being picked… but the East German? I sighed and pressed my hands to my temples.

"Sir! Live in 5, 4, 3, 2…" a camera man counted down as I straightened my lapels and stood straight. My wife shot me a supportive smile from the side as the buzzer went off and everyone went quiet.

I felt my mouth go dry for a split second, then I gathered myself and took a breath before speaking.

"Good morning, I am Andrew Reichenbacher, Commander in Chief of all military forces of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics."

"I am appearing before you today to make a few announcements to the citizens of the Union."

"On November 7th 2024 I personally accepted the surrender of American forces in the Bay Area, this brought the siege of San Francisco to an end."

"On November 16th I lead a military operation against Black Horse, they will no longer trouble the Union."

"On November 17th, our ambassador under directive of the Premier met with Hawaiian officials and brokered a peace between us once more."

"On November 20th, I ordered a general cessation of hostilities. The war for California is over… Victory belongs to us!"

"Our forces have advanced as far east as the Colorado river, as far south as the gulf of California, and as far north as the Oregan border."

"The army stands ready to protect and defend the citizens of the Union, the navy to shield its coast, the Air Force to protect its skies."

"This victory was not cheap… hundreds of thousands have died to keep you safe, to shield you from the horrors the world has become. I implore you never to forget the sacrifices they made, the blood they shed to protect every last one of us…"

"This is their victory, the Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen. The Men and Women that choose to fight for us, to protect us, to fight the horrors of our world, to save us from our nightmares. They live amongst us, our friends and neighbors. They answered the call, they've done their duty… yet it demands more."

"Even as they fight to rid the world of this undead plague, we find even more undead and mutated monsters. Our warriors need your help, your support. You've met many of them, and become neighbors, friends. Some of whom are already lost to us."

"With all that said, I personally believe the worst, our most desperate times are behind us. I believe now is the time for us to bring security and prosperity back to the world, and we are in a phenomenal position to do so."

"I've already reached out to another organization, which operates primarily on the Eastern Seaboard. In a few days I will leave to discuss with them cooperation, the rebuilding of this lost nation, and a restitution of civilized society."

"I ask for your continued support and assistance. Together we can restore the world to a shadow of what it once was, and if we strive together towards that common goal we may eventually find ourselves as the shining example of what humanity can achieve in these dark times."

"I will work with you, I will work beside you. I will toil and slave away to keep this Union safe. I will fight, bleed, and die before this Union falls. I can only ask that you all do the same…" I trailed off as the broadcast was cut.

I sighed and leaned against the podium. Veria walked up to me, leaning her head against my shoulder as she rubbed my back. "You did great… you aren't allowed to die though."

"Sure thing Darling." I replied with a small smile as I looked into her eyes, filled with concern and worry. I left the studio, dodging the press by the simple expedient of allowing the Sptestanz dressed in full battle rattle to clear a path through the crowd.

"You are going to visit your brother?" Veria asked as we got into the car. I nodded, starting the car while my guards cleared the road.

"We spoke briefly while we were in Oklahoma…"

"I feel a bit coming." Veria prodded.

"It's… I don't know. I think I should coordinate with him on how we are going to handle everything. There's a lot of variables out there, at least I can trust him to work with me… as for whoever these other system users are? No idea."

"Okay… tell your mom and dad I said hello." I smiled and chuckled a bit.

"I will." I quieted down. I wondered how my family was doing, my brothers, mom, dad… Trevor was still ranked second. So he was likely the same rank as myself, whatever that translated to in the British army.

I hadn't heard from him in a while… I wondered what he was dealing with. Maybe I should be ready for the possibility of my visit turning very sour…

Eh, what's the worst that can happen?