Interlude - Blake v Warner

“Remember, polite but firm,” Jennifer reminded Blake as he adjusted his clean armor.

A flash of annoyance crossed his youthful face as he glanced over to her. “I got it, I got it.” 

You better. This might be the most important interview you ever do.

Jennifer had tied her future to the young man before her, and could not help but worry. Blake was not a natural leader by any stretch. He lacked charisma, presence, and behaved awkward in the spotlight. 

That was why she insisted everyone evacuate the lobby, where the interview would shortly take place. Any distractions could prove disastrous, and she did not want him to feel the need to glance over to his parents after he accidentally let a curse word slip, or have his brother giggling in the corner.

Okay, he isn’t THAT bad.

Blake would probably be fine if his parents stayed in the room to observe, but she did not want to take that risk. Jennifer had asked that they watch the interview through the interface, like everyone else. She even had Bobby guard the double doors to ensure they were not disturbed.

Jeffrey Tiller - The President will be ready in two minutes.

Finally! Asshole is ten minutes late!

Jennifer first used her virtual camera to check her appearance before she signaled Blake that she was ready to begin. After his nod, she opened her interface controls, and went live to her audience. The virtual camera purposefully excluded Blake from the picture and focused on her alone. She had not informed the president that she would include Blake, and was almost certain he would decline the interview if he was informed. Because of that, she had been forced to hide Blake’s presence from her teaser videos.

Everyone’s going to be in for a surprise.

“This is Jennifer Taylor, live from The Dome. In just a moment, I will be joined today by not only President Warner, but a special guest as well.” Jennifer smiled. “I hope you enjoy the surprise.”

“Before the president joins us, I want to give a brief overview on the political situation. Just a single day after the Invasion, President Warner and his staff began to tirelessly contact governors, mayors, congressmen, and others spread throughout the nation. He established a network of communication that allowed the nation to coordinate, despite the chaotic situation.”

There, enough butt kissing to make sure you show up?

“Through a series of negotiations, he was able to establish an overarching alliance, all underneath the faction named, ‘United States of America’. Almost all governors have either already subordinated their own factions to President Warner, or have promised to do so once their faction is formed.”

A notification informed her that the president would like to establish a holo-chat call, and she quickly accepted. Her own feed zoomed out to incorporate both her, and the president, who sat behind the familiar Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. 

Is he sweating?

She suddenly remembered that it was summer in Washington DC, and unlike The Dome, the Whitehouse had no air conditioning.

“Welcome Mister President,” she greeted him and checked her viewer count.

Over fifteen million!

While her numbers were not as high as they were before Invasion day, she was slowly and steadily growing her base.

A giant smile lit up Warner’s face as he returned her greeting in his southern accent. “Happy to be here, Miss Taylor, happy to be here.”

“Before we get started, I want to introduce another special guest, Blake Summers, the Scion of Humanity!”

She expanded the view until her live feed included Blake, and everyone could clearly see both guests and her at the same time. The moment she introduced Blake, Warner’s face went momentarily cold before he restored his affable demeanor.

“This definitely is a surprise,” the president attempted to remain cordial. “I wish you would have run this… change of format by my people before we began.”

As rehearsed, Blake spoke up and attempted to be charming. “I hope there’s not an issue, Mister President. After all, we aren’t enemies, or at least we shouldn’t be.”

Okay, that’s fine. Don’t force it, though.

The president’s smile was as forced as Blake’s as he said, “Of course not, I want all Americans to prosper and thrive, and I would love your support to make that happen.”

“That’s my goal as well, Mister President,” Blake assured him.

Oh good, that’s vague enough to sound conciliatory, but doesn’t make any promises. Looks like the rehearsal paid off.

The president turned to Jennifer. “Well, Miss Taylor, what do you have in mind for this interview?

“I’d like you to explain to the American people how you and your coalition can help them survive this mess we find ourselves in.”

A bit of friendliness returned to his demeanor. “Oh, I wouldn’t call it a coalition. I’d say it's more a restoration of the rightful government.”

Jennifer intentionally frowned and then interjected, “I’ve heard rumors that you were still in negotiations with certain governors. Not only that, according to reports, money in the form of nano, as well as certain security promises were made to secure most of your coalition to date. Is there any truth to these rumors?”

The president’s smile dropped. “I assure you, everyone is on board with the restoration of the government. Any delays are purely due to logistical concerns.”

“I completely understand,” Blake replied. “It’s not easy to come up with a billion nano to form a faction, and any help the president can offer may save millions of lives.”

Good, appear to take his side before you stab him in the back.

All morning, they had painstakingly rehearsed many paths the conversation could follow, and she had prepared Blake for each. His current tact was a bit early, but as long as Blake stayed conciliatory, it could work.

“Exactly,” the president nodded with a frown. “I have to say, I imagined you would be a bit more combative.”

Blake shook his head. “Like I said, I was never your enemy. I just want people to live, and I’ll do anything I can to make sure that happens.”

Okay, back off a bit there Blake. Don’t come on too strong.

“Couldn’t have said it better,” Warner agreed. “And, the sooner people come to the government for protection, the better. Will you pledge your faction’s loyalty to my government now?”

Wow, it’s like he’s following our script exactly.

Blake visibly paused, as if considering it. Finally, he responded, “That depends. I’d like to know a bit more about how things work before I make any promises.”

Jennifer spoke up. “Yes, President Warner, what can you tell us about how your government operates? What can citizens expect if they arrive at their closest government subfactions?”

“Protection for one,” Warner began. “It’s a dangerous world out there, as I’m sure Blake would agree, and US troops will ensure we not only survive it, but thrive. Then, there’s food and supplies. We have stockpiles of goods, necessary to sustain life, and freely distribute it among the populace.”

“Everything is free for your faction members? That sounds amazing!” Jennifer then frowned. “But, if everything is free, what do they spend their nano on?”

Wow, that sweat is really pouring off his face. Not a good look for him.

Warner sighed. “Nano is a resource that the United States government needs to protect its citizens. All nano gained will of course go to upkeep and expansion of the military. It’s the only way to keep the populace safe and take back our land.”

Blake frowned. “But, if normal citizens aren’t allowed to keep their nano, how will they grow stronger? How will they protect themselves?”

“They don’t need to protect themselves, that’s the government’s job,” Warner said with a hint of annoyance. “Besides, we are more than happy to accept signups for our military.”

“If you sign up, how long do you serve?” Blake asked. “What about those who want to become enchanters or blacksmiths? Without nano, they can’t do their jobs.”

The president leaned back and waved his hand through the air. “These are all just details. The important thing to know is that the government can promise safety.”

“Details matter, Mister President,” Blake insisted. “I don’t think I could make any promises without them.”

Yes! Make him get specific!

Jennifer and Blake already knew the reason why Warner was hesitant to go into details. The entire conversation had been tailored, specifically, to call him out. However, unless he admitted to it here, it could be denied.

“Then, we should talk about this later, in private,” Warner suggested.

“In private?” Blake asked, visibly confused. “Why can’t we find out right now? Is it a secret?”

Okay, stop hamming it up, Blake.

She quickly sent him a message to stop him from ruining things. For a moment, after he received the text, she saw him momentarily smirk before he became serious again.

Stay in character! Amateur!

“We don’t have any secrets from the American people,” Warner stated unequivocally.

Hah!

Jennifer barely kept her laugh held in at that abrupt lie.

“Then please, fill us in,” Blake pleaded. “How long are you required to serve if you sign up for the military, and how can one become a blacksmith or tailor in your faction?”

“Since we are in a war for our survival, all military service will be extended until the conflict is over. As for these alien AI assisted professions, we have a similar contract for citizens, where you can apply for a permit and receive an allotment of nano to support your progression.”

“That’s generous,” Blake nodded. “But, since everything is provided by your government, who do they sell their goods to?”

“We will of course buy everything produced, naturally,” Warner replied.

“Buy it with what?” Blake pressed. “You said citizens aren’t allowed to own nano. Is there some other currency?”

“We have come up with a credit system to recompense producers,” Warner evaded.

“And, what can you buy with those credits?” Blake asked innocently.

Warner narrowed his eyes at Blake

Okay Blake, he’s on to you. Get the point.

She quickly sent him another message.

“That has yet to be determined,” the president evaded. “We already have an exploratory committee formed that will advise us on our future plans.”

“So,” Blake finally dropped the innocent act. “Anyone that joins you will have a one hundred percent tax rate, since they are unable to hold nano. They will entirely rely on the goodness of the government for food, shelter, and protection. If they wish for a non-combat class, they will be forced to do what they’re told, or they’ll no longer receive nano. And, in order to actually hold nano, you essentially have to join the military for life. The Architect will never stop sending monsters against us. That sounds suspiciously like communism,” Blake accused.

Yes! Destroy him Blake!

Warner’s eyes flared as sweat dripped from his brow. “Boy, what are you playing at here? You better than anyone should know what it takes to survive against the alien threat.”

Blake nodded. “I do. That’s why I’m wondering why you’re purposefully crippling your own faction. What incentive do you offer people to better themselves?”

“Survival is incentive enough on its own,” Warner growled in his southern twang.

Blake shook his head. “No, that will get people to do just enough to survive, and nothing more. What could you possibly offer to motivate people to push themselves when everything they produce is taken by the government?”

“That’s enough,” Warner barked. “This farce has gone on long enough, you obviously have no intention of joining me.” He turned his accusing eyes on Jennifer. “Was that your intention? To get this alien’s toady to badmouth me? To destroy America?”

Jennifer opened her mouth to respond, but Blake beat her to the punch. “I told you, I’ll do whatever it takes to save humanity, and if that means exposing your authoritarianism, so be it.”

“Just what I expect an Ambassador to the enemy to say,” Warner sneered. “Anything to destroy this country, the only force capable of stopping the alien threat.”

After that statement, President Warner suddenly disappeared. Jennifer checked her viewers.

Twenty-eight million! Holy shit!

She could not keep the elation out of her eyes as she turned to Blake and asked, “President Warner accused you of working for the enemy, would you like to defend yourself?”

Blake nodded and perfectly spoke the lines he and Jennifer had rehearsed. “He is referring to my title, Ambassador to the Architect. If you notice, it says ‘to’ the Architect, not ‘from’. That means I am humanity’s ambassador, not the AI’s. It proves who’s side I am on in this fight. I represent humanity.”

“I want to thank you for remaining for the full interview, our audience appreciates it. Is there anything else you would like to say before we end this interview?” Jennifer asked, already knowing what he would talk about.

“Yes,” he nodded and then stared directly at the virtual camera. “To any governors, mayors, congressmen, or anyone else who has already pledged their support to Warner, I urge you to withdraw. I am not in any way against the government forming their own faction. However, I oppose a government that strips all rights from their citizens, breaks the constitution, and turns its populace into slaves with no way to defend themselves.”

“Luckily, it isn’t too late. All you need to do to withdraw from Warner’s empire of oppression, is go to the faction management orb, state your desire to leave his faction, and wait twenty-four hours. Then, you can deliver freedom to the American people. To the rest of the world, I also urge you to resist oppression now, while you still can. In a few months or years, it will become impossible, and you will be little more than slaves.”

Jennifer smiled. “Thank you, Blake, for that impassioned response. If you as the audience would like to hear more from humanity’s representative, I will be releasing a series of videos where I ask Blake about his past, present, and future. The first of which will be published today, at seven p.m. eastern.”

“Remember, if you like what you see here, please subscribe. It not only allows you to comment on these videos, but gives you direct access to our private forum, where I directly interact and answer questions. It’s only ten thousand nano a month.”

After her closing statement, she ended the feed and turned to Blake. “You did well, Blake.”

“Thanks.” The young leader sighed. “Of course, now I’ve turned Warner into an even bigger enemy.”

Jennifer nodded. “He was always going to be your enemy. At least this way, he’ll lose some of his support. By the time he recovers, you’ll have your own alliance behind you.”

Blake nodded. “That’s the plan. Now, I just need to get out there and make it happen. I’ve been sitting around here long enough.”

“So, you’re leaving now to create the next expansion town?” she asked in clarification.

“No,” Blake shook his head. “It’s too late in the day for that. Besides, we still need to get the logistics worked out. I want the trailers loaded down with enough supplies to reach level two and build a warehouse. I also need to recall our spies from Eagar, I don’t want them causing any trouble while I’m gone.”

“Then tomorrow morning?”

He nodded.

“I want to go with you,” Jennifer announced.

“Are you sure? It’ll be dangerous,” Blake warned.

Jennifer imagined the new viewers she’d gain as she followed Blake while he saved people from monsters. Since the interview, she had already gained another two hundred million nano from subscriptions, and that number would only continue to rise.

“I’m sure,” she confirmed.

There’s no way in hell I’d miss this.

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