Chapter 287: The Calm In The Storm Part 2

Meanwhile, back in the United States, a state of unrest could be seen in nearly every state as thousands of people gathered in the streets to protest the ongoing War. 

Some demanded that America immediately strike back, while others called for surrender. After all, in terms of all the real people who suffered from the war, it was those sent to fight, and the common people at home who were affected whether the result was good or bad. And in this case, following the disaster they just experienced, many people were outraged. 

Prices fluctuated massively, and economic analysts were already predicting a great spike in prices in the coming weeks as the government would likely strive to hold onto more resources. Whereas, people would opt to do the same in case of the worst-case scenario. As such, protesting quickly turned into looting, violence, and vandalism of property.

Almost no Police Department could be said to be free, as every single one of their patrolling officers were out trying to bring order back to the streets. But with some meta-humans among the population, many events made the task all that much harder. There were, of course, heroes who would also try to help, but there was little they could do in such a situation where they could bring harm to innocent people but at the same time had to protect themselves from the chaos that was ensuing.

As for the League, not all of its members were set out to help the population. This was because they felt there was much more to the situation than they saw, and there was. But by doing this, Arias wanted them to delay playing any significant role in the war. The reason for this was because, despite all the ensuing chaos currently happening, the League just couldn't forget about the recent death of Green Arrow and the statement Arias had left involving Darkseid. War among humans could be dealt with, but another invasion from Darkseid, in the current state of the world, worried both Superman and Batman.

Moreover, this new element of danger led them to completely prevent the junior team from heading out, recalling that if they had indeed agreed the first time to send them out, they would've encountered Green Arrow's killer and likely fallen into the same fate. It's no surprise the junior team felt this was not a fair decision. After all, no matter what heroics they did, they were technically always putting their lives on the line. But this time, it seemed different. 

Robin was especially vocal about this. However, Batman and Superman's words could not be argued, and although not really expecting them to do this, Arias welcomed it as it could also play to his advantage.

Currently, the junior team was gathered in a collective lounge area within Mount Justice, where they would commonly relax, play games, or simply talk. This time around, Robin, Aqualad, Miss Martian, Zatanna, and Artemis were all seated in front of a large monitor, watching as news broke with coverage over the ensuing events around the world and in the US. 

All bore more solemn expressions as they just couldn't be content with the senior team's decision to put them on the sidelines. They could understand it, but they just couldn't accept it. After all, they all practically saw themselves as adults already.

Currently, the news was covering a protest being held in Washington, right outside the White House. It displayed numerous people, both meta-humans and regular humans, holding up posters that either said "End the War" or "Fight Back." In this very crowd, small fights would break out between two clashing sides with opposite views. It was an absolute mess. However, as this was being shown, the live video went static for a bit before switching.

[We interrupt this program to bring you a breaking news,] the picture now shifted to a woman on the news, this woman be none other than Vicki Vale of the Gotham Gazette, who soon revealed, [After ignoring numerous calls for negotiation and talks from other nations, Princess Ta- excuse me, Queen Tara Markov of Markovia is holding a live press conference to address her people and her enemies. As revealed by a spokesperson of the royal family. We're going to move you live to our correspondent in Markovia who will give us more on the story.]

Having said that, the footage now cut to the lovely courtyard of the castle Tara lived within. In this courtyard, a neat arrangement could be seen at the front door leading into the castle. Many seats were arranged in the courtyard, some belonging to reporters at the back, while those at the front belonged to important officials such as generals and cabinet ministers. As the camera panned through the guests, one could see that among the front seats, Arias was present. 

Speaking from the further back of the courtyard, the correspondent, who the camera was now on began to talk.

[Yes, Vicki, the announcement of a press conference came out of nowhere. As you know, the USA and all conflicting nations have been trying to reach out to Queen Tara since the attacks on the US and the kidnappings of numerous family members to state officials. Markovia still denies any involvement in the matter and says it is simply something the Western powers orchestrated to have a reason to attack them and they're sticking to that story. And now more than ever before, people are thinking Markovia is right.]

[Following the devastating attacks on the US, Markovia has shown that they have the capabilities to not only defend themselves but be a strong competitor to win this war. They've gone from being the underdog to being the figurehead, and the other nations know this. Hence, the call for immediate negotiations. However, now the Markovian public is also divided, with some saying this is the perfect chance to call for peace while others demand their enemies be crushed for bringing harm to their once peaceful lands. And or, pardon me, it seems the conference is about to start.]

[Thank you, Jimmy, our correspondent in Markovia," Vicki stated professionally as the camera zoomed in on the podium, in which Tara appeared to begin her address. At her side was Wonder Woman, who stood behind her as she stepped on the podium with only a single paper, placing it down before facing the many people gathered in the large courtyard and speaking into the microphones set onto the podium.

"People of Markovia, my esteemed generals, my honorable ministers, and dignified foreign guests gathered here today, I thank you and welcome you. It has not been an easy year for me and my country. If you had asked me just a few days ago what the worst possible thing that happened to me was, I'd have said the death of my parents. Now, I would say it is the death of the innocent citizens that died trying to protect our soil."

"There is nothing more heartbreaking than being attacked collectively by the world simply because you chose to help a disadvantaged group of people. We Markovians welcomed meta-humans because we too understood the hurt many families felt when their children were kidnapped and shipped away to be exploited. Me being one such case. I have seen the torment meta-humans go through when trafficked, and I have lived it. And that is why I refuse to let the children that have sought refuge in Markovia be let to go through the same." 

"As a queen, when the enemy attacked, I sought a peaceful solution. However, they insulted us by not even giving it a second glance, and for that, my people paid the price. For that, I feel guilt. I'm sorry. Today was supposed to be the day of my coronation, as I officially turned 18. Instead, it will be remembered as a day on which many people died. And for this, I am also sorry. However, I stand here before you to let you all know that that shall never be the case again. For Markovia shall not fall."

"We've been dragged into this war, and our people have shed blood for it. I intend to ensure their lives were not lost in vain. So, starting today, Markovia will officially begin its offensive. Thank you."