Live speech from the Premier of Pyolangi
Courtesy of Pyolangi Broadcast Station

"Fellow Pyolangians.

"We have received reports of the Prime Minister's assassination attempt at Vepton. He's still alive, thankfully. Let us all hope that his recovery will be fine.

"Whoever tried to assassinate the Prime Minister will be manhunted. We have began nationwide investigations as to who is the suspect. While investigation reports are still being published and the Prime Minister is still recovering, it is my duty to take over the Prime Minister's duties until he's fully recovered.

"In response to this assassination, and Naomi's invasion of our sovereignty, I hereby declare martial law in all of Pyolangi.

"In response to this aggression, we will now commence Operation Keypad, the nationwide defensive operation against any aggressor. You will be instructed to hide in the nearest shelters or designated small towns and continue our war efforts from there.

"Remember, Pyolangians. We won't falter against a single bullet through our leader's head. We won't falter against an aggressor's huge army. We won't stop until our enemy's cities are all in ruins. We won't stop until their economy crashes, and we won't stop until they have learned their lesson, for we are united, and will always be."

* * * * *

The Prime Minister of Pyolangi, instead of standing in front of a live audience, he was immobilized -- stuck on a hospital bed with medical tape surrounding his jaw and knee. He wasn't supposed to be in this bright, white place. He was supposed to be speaking and defending his nation against the real aggressor, without causing as many casualties as possible.

And yet, with just two bullets, he was pushed off the podium, leaving him on a bed, even though it wasn't his bedtime yet.

As the Premier's speech was broadcasted, he couldn't help but think how much martial law would affect the nation. It had never been declared for decades, which is not a surprising thing for a peaceful, subarctic nation. And yet, here it was, declaring what was once thought of as impossible.

His friend, Mark, had just entered the room, with him a plate of fish.

He sighed. "Finally, you're awake."

Glitch would've replied, but as soon as he moved his jaw, his jaw throbbed, and words couldn't come out as clearly as he had expected.

"Take it easy, Glitch. Jaws don't heal instantly," he said, placing the plate on a nearby table.

Take it easy? Bro, we are under a flipping martial law!

Mark sat down and sighed. "You had no idea how hard it was just to get food."

Say what, now?

"Aside from the fact that Vepton is lacking food supplies, it was really hard to endure the reporters. Like, dang."

See? People are still looking for me!

They got interrupted when the screen, which was left conveniently on, switched into a quick swivelling of the words Breaking News.

"Right after the declaration of martial law by the Premier of Pyolangi, violent riots broke out in various cities nationwide.

"In Vepton, the city immediately declared a state of emergency after riots worsened, specifically right after the attempted assassination of the Prime Minister. The revolutionists burned down a couple of public buildings, including the Vepton Republic Capitol. The Armed Forces of Pyolangi is now sending troops to control the riots, but it seems like the riots are spreading like wildfire."

Right after the anchor reported what was happening, Glitch could hear a couple of bangs outside the hospital. Crap.

The television switched into a live feed of Vepton in bird's eye view. People raised red flags and banners everywhere. Some brought sticks and forks. Some carried signs to say that they were against the Premier. Glitch could only help but watch these participants march on the streets, resisting government control.

His eyes landed on Mark, who was as silent as he was.

"We need to get out of here," he told him. "I have a bad feeling about this." He then whipped out his phone and dialled a number.

That feeling existed since "I" declared war, Mark.

"Air Force One, I summon you to Vepton and pick up the Prime Minister and head to Meissen."

He glared at him, as if to ask why.

I wish this dang jaw would heal immediately so I could talk. That would be useful.

"Mr. Prime Minister, it's not safe here. This place is under a state of emergency. Stop worrying about the elections, Prime Minister, because your people need you safe. Heck, Pyolangi needs you safe."

. . . I suppose I couldn't argue with that.

* * * * *

"Terrorist attacks and riots have been reported in the cities of Vepton, New Bergenheim, Tratschen, Haguen, and Frischfeld."

"Operation Keypad begins, residents evacuate Persundheim."

"The Republic's army retreats Verdenheim, Pyolangi wins Verdenheim siege."

"Prime Minister leaves Vepton after declaration of martial law."

"Navy and Air Force ups defense at Pyolangian coastline."

"Revolutionists besiege Vepton, yells for secession."

"Terrorism ups in Deolark."

"Emeraldia declares stand against Republic of Shadow Walkers."

The Premier slammed his head against the wooden table. This is not what I expected. Riots everywhere. . .

Right when he thought the news was bad enough, the radio went static.

Then, he heard a voice.

"We know what you're doing, Premier of Pyolangi. Stop it or else."

He yelled in exasperation, "Or else what?!"

What he heard next was this:

"Pyolangian nuclear program reactivated. Target coordinates of Persundheim, Havn, and New Bergenheim. Launching in T-minus 48 hours."

The Premier cursed under his breath. How did they gain access to our nuclear program?

"Who the heck are you?!"

"None of your business. We're watching you. . ."

"Talk to me, you bastards!"

The radio went static again.

* * * * *

Live broadcast from the Pyolangian Broadcast Station

"Hello, Pyolangians. This is not a test.

"You have only have 48 hours left before anarchy. We have reactivated the Pyolangian nuclear program, and if your Premier does not step down by then, we will be sure to nuke your capital, as well as two cities.

"Operation Keypad will not work, Pyolangians. Good luck."

* * * * *

Nice.

That moment when you realize you're just rushing chapters.

What will happen next? Will Glitch successfully recover from his injuries? What was the Premier actually doing? Will Pyolangi be nuking itself before it can actually be invaded by the Republic? Find out next time, in Chasing Chaos!

That's it from me, everyone!