Chapter 250: Making and Taking Phone Calls

Chapter 250: Making and Taking Phone Calls

Having stood from the couch, Hammond now faced Xenia across from her as she inched her tight leather pants back on.

So, President Hammond. Im sure you know why I am here. Xenia finished inching her pants on and securely zipped and buttoned them before looking up at Hammond.

Well, of course I do. You are here to add the United States into the fold of your empire.

Xenia smiled at him with approval, So are you ready? Is your country ready to accept me as their ruler?

Hammond gave a nervous chuckle, The United States becoming a territory under the banner of the BloodStar Empire is all but an inevitability. As such, I see no reason to rush things. The American people are content with considering themselves Heraklinos allies for now. Switching allegiances on the eve of major battles to come would confuse the populous.New novel chapters are published on

Oh I see. You want to sit on the fence. Take a wait and see approach until the victor between the Heraklinos and BloodStar families is crowned. Xenia folded her arms under her chest and glared at Hammond, Im telling you that isnt an option.

Hammond threw his hands up at a loss, Usurping the United States may cause more harm than good at a time like this. There is no apparent reason for the United States to switch sides. After having won the war, bending the knee to you will be obvious. The people will accept it. Recall the American people didnt take kindly to Pope Gregory invading Texas. How do you think they will respond to you forcing your will upon them? Would it be any different?

Xenia pushed her tongue into the side of her cheek and scoffed, Comparing me to Pope Gregory? Thats cute Hammond. That is really cute, but I am not a draconian religious leader. I am a charismatic, fun, and free ruler. Hollywood will make movies about me, pop stars will writes songs about me, and scholars will praise my power and insight by the time it is all said and done.

Xenia walked back over towards Hammond and sat beside him leaning towards him with her legs crossed, I will win this war. And you will thank me for bringing you to the winning side of history as soon as I could.

Hammond felt his heartbeat flutter but regained his composure as only a master politician could in the presence of Xenia, My fear remains in rebuking such a great power in the Heraklinos Empire. An empire who considers the United States an ally. We may not have the powerful ki masters of the world, but we have democracy, and we have great wealth in the form of natural resources. We are not without our bargaining chips.

Hammond could feel a sweat forming on his forehead, I have to advocate for my people. I can only represent them after all. Furthermore, I am but one branch of this countrys government. I cannot unilaterally pledge the nation to the BloodStar Empire.

Xenias eyes narrowed like a predator eyeing its prey. Her voice became sharper as she began to speak with an authoritative and less friendly tone, So it is your people you are worried about? Then allow me to give you an ultimatum. Pledge your allegiance to me and my empire today or pick a city for me.

Hammond furrowed his brow, Pick a city for what exactly?

Xenia smiled to herself, I was planning on showing the world my newfound supremacy starting with the Sage Empire; however, if you need convincing, I am happy to start here. Maybe Los Angeles? You seem like a man who hates L.A. Id be happy to give them my vision of manifest destiny on the west coast. Or maybe San Francisco? Not a gold rush, but a blood rush. That sounds fun.

She eyed Hammond as he remained speechless. He knew Xenia was both capable and willing to destroy entire cities; however, he couldnt help but wonder if she would really waste her time and resources while the Heraklinos Empire prepared further to fight her.

Not the west coast? Fine. How about Dallas? Id be happy to, how do they say in the south?... Come and take it. Xenia then put her finger up to her chin and said, Hmm or how about right here on the east coast? Id be happy to tread on them.

She laughed to herself, Im not giving you an option, Hammond. But I am giving you a chance because I like you. Your country has so many storied political rally cries and slogans, but maybe my favorite is join or die. Because those are your only two options.

Hammond took an audible gulp before nodding his head, Very well. I will make arrangements to confer with the other branches tomorrow following which we will formally contact the Heraklinos Empire before announcing it publicly.

Xenia shook her head, No. Not good enough.

Not good enough? Democracy takes time. Things must be coordinated. Opinions must be heard. The input of others has to be considered.

Xenia laughed, As of right this second, the United States is no longer a democracy. The people may not know it just yet, but I am now their ruler. So, as your empress, I command you to contact Jarek Heraklinos right this second on video phone and inform him of your decision.

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Xenia stood up and walked around to the back of the couch and began to rub Hamonds shoulders, Dont be so glum. This is cause for celebration. I think you will find nothing but prosperity, pleasure, and optimism under my rule. She then shrugged and said, And the occasional violence to keep order and satisfy me, your empress.

Throughout the dealings, Jacek had not moved an inch, and as Jarek stood he looked at Jacek with approval before taking the phone.

Yes, Starfallen.

I have good news and bad news regarding our contingency.

Tell me.

The good news is that we recently had a breakthrough of sorts you could say. We have proof of concept. It works!

And the bad news?

The bad news is that our calculations have been so far off. Incredibly far off. If we are to maintain accuracy in our trajectory, we can transport two people at most.

Jarek nodded his head in silence as he walked farther away from Jacek and the messenger, That wont be a problem. It just means youll have to find a way back eventually, yes?

Starfallen replied with a solemn tone, Yes.

Make me a promise, Starfallen. If it can only be two people, promise me its you and Jacek.

Is that wise? Traveling through a void portal for that distance will require immense strength which you and I have. Does Jacek

PROMISE ME!

A few moments of silence passed before Starfallen said, I promise you. And Ill also promise you that we return as quickly as we can.

Jacek laughed, Return for the prosperity and leadership of the humanity on this planet. But do not return for me. I may be long gone.

Starfallen laughed in kind, Somehow I doubt that.

Jacek and I have a lot of training to do, so I must go. Dont forget your promise.

I wont.

Jarek hung up the phone and returned it to the messenger who promptly scurried off.

He then sat across from Jacek and resumed meditation. No more than a few minutes had passed until another, different messenger came running up to them with soft but quick footsteps.

Excuse me sires, Master Heraklinos and Lord Heraklinos. I have an urgent call.

Jarek opened his eyes and took a big huff, Tell Lady Starfallen it can wait 30 minutes.

The messenger cocked his head in confusion, But Master, this isnt Lady Starfallen. This is President Hammond of the United States on a video call. He says its urgent.

The messenger held out a large digital screen, and Jarek once again sighed with annoyance as he stood from his meditation to take another call.