Empress Addresses The Empire"Violence has been brought to our shores and, once again, we must answer the call of the defense of not just the Empire, but of civilization itself." Following the attack upon the heart of the Empire, Pyrettania, the Empress spoke to the nation this evening. Her remarks follow below in full.
"Fellow Rokkenjimans, Friends and Allies of the First Empire, honourable delegates from afar, I thank you for joining me here this evening.
Yesterday, during a time where people are commuting home from work to join their families at home, a dirty bomb was detonated at the Rosari Blood Bank of Pyrettania. In addition to the damage wrought by the release of nuclear materials we've also witnessed the collapse of the building which housed the blood bank. At this hour the whereabouts of family members of at least two dozen families are unaccounted for, however, first responders are doing their best to comb through the debris and this very much remains a rescue mission at this hour. Following meetings with Imperial High Command and the Imperial Naval Intelligence Service I have established a level of alert appropriate for the present threat potential though, at this time, we do not believe any further attacks are imminent. Rokkenjiman authorities have increased security throughout the Capitol and beyond, with increased security measures being employed to ensure the safety and security of our People.
In recent days we have witnessed attacks upon Daitō, Mersch and now, upon our own nation. We have faced retribution for the generosity and kindness we've shown to Daitō and Mersch, for our efforts to send to them much needed supplies and blood; our enemy has tried to make us afraid to show humanity in the face of inhumane cowardice. Yet blood donations have seen an increase since the strike in Pyrettania, monetary donations have picked up pace, and I've even been informed that a grandmother in Takara has sown blankets, clothing and other personal effects for dispersal to those foreign victims of the terrorist menace. I personally reached out to thank her and her response was so heart warming I have to share it with you all. She said to me:"
My dear, I have seen seven grandchildren through school, I've patched their clothes and mended all the damage they've done over the years, it's what I do. Those boys and girls abroad, they deserve some sort of normalcy through this, even if it's something as simple as a shirt, a pair of pants or a blanket to fall asleep under. I might not have an understanding of international politics or a bunch of money to send but I've a sowing machine, and I Know how to use it. I'll give them what I can so they don't have to be without, their world might be turned upside down right now but listen to me, if they have the basics covered it's one less thing they have to worry about. So we'll take care of them, just as we'd take care of our own, because when these [expletive deleted] [expletive deleted] [expletive deleted] throw us their best shot, it's never going to beat us. Excuse me your Highness, I've work to do.
"Her words stick with me,
"we'll take care of them, just as we'd take care of our own," because that very sentiment is what separates us from the terrorists and it represents the spirit of Rokkenjima so very well. As I speak our brave women and men are headed to the Matildas to deliver our response to this attack upon our nation. Though I must disagree with the Rokkenjiman official who spoke to the RBC yesterday; we are not deploying to destroy villages for each of our lives lost, nor will we see felled any beyond those responsible for these attacks; I recognize their anger and pain, however, that is not how the Imperial Rokkenjiman Military conducts itself. Battleship
Edward Truden, joined by the aircraft carrier
Eleanor, spearhead our response to these attacks in addition to their supportive vessels and the Pods which lurk beneath the waves. The response they shall deliver will be deliberate and, in conjunction with the forces of the Empire, we will see that every individual responsible for these attacks upon our shores will not harm anyone ever again.
Failure is not an option here, just as every terrorist who has trained themselves against this First Empire have learned, you've only awoken a slumbering lion. Just as they lashed out against our People we will strike out against their leaders, just as they deployed their best shot against us, we'll prove our shots drive the final nail in their coffins. Today, this First Empire embarks on perhaps its highest calling, the extermination of terrorism wherever it may come from. We have been safe because, to date, our adversaries have been state actors, we can no longer take solace in that, nor may we ensure our security under an outmoded understanding. Our enemies lurk now in the shadows, striking at us without warning. Now, we shall strike at them without warning, and the scope of our firepower will crush them.
Today marks our fight against terrorism, and it's a fight we're joined in with our Daitōjin cousins, and countless nations across Mundus. We shall not yield, we shall not surrender, for the tomorrow they would lead us into is one where cowards dictate the course of human history. We will find you, we will destroy you, and we will defend the rights of our Peoples to live in freedom; freedom from wanton violence, freedom from fear, and freedom to live our lives as we see fit. You have accomplished only in securing the full force and might of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces against you. Whereas before we provided the Daitōjin only with humanitarian aid, now we join the hunt. I look forward to accepting your surrender.
May the Seven Divine watch over us, may they keep our service members through each day, and may they see that you pay for the damages you've wrought upon civilization itself. Thank you."