Out of the Woodwork
The Greater Ottawan's looked to their hero, all seeking guidance on what to do. Perseverance knew the three vestiges were out for a minute, not to mention that he was nearing his limits, but still....
"And if we refuse?" Asked Perseverance looking at the Major, eyes piercing the shadow cast by the man.
Before the Major could answer, Rothschild slammed his fists into the ground with a roar. "What is the meaning of this! Why have you come here?"
As everyone looked around, the sound of laughter arose from within the center of the crowd that had gathered behind Perseverance. Rothschild, Major Nowak, and Perseverance all turned to look. Coming through a pathway made by the citizens of Greater Ottawa was someone Perseverance didn't recognize. The flannel jacket wrapped around their revealed just how much time and effort they'd put into their body. "We came to tour this promised meritocratic land of freedom for ourselves. I'm not sure why the Euro-Fascist came here." The person said, replying to Rothschild. The pitch of their voice was only complimented by their robust, top-tier physique.
They smiled and planted their hand firmly on Perseverance's shoulder. "Gotta say, you've got a great gleaming smile when you're punching tyrants. Not bad, new guy." Perseverance glanced at them bewildered as to where all of these people were coming from. "Uh.." started Perseverance, "Who are you exactly?"
The muscular figure laughed, unsheathed their katana with their teeth. "Vik. You may call me Cherry-Bomb Vik from the Island of New Andonia."
"If you're here to help, I'll take any I can get." Perseverance said as several other Andoniaian Islander joined Vik's side. The tension in the air was that of a weight set, heavy enough for only the strong to bear.
However, Rothschild was not interested in Vik, wasn't even interested in Perseverance. His glare was upon the Major.
"YOU. WHY ARE YOU HERE."
The Major sighed and looked at him. "Dealing with a pest. Fascist State... TAKE HIM DOWN!" The soldiers, tanks and helicopters that had once been toe-to-toe with Greater Ottawa's Armed Forces, suddenly charged Rothschild. As they set to work, the Major stepped up to them.
"Now with that out of the way, I am here as a representative of my government. My orders are simple, make contact with you, friendly people, and extend our most generous offer."
Which is?" Asked Archie, stepping forwards.
The Major looked around. "Is there a better place we can speak? Away from all the fighting I mean."
"The Committee Council Building." started Archie, "the Key Council of Greater Ottawa will meet with Major Nowak of Euro-Russia and Vik of New Andonia. Please follow me."
After about ten minutes, the Greater Ottawan Key Council had sat down in their chamber room to first speak with Vik.
"May we just start off by saying, Vik of New Andonia, thank you for the backup." Stated Perseverance as he bandaged his hands.
"No need for that. I was happy to help." Began Vik, "Key Council of Greater Ottawa, as I said before, I come from New Andonia. This is an uncharted Island Nation within the Pacific Ocean. We are governed by a Matriarchy, and seek a trade alliance with you."
One of the Michiganders sighed and looked at the other members of the Council. "This is the second matriarchal-type government that's wanted to make trade with us. At what point do we say no more? There's a literal fascist sitting in the lobby, waiting his turn to make his pitch for Christ's sake. I mean Vik no disrespect, but every other government has had abhorred levels of discrimination running rampant through them and yet we.."
"THAT'S QUITE ENOUGH!" Yelled Perseverance. He winced a moment before standing up. "What the hell is with this outcry?"
The Michigander rolled his eyes. "I'm saying why in the fuck are we allied with one matriarchy, considering another, and having a fucking nazi waiting on his turn?! What happened to putting the Midwest first? Or did that all die when you got powers, you fucking freak."
Barbara and Archie both went to speak out against but the hero raised his hand. "Does all of Michigan feel this way?"
"You better believe it."
"Then I hereby revoke Michigan's standing within the Council and hereby remove Michigan from the Coalition of the Midwest. Guards, gag him, and see to it his and a demolition crew are on the first train to Michigan." Said the Hero as Guards removed the man.
"I apologize for the demeanor of the Council, Vik. Normally, discussions are carried out when deliberation is called. However, thanks to you, and the recent display of discrimination from Michigan, they have to be removed. If you wish to withdraw your offer of trade, I understand, but humbly ask for time to..."
Vik held her hand up causing Perseverance to fall silent.
"I understand that things can't be easy running a meritocracy, Perseverance fighting the way you have been, every one of you cheering for him as you all have. I've been watching Greater Ottawa's every move for some time now. Don't worry, new guy, I have enough sense to know he doesn't speak for the lot of you. We can discuss the finer points of trade later. After this is all over I would like all of you to have some proper sleep."
Perseverance let out a breath of relief and Archie chuckled, nodding in agreement with Vik's statement.
"Although, Vik started, "I would like to take a seat within the Council to hear out what this "Fascist State" has to offer.
Archie stood up. "Please, take my chair. We'd be delighted to have you join us!" Vik protested but by that time, Archie was standing next to his grandson. He simply smiled as Vik chuckled and sat down.
However, as Vik sat down, there was a powdered donut holding down a note addressed "Vik". Unfolding it, it read, "Vik, I know nothing of you, and nothing of the life you have led. With that said, my wife, Patricia, would have loved meeting you if she were still around. Thanks for assisting my grandson. ~Archie... P.S, the donut is yours to have. I keep the bag of them in the second compartment of the desk you're sitting at. Feel free to eat them."