[A/N: Sorry for the late release. I was sick yesterday and couldn't even type to finish up the chapters. I'm good enough today to do it but I'm still a bit sick.]
General POV:
Various members began to sit in their chairs that all faced the one throne in the center. Usually, the person it belonged to would be the last one to arrive, fitting of someone who was king, but contrary to other times, he was the first to be there.
Once Parliament was seated, the king looked over at the state the British government was in with a solemn look before regaining his usual poker face. When once they housed 300 members, Parliament was now reduced to just over 120. Plus, with London possibly in shambles, they had to convene in York rather than the Palace of Westminster.
He clears his throat, and the Chairperson jumps into action, starting the meeting without hesitation.
"We are here today as an important decision is to be made. A decision regarding our future. General." He motions towards an older man who walks towards the podium.
"Omnics mobilized their entire force, giving up on attacking three cities at once and focused only on the city of Nottingham, where our medics provided by Overwatch are located. Within an hour of the attack beginning, its defenses were breach and omnics were flooding into the city. It was expected to fall in minutes.
As a last effort, I made the call, accepting assistance for anyone to take action and help defend. Many rose to the call, one being an Overwatch medic code-named Bioshock aka Shawn Rose. Somehow, our troops rallied behind him and pushed the omnic opposition back out of Nottingham.
Our victory at Nottingham has wiped out an estimated seventy percent of the omnics tormenting our nation. I come before you, suggesting that we press our advantage now, while the enemy is weak, and retake our lost cities and eventually take back London." The General addresses.
As he speaks, the different Parliament members and even the King had a range of different emotions throughout his rundown. As he finishes, there is nothing but silence as everyone processes the information provided by him. Once everyone had a second to think on it, there are many questions. But as per rules of Parliament, no one speaks until the Chairperson retakes the podium, then hands shoot up.
He motions towards a Parliament member, who asks a question.
"What's our own causalities looking like?"
The General scrolls through the information on his tablet.
"Minimal. The medics sent by Overwatch were thorough and precise. Once again, credit is given to Shawn Rose in this aspect as well."
Murmurs go through the crowd at this information. Just as hands go up once again, the King interjects with his own question. At Parliament, only those recognized by the Chairperson has the floor, save for the King. Usually, the King doesn't bother taking the floor but, with the war going on, changes were bound to happen.
"Do we have any operatives within this Overwatch organization?" He asks curiously. All Parliament members approve of this question, many were going to ask it themselves.
"No your majesty, not at the moment. Overwatch focuses on assisting countries worldwide, and we made the decision to focus on our own nation." He explains.
"Yes, I remember when the decision was made. It seems we have underestimated Overwatch's potential. They have proven to be highly effective and efficient. I propose that we send some forces to be a part of Overwatch." The King announces.
Members who hear this have mixed feelings regarding the matter. Some agreed with his proposal, but others felt as if they should continue focusing their efforts on the war within their own country. Seeing the mixed feelings among the members of Parliament, the King continues.
"This war isn't like the usual in the past. In this war, there are two outcomes. We all either die, or we succeed and humanity lives on. That being the case, when and if we do succeed, things will have to be rebuilt. In time, humanity will recover. No doubt, Overwatch will be at the forefront, helping each nation with that recovery. They'll have many representatives from other nations within their ranks.
From the reports, it is all too evident that without Overwatch's assistance, victory most definitely would not have been attained. So, in a sense, we owe them. Who's to say, when this war is said and done, ten years from now, Overwatch won't ask for compensation? In that time frame, if they're a powerhouse, what's stopping them from imposing on our own rebuilding process?"
His words hang in the air as the Parliament members think on it. They can all agree that they owe Overwatch a lot for all that they've assisted with. They agreed, if Overwatch was showing so much potential now, if they survived the war, they would be a top tier organization. Furthermore, they were looking like a good investment, for if they didn't act now, they may be left behind.
The Chairperson understanding the situation, speaks up. "All in favor of sending representatives to Overwatch?"
Parliament didn't waste any time, unanimously agreeing to the proposal. The King smiles briefly, before returning to his regal demeanor as the meeting continues.
"That being taken care of, we return to the issue of how to proceed with our recent victory." The Chairperson addresses them.
Hands go up, and the Chairperson picks a female renown for her resolve, and asking the questions that needed to be asked.
"General, are you proposing that we use this victory to our advantage and push directly to London?"
The General doesn't falter, as he knew someone was bound to have noticed what he said earlier.
"Yes, that is what I'm proposing." His words cause a murmur throughout the crowd, many of disagreement. It was too soon to try to retake London, for its state was unknown. He continues,
"With so many omnics gone, there is nothing stopping us from going directly to the source and shutting down the omnium there. With the omnium gone, we cleanse the rest of the city of omnics. Once London is retaken, we head back to the other cities."
Although it sounded appealing, some members felt a bad premonition clouding their judgement from agreeing so easily. However, a majority of the members felt like this was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
"All of those in favor of the General's proposal?"
A count was made, with 98 in favor and 20 apposed. Along with the King, two didn't vote on the decision. The General, who already knew he would get approval, immediately made the call and figures relayed orders to retake London. Little did he know, things are never so simple.