As the debate was now an hour and a half away, the Ghost was with Brittany in Washington Park taking a stroll. The Ghost had spent most of the time getting things done that he'd had on his to-do-list and finally had time to talk to her about things.
"Brittany, I....."
"No, let me speak first."
The Ghost nodded and looked at her.
"You're a strong leader. People are gonna see that after tonight. You came into that bunker, saved me, my townsfolk, fought a literal battle against the people who are trying to tighten their grip around the rest of the world and won! You have expanded this city and all the people who have been helped by you are gonna see that."
"I wish it were so simple."
Brittany looked at the Ghost, his eyes telling a different story than his body language. "What do you mean?"
"Walsh Petty is a member of the richest family in Greater Ottawa. They originally kept my family from joining their little elitist club as we didn't have wealth, but contributed the most in labor, resources and land to have this city exist."
"So it's become..."
"A battle of the old world's class system."
"So use that!" Smiled Brittany, show the people here, the Texans who will be watching, show your ancestors it's you who will save this nation."
The Ghost looked at her and smiled, "When you put it like that... I can't lose."
The time for the debate was almost up. At the Knights' of Columbus, the Ghost and Brittany were getting all polished up for the cameras and audience. As the make-up artist came to the Ghost, he declined. Once Brittany was finished, the two helped each other finish up the outfits. Brittany had on a gorgeous purple and black silk dress. She was wearing the pendant the Ghost had given her. After he'd zipped up her dress, she turned to face him.
"Is that....."
"The suit I wore to my Grandma's funeral, yes."
She hugged him and held his face in her hands. "You will and have made her proud. Tonight's no different, show her, show me what you can do."
The Ghost nodded as a media member grabbed a few photos, then an events' staff member came over to them.
"We're on in five minutes. You two will be introduced after your opponent." Said the staff member.
"Thank you, we're ready." Replied the Ghost. The staff member was about to leave the room, but turned around to them.
"Just so you know, sir. I'm rooting for you."
The Ghost stood up and shook her hand. "I am rooting for Greater Ottawa to have a bright and prosperous future.... Thank you."
It was finally time for the debate to begin and both listeners and viewers tuned in to watch.
"Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to tonight's Primary Debate, I am Mike Brisson, moderator for the debate. Allow me to introduce Greater Ottawa's Challenging Candidate, Walsh Petty, his lovely wife, Sarah, and his newborn son, Walsh Petty the Second." The crowd cheered as they walked on stage.
"Now introducing, the First Leader of Greater Ottawa, the Ghost of Ottawa, and his gorgeous partner, Brittany." The crowd clapped and cheered as the Ghost and Brittany made their way onto the stage, both with big smiles and waving to the crowd.
The Ghost went to shake Walsh's hand but got rejected in the handshake which the cameras and radio reporters caught. As Brittany and Sarah took their seats, Peter and the Ghost to their podiums.
"Good Evening Gentleman, and welcome to the primary debate. Tonight, voters have a chance to voice their concerns and ask how you two will solve them after I have had both of you answer a question based on polling done by the Election Committee."
"Sounds wonderful." Said Walsh.
"I look forward to it." Replied the Ghost.
"Excellent, we'll hit Walsh first for his challenger's statement."
"People of Ottawa! You have gotten me this far, and I have faith more of you will see the Ghost for the war and fear monger that he is! Our city needs not fear nor to go to war on behalf of other factions. You have blood on your hands that need to answer for Ghost." Walsh's statement was met by some cheers and clapping.
"Thank you, Walsh. Ghost, may we have your opening statement?"
"Yes you may. Citizens of Greater Ottawa, I hear what my challenger has said, and I have no doubts that some of you are angry with what has transpired. Son, Daughters, Mothers and Fathers have made the ultimate sacrifice and for your losses, I give my deepest condolences. The thing is, Peter, I have asked anyone to do anything I wouldn't do. While I do have blood on my hands, their deaths weren't ordered by someone afraid, hiding in your family's estate. Where were you when these people you cry out for died? I know, still here in Greater Ottawa, safer than those of us willing to die to protect and preserve our nation, not just our city." The crowd cheered and clapped for the Ghost's Statement.
"Alright, with that, the first question goes to Candidate Walsh. What would you say the current issues of Greater Ottawa are and how do you plan to fix them? You have sixty seconds."
"Well Mike, the issues are simple. Ottawa needs supplies, Ottawans need safety and security. Thanks to the Ghost, our economy is in shambles, our people have died on foreign state soil for a conflict that isn't our issue. I will open our trade doors to everyone, bolster our security and cut the Texan Republic out of the trade deal, and withdraw our support for their foolish war."
"Your turn Ghost, the question is the same."
"The citizens of Greater Ottawa's needs aren't just simple, they're necessary. They have voiced their concerns on supplies, so I build businesses, factories, and more to make supplies, to grow food, to get us back to being a city of prosperity again. They asked for safety, so I commissioned Dr. Madie Sue to create armor for our soldier, Mr. Hladovcak to train our pilots, my own Grandfather, to teach us how to farm and grow our own food. The economy is in shambles because of an invading power. Washington D.C and Springfield abandoned us, and by God, I'll be your Atlas if I must. I will hold this city on my shoulders..."
"Time is up sir." Said Mike as the citizens clapped. This was so much more than the Ghost understood. It was about saving their city, saving their livelihoods, but also safeguarding their future.