Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

The White House Rose Garden was brightly lit, and representatives and media reporters from all over the United States arrived early.

Broadcast vehicles from major TV stations such as CBS, NBC, and ABC were lined up, with dozens of cameras pointed at the podium. According to statistics, more than 100 million Americans will watch the speech on TV tonight.

Dark Phoenix stood in the crowd, silently observing the atmosphere.

The Texas delegation sat in the front row, their expressions serious. This large state with an independent streak was obviously looking for some kind of signal from the president's speech.

Representatives from California chatted in low voices in groups of two or three, occasionally letting out meaningful laughs. The attitude of this West Coast economic giant toward the federal government has become increasingly subtle.

Reporters from the Washington Post were discussing something. They were one of the first media outlets to report the scandal involving Scott's son. The Justice was among them, adding fuel to the fire from time to time.

"Do you think he can survive this crisis?" a reporter from Chicago asked his colleagues.

"It's hard to say," the man shook his head, "but don't forget that Scott is a general who came out of the battlefield of the Vietnam War. Such people are calmer when the situation is critical."

Representatives in Congress were divided into two distinct factions. Democrats gathered together, apparently discussing how to seize flaws in the president's speech, while Republicans sat scattered around, seemingly deliberately avoiding the impression of "holding together".

The generals in the Pentagon lined up neatly, with their medals on their chests shining brightly under the lights. This was Scott's most reliable base.

"What major reforms will the president announce?" the Louisiana representative asked.

"I heard that a bipartisan oversight committee is being formed," the Florida representative replied, "but is that enough?"

The Liberty was standing with several naval commanders, observing their reactions calmly. These commanders in white uniforms might play a key role in the future situation.

Believers moved among members of Congress, throwing out some specious news from time to time: "I heard that the president is ready to make concessions...", "Some people say that the military's attitude is very subtle..."

The atmosphere at the scene became increasingly solemn.

"It's about to begin," said one senior reporter. "It could be the most pivotal speech of Scott's presidency."

"Yes," the person next to him echoed, "This speech is not only related to his political life, but also to the direction of the entire United States."

Black Phoenix stood in the corner and sent a brief telegram to Yan Shuangyang:

"The atmosphere at the scene was strange. All parties were waiting for the right moment. No matter how Scott performed, this storm would not subside easily."

Soon, the military band played "Hail to the President".

All eyes turned towards the White House.

This night is destined to go down in American history.

And this speech may be a turning point.

Whether it is towards unity or the abyss of division.

To the sound of "Salute to the President", Scott strode up to the podium. He did not wear formal clothes, but chose a simple dark blue suit, which made him look approachable.

"My dear fellow Americans," he said in a loud and firm voice, "I stand here tonight, not as president, but as a father and a citizen, to tell the truth to all the American people."

Dark Phoenix noticed that this opening statement immediately brought the audience closer.

"Regarding my son's issue, it was indeed my negligence," Scott said frankly, "As a father, I should have been stricter with him. As president, I should have been more vigilant about the behavior of my family."

There was a hush at the scene, and everyone was moved by his frankness.

"But!" Scott's voice suddenly rose, "Someone wants to use this incident to shake our unity. I will never tolerate this!"

"Mr. President!" a reporter from a hostile media outlet stood up and asked, "How do you explain the inflated prices of military contracts?"

"Good question," Scott responded calmly, "In fact, the prices of these contracts have been rigorously evaluated by the Pentagon's expert group. Moreover, it is these equipment that protect our allies on the European battlefield."

&34;So your son's shares...&34; another reporter asked.

"My son has completely withdrawn from military investments," Scott interrupted, "and I have ordered the establishment of an oversight committee led by the opposition party to thoroughly investigate all military contracts. This is our sincerity!"

There was a burst of praise from the audience. This decision was obviously beyond everyone's expectations.

&34;But Mr. President,&34; another reporter stood up,&34;The Democrats are asking...&34;

"Let me tell you what real democracy is!" Scott's eyes were sharp, "Real democracy is not endless party disputes, but a common struggle for national interests! Look at the war in Europe and the situation in the Pacific. What we need most now is unity!"

His voice was full of appeal: "I have been to the battlefield, and I know what a real crisis is. Now, some people want to use this to divide us, but I want to tell them - America will never be divided!"

There was a burst of warm applause at the scene, and even some opposition representatives couldn't help but applaud.

&34;Finally,&34; Scott's tone softened,&34;I want to promise the American people: this lesson will make our government more transparent and more honest. This is not a crisis, but an opportunity to make America better! &34;

When the speech ended, there was prolonged applause.

Dark Phoenix had to admit that this was a perfect speech. Scott not only resolved the crisis, but also took the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership charisma.

He immediately sent a message to Yan Shuangying:

"Scott has managed to hold the situation steady for now. His performance has exceeded expectations. A change of strategy is needed, and simply attacking with scandals is no longer enough."

Yan Shuangying quickly replied:

"Don't be impatient. Let him be proud for a while. The real storm is still to come."

The presidential motorcade was on its way back to the palace. Scott sat in the bulletproof car, thinking back to his successful speech.

"The speech was a great success, Mr. President," said the security chief sitting in the passenger seat.

Scott was about to answer when there was a sudden loud bang and a ball of fire rose in front of the convoy.

"There is an attack!" The Secret Service immediately responded, "Protect the president!"

A second explosion sounded at the rear of the motorcade, trapping the presidential car in the middle.

Black armed men rushed out of the buildings on both sides, firing at the convoy with Thompson submachine guns. The bulletproof glass was covered with spider-web-like cracks.

"Evacuate! Evacuate!" the security chief yelled.

The Secret Service members used their bodies to protect the presidential car and fought back. Gunfire rang out on the street.

Scott remained remarkably calm: "This is not an ordinary assassination. They are well-trained and well-equipped."

Indeed, the attackers acted with professional military proficiency. They even carried anti-armor weapons.

At this moment, smoke bombs were thrown from buildings on both sides, and white smoke quickly covered the entire street.

"Support is coming soon!" came a hurried voice over the intercom.

A few minutes later, the sound of sirens came closer and closer. A large number of police rushed to the scene and the attackers had to retreat.

When the smoke cleared, the streets were in ruins, but the president was safe and sound.

"Immediately seal off the scene!" The head of the special task force ordered, "A comprehensive search!"

Scott looked out the window: "This is not a fluke. Someone wants me dead."

Black Phoenix stood on the rooftop in the distance and witnessed the whole process. He quickly sent a message to Yan Shuangying:

&34;The assassination attempt failed. The operation was very professional, and it seems that the person was a retired soldier. This will make the situation more volatile.&34;

Yan Shuangying replied: "Continue to observe. This attack will bring all forces to the surface."

The next day, the whole of America was shocked.

Various speculations are rampant: Is it a conspiracy by hostile forces? Or is it an extreme action by the domestic opposition?

And where will this attack push America?

No one knows the answer.

But the storm has just begun.