Throughout all of the Kingdom of Gallia, television sets were automatically flipped to one single channel. The Gallic Royal News Network. A state ran news media that the Royal Family used to deliver speeches across the kingdom. Today, a young man - none other than the Crown Prince himself - stood on a familiar stage. The flag of the kingdom fluttering behind him.
To his right stood one of the most decorated Royal Navy officers who had served on the front during the initial invasion of Sirius, Marechal Julie Bonheur. Opposite of him stood the Royal Families doctor, a scrawny old man who slouched despite being in the presence of the Crown Prince. A black suitcase resting at his feet.
"People of Gallia, and those listening on the front." The Prince began, placing his hands firmly against the podium that stood before him. "While I was on a diplomatic mission, on behalf of our people to the Republic of Kusari, and Federal Republic of Rheinland. A bold and desperate attack had taken place in the very palace of which my family resides. At least fifty of my best and personal marines were killed in action. Hundreds more wounded."
Joseph paused, looking out at the crowd that was assembled. "The cowards who attacked had one goal in mind. That goal was to assassinate our King. Kill my father in cold blood, and they would have succeeded, if it hadn't been for the intervention of the brave men and women who died in the ensuing slaughter that took place on these very grounds."
He paused once more, letting the crowd murmur amongst themselves, a few having gasped when he mentioned the foiled assassination attempt. "Since my return, I've spent days and nights working with Madame Bonheur in tracking down those who have been in league with the would be assassins. Traitors amongst our own people. Noble families once loyal to the Kingdom."
The camera pans over towards a squad of heavily armed marines, and two combat mechs standing guard over what appeared to be three or four families, from grand parents to infant children. Locked behind cages. Then the camera pans back over to the Prince. Who had just lowered his hand that was lifted in the direction the camera originally panned towards.
"During our investigations we found that a few key personnel were bribed by the would be assassins. Of who, left the King undefended when the attack happened. They have been hunted down and brought before you today." He turned his head towards the left, signaling the camera to pan over.
The camera pans over once more, and about ten people wearing royal dress uniforms were kneeling, unlike the families, these men and women wore a black fabric bag over their heads. One guard stood behind each of the co-conspirators. The camera then pans back over to the Prince.
"Doctor... in your opinion, do these traitors deserve an honor bound death?"
As if on cue, the scrawny man knelt down slowly, laying the black case on the ground and unlocking it. Shortly after he pulls out a syringe and begins walking over towards the ten uniformed captives. Systematically, the Doctor injected the unknown liquid into each of their necks. Each of their bodies convulsed before slumping, the Doctor checked the pulse of each one.
The doctor soon returned to his position, kneeling down and putting the syringe back in the case, locking it and standing backup, his gaze shifting towards the Prince.
"Milord," The man said, "The Reclaiming poison seemed to have worked as you said it would. I will take their bodies back to the labs for further analysis."
Joseph smiled, looking back out towards the crowd. "Madame Bonheur... you know what to do now."
The camera zoomed in on Julie as she moved sharply. Never missing a beat as she marched with perfect precision towards the squad of Marines and the two Combat Mechs.
The camera zoomed out slightly, as if to get the full effect of what was to come next. She barked swift orders, of which the Guardsmen obeyed. The marines turned towards the crowd, the click of safeties turning off could be heard, and the loud whining of two multi-barreled Gatling guns began spinning to life.
The captives in the cages began screaming, begging for their lives. Another order was barked, and captives bodies began contorting as lead ripped through them. A mist of crimson sprayed in the air.
Finally, the last body fell limp. The camera held it's position for a few more seconds before one of the guards shouted... something, only to focus on the Prince making his way towards the bloodied cages. As he passes Julie, he unholsters and removes her pistol, making sure it was loaded as he made his way over towards the one who shouted. The camera zooms in slightly to show a kid attempting to crawl away, and Joseph leveling the pistol on the girl. A single shot rang out and the body dropped. Pushing the pistol into the soldiers hands, he turned towards the crowd, and raised his voice.
"From this day forth! Traitors will be hunted down. They will be publicly executed. Anyone found harboring a traitor, regardless of noble status or military rank, will be executed! Those of blood relation to the traitor or harboring party. Will be executed. No one... tries to kill my father and gets away with it." Joseph stated, his emotions cold as a few hard-lined members in the crowd applaud, shortly after... more citizens began clapping.
The Prince did not doubt that they were only clapping to keep themselves alive, and they were smart to do so. His gaze shifted towards Julie, who looked pale as she continued to stare at the pile of bodies. "Your men are dismissed. Lord Marechal."