The White House briefing room was packed. Dozens of reporters, both dostic and international, filled the seats, their pens poised over notepads, typewriters clicking, and caras ready to capture every word. The rescue operation in China had already dominated headlines, but the world was waiting for the official statent from the President of Arathia himself.
The murmurs ceased as the doors swung open.
President Matthew Hesh stepped onto the podium, his face composed, the weight of leadership evident in his firm posture. He adjusted his tie, then rested his hands on the sides of the lectern, his gaze scanning the audience before speaking.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlen. Over the past week, Arathia has been closely monitoring the situation in China, particularly the escalating violence caused by the Boxer Rebellion. Many foreign diplomats, Chinese officials, and civilians were taken hostage by this radical group.
"Among them was my wife, Amber Hesh."
A hush fell over the room. Everyone already knew this, but hearing it from him made it more real.
"Through the tireless efforts of Arathian military personnel, working in cooperation with our British and Japanese allies, we conducted a successful operation to extract the hostages from captivity. All twenty-three captives were rescued and have been safely transported to secure locations."
A reporter from The New York Tis raised his hand. "Mr. President, does this an Arathia officially engaged in military action on Chinese soil without the explicit authorization of the Chinese governnt?"
Matthew’s expression didn’t waver. "We engaged in a necessary humanitarian operation. Our mission was not an act of aggression against China but a decisive asure to prevent the loss of innocent lives. The Chinese governnt was inford of our actions and, while they did not openly sanction the operation, they did not oppose it either. The Emperor is aware that the Boxers pose a greater threat to his rule than any foreign power."
Another journalist from The London Tis stood. "Mr. President, what ssage does this send to other nations? Will Arathia continue to take direct military action when hostages are taken, even if it ans entering foreign territory?"
Matthew leaned forward. "Arathia does not negotiate with terrorists. We will not leave our people behind. This operation sends a clear ssage: If you threaten Arathian lives, we will co for them. We will not abandon our diplomats, our citizens, or our allies in the face of barbarism."
A murmur spread through the room. His words were bold, unwavering.
A journalist from Le Figaro spoke next. "Mr. President, is there any concern that this will further destabilize China?"
Matthew nodded slightly. "The situation in China is complex. They are struggling to maintain control over its own land, and factions within the Imperial Court are divided on how to proceed. However, let be clear: the Boxer Rebellion is not a legitimate uprising of the Chinese people—it is a violent insurgency that threatens both foreign and dostic stability. We urge the Chinese governnt to act decisively against them. If they do not, the world will."
Another journalist, from The Arathian Tribune, stood. "And what of Mrs. Hesh? When will she be returning ho?"Matthew’s expression softened slightly. "Amber is safe. She is currently assisting in diplomatic efforts in Beijing and ensuring that relations with the Chinese court remain stable in the aftermath of this mission. She will be returning ho in September."
A final question ca from The Washington Herald. "Mr. President, what does this an for Arathia’s foreign policy moving forward? Will we be taking a more interventionist approach?"
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Matthew straightened. "Arathia will always act in its best interests and the interests of its people. We will not be reckless, but we will not be idle either. This is not about conquest, nor about policing the world. It is about responsibility. When Arathia acts, we do so with purpose."
With that, he stepped away from the podium, signaling the end of the conference. His advisors trailed behind him as he exited the room, leaving the press abuzz with discussion.
September 19th, 1893.
The early autumn breeze rolled over the harbor as the Arathian flagship, USS Resolute, pulled into port. The banners of Arathia fluttered along the docks, and a small welcoming delegation had gathered for the arrival of one of the nation’s most well-known figures.
Amber Hesh stood on the deck, staring at the shoreline as the ship approached. It had been months since she last set foot in Arathia, and though she had been focused on diplomacy in China, she had longed to return ho.
The mont the ship docked, a line of uniford sailors lowered the gangplank. Amber walked down with practiced grace, her expression calm yet warm. As soon as she stepped onto solid ground, a familiar figure stood waiting.
Matthew.
Their eyes t, and for a mont, the world around them seed to fade away. Without hesitation, Amber closed the distance, and Matthew pulled her into a firm embrace.
"You’re ho," he murmured against her hair.
Amber nodded against his chest. "And you’re here."
They pulled back slightly, studying each other. There was a weariness in both their eyes, but also relief.
Matthew exhaled, his hands still resting on her waist. "You put in a difficult position back there."
Amber smirked. "You needed a push."
He chuckled. "I always need a push from you."
She studied him for a mont. "You took credit for the operation."
Matthew didn’t look ashad. "Of course. We planned it. We executed it. The world needed to see that Arathia leads from the front."
Amber sighed but didn’t argue. "And the Chinese Court?"
"They’re… balancing their internal struggles. The Emperor understands why we acted, even if he can’t openly support us. They’re cracking down on the Boxers now. Our intervention forced their hand."
Amber nodded. "Then it was worth it."
Matthew took her hand, squeezing gently. "Co on. You need rest. And I need my wife ho."
As they walked together toward the awaiting carriage, Amber took one last look at the ship she had arrived on, the waters beyond stretching toward distant lands. There was still much to be done, but for now, she was ho.
And that was enough.
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