Myers rested her chin on her hands, carefully weighing her options. If she managed to persuade the others to continue the war, how exactly would she deal with PROJECT Corporation, which had been developing unchecked for months?
They knew almost nothing about PROJECT's progress during that time. The information blockade around it was airtight—like a wall that didn't let a single draft slip through.
And even if they pushed to continue the war, they would need leverage—something compelling enough to win support. For example…
"For example, we find a way to make those neutral Free States ask us for help."
At that thought, Myers' eyes lit up.
If those Free States formally requested aid from the New United States, then after defeating PROJECT, they could justifiably keep their troops stationed there. From there, it wouldn't be difficult to expand the New United States' territorial control and reclaim more land.
Once she made up her mind, she acted immediately. She called in her secretary and instructed her to convene a high-level meeting at once.
Before long, the top figures of the New United States gathered in the conference room. Many didn't attend in person, sending only holographic projections.
"Myers, I'm busy. You'd better give me a reason to be here."
A tall elderly man frowned and spoke bluntly. He was a major shareholder of Militech and a heavyweight within the legislative branch of the New United States government.
With the Unification War drawing to a close, everyone was busy carving up the remaining spoils. If Myers weren't President—and politically formidable at that—they wouldn't have bothered showing up.
The others said nothing about the old man's attitude, but the looks they cast at Myers made their dissatisfaction clear.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have an important matter that requires your support."
Myers ignored their expressions and rose to speak.
"PROJECT Corporation has launched a war against a neutral Free State. I believe this is an exceptional opportunity. If we can persuade the neutral states to request our assistance, we stand to expand our interests across this land."
"Objection. This is a meaningless war. And if we fail, who pays the price? You… or us?"
A woman with glasses seated opposite Myers raised her hand, her tone calm and detached.
"They've only attacked one state, and we don't even know how the battle is going. That state's government isn't stupid—they'll ask nearby Free States for help. There's no need for us to intervene."
The man beside her leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.
Myers wasn't surprised. These two had always opposed her. They'd already made their gains in the Unification War; another conflict simply wasn't worth it to them.
Especially after seeing PROJECT's combat capabilities. A direct confrontation carried risks that far outweighed the potential returns.
Myers ignored them and turned her gaze to the elderly man who had spoken first. His gains in the Unification War had been limited—and she knew he wasn't easily satisfied.
"I support Myers' proposal. PROJECT has repeatedly provoked us. Now that the Unification War is nearly over, the Free State Alliance is nothing more than a few grasshoppers after autumn. There's no need to worry too much."
As soon as he finished speaking, members of his faction voiced their agreement. Myers gave a subtle signal to her own faction.
In moments, support for her proposal climbed close to half—but then stalled. In fact, the anti-war faction slightly outnumbered them. After all, those who had already eaten their fill made up the majority.
Everything now hinged on the neutral faction.
The anti-war camp already felt victory was assured. The neutrals almost always abstained.
Myers' expression darkened. She wanted to curse them as shortsighted fools, blind to the threat PROJECT posed.
The leader of the neutral faction glanced at her. A strange flicker passed through his eyes before he slowly raised his hand.
"I support Myers' proposal."
"What?!"
The anti-war members exploded, glaring at him.
The neutral faction simply closed their eyes, adopting an air of indifference—say what you like, we won't respond.
A faint smile spread across Myers' face.
"Seems there are still more sensible people in this world."
The anti-war faction let out cold snorts but said nothing more. The decision was settled. There was no point embarrassing themselves further.
Besides… just because the decision had passed didn't mean they couldn't obstruct things later.
Put in real effort? Not a chance.
...
After the meeting ended, Myers immediately contacted Fidel, who was overseeing operations in Night City. He was the commander of the New United States forces stationed there, leading an entire division to pressure the city government.
As a member of Myers' faction, Fidel was well aware of her intentions in Night City.
"President Myers, your orders?"
Fidel saluted crisply.
"I want the situation in Night City resolved as quickly as possible. Then return to the New United States and join the main force preparing to move into Idaho."
Myers didn't waste time.
"…Understood. And the BARGHEST unit?"
"Have them launch a large-scale offensive into Pacifica. Take it as quickly as possible. Then let Arasaka move in and formally station forces in Night City. Don't let this drag on any longer."
"Understood. I'll make the arrangements immediately."
After the call ended, Fidel issued orders to his adjutant: provide BARGHEST with maximum armament support and launch a full-scale assault on Pacifica at midnight, rattling the already fragile nerves of Night City's government.
Upon receiving orders, the New United States military moved like a precision machine. Equipment poured into Pacifica—mechs, armored vehicles, electromagnetic weapons, drones, exoskeleton armor, armed AVs.
At this point, Myers had adjusted her plan.
She would back BARGHEST in taking Pacifica, force Arasaka to react, and then withdraw from Pacifica altogether.
Of course, that didn't mean abandoning BARGHEST—especially after supplying them with large amounts of equipment. That was, provided they remained obedient.
What Myers didn't realize was just how hard a bone Hansen was.
If BARGHEST simply walked away from Pacifica after capturing it, they would gain nothing they actually wanted. They had no faith that the higher-ups would still award them military merits.
And in that scenario, they would likely be broken up and reassigned to different units.
...
If you'd like to support my work and unlock advanced chapters, you can follow me on p-@-treon.
p-@-treon/GhostParser (40 Chapters Ahead)
You can also follow as a free member to read a few advanced chapters.