Chapter 182 - Cog (1) (2/2)

”Mrs. President!”

”Nicole!”

President Nicole ignored the journalists raising their hands and trying to get closer to her.

She was escorted out of the place by a few bodyguard that were clearly not your usual guards, but obviously soldiers and secret agents from UEG's intelligence bureau.

The video was cut short and the holovion switched back to the anchor Poppy Hollow as she continued, ”In response to Nicole's speech and actions, the president of the Universal Hylotl Goverment, UHG, said in a press conference, and I quote, 'As we believe that Nicole will bring an end to liberty and democracy in the UEG, and most probably will become a dictator; we have no other choice but embargo the UEG's planet members and block their access to all products from all companies belonging to the UHG'. I'm not supposed to give my opinion, but... it's kinda hipocrisy that the UHG would say such thing since their citizens live under a sudo-dictatorship as their corporate overlords, Letheia Corporation, dictate what they can think, consume and see. Even more so when you think about the rumors of their relationship with the Miniknog, a brutal dictatorship that spans an entire race. But, well... that's just my thoughts. Anyway, back to your normal programming. I'm Poppy Hollow and you watched PewNews. See you tommorow or when some breaking news happen, bye~”

John frowned at entered in deep thought.

The whole universe was really entering in a chaotic period.

The Terrene Protectorate maintained a long period of peace, but now that they were gone, everybody began eyeing that vacant seat for the supremacy.

War was inevitable, conflicts were already common place in most part of the universe already.

Pirates and outlaws began running rampant in the Frontiers.

John shook his head and stopped the unnecessary thoughts from clouding his mind.

It was in this moment that Penguin Pete appeared from behind the door that led to the shipyard.

When he caught sight of John, Pete wasn't surprised and just casually greeted with a huge smile on his face, ”Yo, John! Yer still alive, huh?”

”Looks like it, Pete.” John smiled and stood up to greet Pete.

”I knew you were one of those hard to kill.” Pete laughed as he patted John's shoulder, ”When I saw Lenny earlier I expected yer to be here as well. Looks like your outing wasn't a smooth sail, I can clearly see that yer have changed.”

Penguin Pete's sharp eyes easily saw through the changes in John's mannerisms and emotions.

As a experienced soldier from the once glorious USCM, Pete had seen his fair share of people changing through certain experiences.

”Yeah...I have seen and did some things.” John's lips curved in a faint smile.

”Let's forget about it.” Pete saw that John wasn't willing to speak about it and decided to just change the subject, ”So, what can I for you?”

”Wait a moment.” John spoke, ”You said you met with Lenny?”

”Yes, he just left. He came here to buy a new spaceship, but since he didn't have enough money on hand, he went to get some.”

[He's planning to leave already?] John frowned as he thought, [He didn't even say anything to us...]