“Stand by,” the announcer said, “for a message from General Edgar Curry, GC, DSO, Chief of Army Staff.”

The dry, clipped tones of Edgar Curry filled the airwaves. “Gentlemen. Good morning to you all, both those who stand in defence our their nation, and those who have come to our aid from across the seas.

“England has stood unconquered for a thousand years, guarded by the valour of British soldiers, sailors and airmen. Today, we face an enemy from beyond the stars, an enemy that comes not to plunder but to enslave, an enemy that would force upon us their perverted system of government, and destroy all the institutions that have made us the nation we choose to be.

“Even as we speak, their ships have breached the shield above our skies, and their shuttles make their way towards London. So I say: Let them come.

“We have faced the Spanish Armada, Napoleon’s fleets, and the Blitz of ‘40. We still stand. We will face this foe, too, and we will continue to stand.

“Let them come. England expects every man and woman to do their duty, and I too shall do mine. I shall stand on this green earth and face the alien, with rifle in hand, as shall every soldier in the service of the United Kingdom, and we shall turn them back today.

“Let the six corners of the universe come in arms today, and we shall shock them. None shall make us rue.”

“Let them come. Trust in your officers and your men, do your duty, and we shall win this fight. Curry out.”

Silence prevailed.

Then, a cheer broke out across the field. First from the British troops standing near us, then from Alpha Platoon, as unit by unit, soldiers and ultras alike began to clap and chant. Gradually, we could hear a roar sweep across the city.

“Curry! Curry! Curry!”

“All right!” snapped Doyle. “Everybody, you heard the General’s orders. The aliens are expected in minutes. Recheck your ammo, and be ready to move at a moment’s notice!”

: Did you hear Curry’s speech?

: Yeah, they were chanting for him out here.

: In here, too. It’s amazing, everybody was clapping and cheering. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers across the city….

: He just made them believe they could win.

: Do you believe it?

: Of course. Let them come.