12th June, Space Era Years 103.
Beneath the pale halo of the artificial moon "Hypeas," the grand orbital studio of The Galactic Times Network gleamed like a temple of glass and iron. Inside, tension shimmered through the air—hundreds of journalists from across the stars filled the chamber, their eyes fixed upon the woman who had become both legend and threat to the galaxy: Lord Aelyzabeth Thors, Supreme Leader of the Centory Kingdom Reich.
She sat poised at the center of the circular table, adorned in a black military uniform—refined yet regal. Her silver-white hair glistened under the cold studio lights, her marble-like face unreadable, and within her violet eyes burned the quiet flame of defiance.Beside her stood Lieutenant Dr. Hans Schleisenlorsch, a Centorian linguist and translator—a bridge of tongues between empires. Though Aelyzabeth held a doctorate in High English, she refused to use the language of Earth. Pride demanded her silence in their tongue.
Across from her sat President Peter Elinson of the World Republic, the icon of democracy and diplomacy. At his side was Dr. Joseph Locklelme, political scholar from Columbia University, famed for dissecting the motives of leaders. Presiding over this historic confrontation was Li Guanzhong, the fearless journalist of Earth whose questions could cut sharper than any blade.
"Welcome, everyone," Li began, his tone formal yet cautious. "This is The Galactic Times Debate Special: Peace or Power? Tonight, we are joined by the most influential leader in the known galaxy—Lord Aelyzabeth Thorsof Centory."
The crowd stirred with restrained applause. Aelyzabeth gave only a single nod—her gaze unwavering, her lips uncurved.
Li's first question fell like a spark in a room full of powder."There are reports from the World Republic that your nation has violated trade agreements and funded terrorist cells on Earth. How do you respond to these accusations, my Lady?"
Without hesitation, Aelyzabeth spoke—in the archaic tongue of German, a language reserved for Centorian nobility.
"Wir haben niemals einen Vertrag gebrochen. Es war die Erde, die zuerst die Ehre verraten hat.""We have never broken any treaty. It was Earth that betrayed its honor first."
Hans translated her words, his voice steady, though the weight of them filled the air like thunder before a storm.
Then, Aelyzabeth's tone sharpened, each word a blade."The Earth speaks of 'democracy,' yet hides pirates behind laws—plundering the lives of Centorian citizens. Tell me, who are the true violators of galactic morality? You preach freedom, yet you fear truth. You fear any nation that stands beyond your shadow!"
The studio froze in silence. Cameras hummed. Even Li Guanzhong faltered before regaining his composure.
"But, Lady Aelyzabeth," he pressed, "your Corsair Fleets have attacked neutral worlds as well. How are they any different from Earth's Privateer divisions?"
She tilted her chin ever so slightly—then smiled, cold as the void."Different?" she said through her translator. "Our Corsairs exist to shield the weak from injustice. Yours exist to fatten corrupt politicians and feed dying corporations."
The words struck like meteor fire. Across the galaxy, billions watched the broadcast—Earthlings outraged, Centorians electrified. The digital ether flared with chaos and devotion alike.
President Elinson's calm wavered."Lady Thors," he warned, "those words could be taken as a declaration of war against the entire Earth."
Aelyzabeth's reply came like an imperial decree."The entire Earth?" she repeated. "Your 'world' is but one star among billions. Do not mistake your planet for the universe itself."
Li Guanzhong tried to close the debate, his voice trembling beneath the strain of history."It seems... both sides stand upon irreconcilable ground. The question remains—will this war of words end in peace... or annihilation?"
Aelyzabeth rose. The room fell silent as she spoke in flawless English, her voice echoing across the galaxy:
"Peace is just a lie when spoken by liars."
The sentence hung in the air like prophecy. Cameras flashed—then silence claimed the studio as she walked away without looking back.
Within the hour, the World Security Council declared a Galactic State of Emergency.Armadas mobilized across the stars.And history recorded that day as—
"The Day of the War of Words"—the spark that ignited the inferno of the Earth–Centory War.
Thus ends Chapter C-XXI.