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Lews Therin: Well, he clearly wasn't thinking. 
J. Passepartout: Well..yes. Remember entering that scene John doesn't know Cassie's pregnant. Cassie knows this, so she's a bit worried about her appearance. As for John, it takes him a moment to figure out what happened. He wasn't expecting it.
jwolf: When Cassie thought 'how much did he know' she was thinking of Major March, who was right behind John. Being questioned about infidelity is embarassing enough - being questioned in front of strangers is outrageous.
As for the slaves, we're about to find out.
coz1: I think so too. When I began thinking up that scene, I thought John would be shocked, then excited. What would he say? That was the first thing that popped in my mind. I started to reject it, then remembered John isn't exactly the most socially adept person in the world. He certainly wasn't consciously thinking it wasn't his, but perhaps subconsciously...
Draco Rexus: Well, Cassie was right to be angry. I'm pretty sure any woman would be. He got what he deserved.
Judas Maccabeus: And where the heck have you been?
Storey: John is starting to change. As I wrote before I think this Georgian rebellion has made him wake up a little. Still, he'll probably never completely snap out of it - he's too much of a hothead, he's too prone to acting without thinking, and as we saw here he says what's on his mind. Still, he's in the early stages of getting his act together. In another few decades he might actually be reasonable.
J. Passepartout: I agree with you regarding gameplay. It's almost like having a second writer in a collaborative work. Granted, the second writer has no sense of plot and tends to be an idiot, but 'he' has also come up with good ideas. For example, I fully expected to gain Georgia back in the last war. When that failed, I concoted Black's plan to take it back. The idea was the rebellion would succeed, Georgia would become independent, and as we approached our climax Georgia would fold into Carolina for Black's evil plan. Then the game decided "Nope, we're gonna fight an army with a leader." End of rebellion Black's not out yet, but losing Georgia will make it all the harder.
The final part of this story will depend very much on game play. Yes, it is theoretically possible Black will win - though hopefully I'm a good enough EU2 player to prevent that. It's because of Black's plan that I gave Carolina province a Conscription Center (and thus the untrained militia you're now seeing, who aren't really in the game at this time.)
jwolf: You're right, Black is a whole lot angrier...and a bit more desperate. Whether J. Passeportout's right and this will cause him to make mistakes or not waits to be seen, but as you're about to see he's stepping up his plan.
J. Passepartout: Well..yes. Remember entering that scene John doesn't know Cassie's pregnant. Cassie knows this, so she's a bit worried about her appearance. As for John, it takes him a moment to figure out what happened. He wasn't expecting it.
jwolf: When Cassie thought 'how much did he know' she was thinking of Major March, who was right behind John. Being questioned about infidelity is embarassing enough - being questioned in front of strangers is outrageous.
As for the slaves, we're about to find out.
coz1: I think so too. When I began thinking up that scene, I thought John would be shocked, then excited. What would he say? That was the first thing that popped in my mind. I started to reject it, then remembered John isn't exactly the most socially adept person in the world. He certainly wasn't consciously thinking it wasn't his, but perhaps subconsciously...
Draco Rexus: Well, Cassie was right to be angry. I'm pretty sure any woman would be.
He got what he deserved.Judas Maccabeus: And where the heck have you been?
Storey: John is starting to change. As I wrote before I think this Georgian rebellion has made him wake up a little. Still, he'll probably never completely snap out of it - he's too much of a hothead, he's too prone to acting without thinking, and as we saw here he says what's on his mind. Still, he's in the early stages of getting his act together. In another few decades he might actually be reasonable.
J. Passepartout: I agree with you regarding gameplay. It's almost like having a second writer in a collaborative work. Granted, the second writer has no sense of plot and tends to be an idiot, but 'he' has also come up with good ideas. For example, I fully expected to gain Georgia back in the last war. When that failed, I concoted Black's plan to take it back. The idea was the rebellion would succeed, Georgia would become independent, and as we approached our climax Georgia would fold into Carolina for Black's evil plan. Then the game decided "Nope, we're gonna fight an army with a leader." End of rebellion
Black's not out yet, but losing Georgia will make it all the harder.The final part of this story will depend very much on game play. Yes, it is theoretically possible Black will win - though hopefully I'm a good enough EU2 player to prevent that. It's because of Black's plan that I gave Carolina province a Conscription Center (and thus the untrained militia you're now seeing, who aren't really in the game at this time.)
jwolf: You're right, Black is a whole lot angrier...and a bit more desperate. Whether J. Passeportout's right and this will cause him to make mistakes or not waits to be seen, but as you're about to see he's stepping up his plan.
-= 125 =-
October 1783
South Carolina
Dawn. John stood on his porch, watching as the sky steadily lightened from blue-black, and one by one the stars winked out. The full moon remained defiant, however, refusing to be extinguished as night yielded to twilight and a cold, almost wintry blue covered the sky. Somewhere a rooster crowed. Preston glanced to his left and yes, there it was: A small, sullen red ball of flame poking over the horizon.
It'd been a long, exasperating, sad, painful and somewhat bloody night trying to rebuild his fractured marriage. Even now he couldn't really say whether they'd succeeded or not, though for that matter he was too tired to be sure of his name. He drank coffee by the pot, steeling himself for what promised to be an ugly morning.
The wood creaked behind him. The porch needs fixing, John thought automatically. And I don't think we've painted the place since Pa was alive. He glanced over his shoulder. "You should be asleep."
"So should you," Cassandra Preston retorted. At least she'd covered herself with an overcoat and scarf against the morning's chill. She looked almost comical. Cassie walked next to him and also eyed the red ball.
"Coffee?"
She shook her head. Not being able to think clearly seemed useful right this second. She needed time to digest what happened last night, and this morning... "Do you have to see Mister Rutledge?"
John glanced at her, sensing the concern in her voice. "I do. The army's a mess, and he'll just send someone around for me anyway if I don't. I thought you liked him?"
"I do." Cassie sighed. "I did. John, he just seems different lately." She clasped his arm instinctively. "Colder. Angrier. And he's running Charleston like...I don't know what, but I don't like it." She shuddered. "And his Guard..."
"What about the Guard?"
"Just rumors." She sighed, walked to the porch seat and sat heavily. "You know most of the men are out with the new militia now."
"Aye?" John didn't like where this was going.
Cassie looked up at him. "There have been...incidents. With some of the younger women."
He put the pot of coffee down carefully and frowned at it. "Rape? Are you sure?"
"I don't know if you'd call it that. More like coercion."
John glared at her. He wanted to say she lied, and a part of him still didn't quite trust her, but what did she have to gain from this? Nothing. "Rutledge knows?"
"I don't know." Cassie sighed again. "I'm not even sure, it's just rumors. They've left me alone, but of course," she pat her belly.
"If anyone touches you I'll kill them," he promised hotly.
She shook her head, not sure whether to be comforted or worried by that. "Just be careful today, husband. Charleston's changed while you were gone."
----------------------------
Charleston had changed. Other than far too many red sashed Guardsmen and not enough men otherwise it was hard to see, but John could read it in their faces: Fear. They were afraid of him. Why? Or were they afraid of the formal uniform of the Commander of the Carolina Guard? Preston growled inwardly. He didn't care that much for Carolina, had always felt himself somewhat apart and an outcast, but this bothered him. John glanced to his left and saw a Guardsman towering over the editor of the Post and Courier. That seemed as good a place as any to find out what was going on.
"....this article will have to be cut," the soldier was saying. "Certainly those three lines."
"The article's true," Mark Pratchett, the editor, argued. "I know Rutledge doesn't like it, but the fact is that policy..."
"Was decided upon by the Patriot's League. You don't want to criticize the League, do you?" The Guardsman smiled coldly. "Your sister might not appreciate that."
Pratchett mopped his bald pate. "What does my sister have to..."
"Good morning, gentlemen." Preston stepped forward. The editor actually shrank from him!
The soldier glanced at his uniform and saluted. "Colonel! I heard you returned yesterday! It is..."
"Thank you. I'll take care of this myself."
"Sir?"
"Do you need a surgeon for your ears?" Preston snapped.
"No, sir!" The Guardsman saluted again and left.
John frowned after him, walked to the article they were arguing over and scanned it. "An editorial, Mister Pratchett?" he asked coldly.
"I'll publish what I want!" The editor's voice quavered defiantly. "A free press..."
"I was at that meeting, remember?" John frowned. "Forcing the slaves to stay indoors unless escorted by a Carolinan man per ten of them, while no doubt helpful to our security, cannot help but devastate our economy while so many men are playing war. Playing??"
"I wasn't referring to you, sir, nor General Heyward's army, but the militia recently raised. Their performance is..."
"Is this true?" He tapped the editorial.
"Eh? Oh, yes! Though it could have been worse. Mister Rutledge wanted a labor camp, he argued it would pool our resources, but the League wasn't so keen on giving up its property."
"Good. I know I'm not giving up mine."
"No, sir, but do you want to watch them in the field either? And if you don't, then what? We'll be importing food from God knows where. Hey!"
John crumpled the article and stuffed it in his pocket. "Thank you, you told me everything I need to know."
"I need that back!"
"Write it again." Preston stalked out.
------------------
As it turned out, Mister Black was waiting for him in the sitting room. He sat in a large, cushioned chair next to a roaring fire. The hearth had gold trimming and over it hung a picture of Edward Rutledge, his wife and dog in happier days. John glanced at the intricately woven British India rug on the floor, at the oak bookcase. Black put his book down on a side table and looked up. He didn't rise. "Hello, John. Adam," this to the slave who escorted the colonel in, a thin youth, "find him a chair. I apologize for the inconvenience John, the chairs in this room are being reupholstered."
Preston frowned at him. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, John. I was curious what you're doing here as opposed to say...southern Georgia?"
"Crawford decided to attack the British army in Saint Augustine. I determined he had insufficient force for his plan and pulled out."
"Why wouldn't you support an ally? John, you know how important Georgia is to our plans."
"I've warned you for months Crawford was getting unstable. How important can he be if he's going to insist on getting his men killed?"
"Soldiers are expendable, John. The cause is not."
"Fight a battle or two," Preston snarled. "Spend a few afternoons finding the parts of your friends' bodies, then another afternoon writing their families. Then you can advise me on warfare!"
'So I've touched a nerve. Why, I wonder? You aren't shy, John?"
"I've never run from a fight in my life," Preston snapped.
Black smirked. "Until now?"
"Easy to say from your chair there."
"Oh, we are feisty today, John." Black's easy smile faded. He reached over and plucked a letter from his book. "Do you know what this is?"
"Obviously not."
"This is a letter from General John Burgoyne to me personally. I will spare you the flowery language, the man or his clerk is a born wordsmith. In pertinent part it says that the next time we send troops into Georgia, he won't stop at the Savannah River. Now John, just how did he learn of your involvement?"
John's eyes narrowed. "Crawford must have had a leak."
"You seem eager to blame a man who cannot defend himself."
"I wasn't the one actively recruiting every dreg he could find! Every man I came back here with was with me the day I left Charleston! Speaking of recruiting, what the devil are you about?"
"I beg your pardon?" Black felt his, or was it Rutledge's?, choler rise.
"You have colonels who couldn't lead children in a game of Ring Around the Rosey. You have soldiers who probably would need to learn the rules. And I don't know what's going on with my Guard, but..."
"YOUR Guard? The Carolina Guard is the property of the Patriot's League!"
"A soldier is no one's property!"
"You are wrong! A soldier is the property of the state. A citizen is the property of the state!"
"Now that's very interesting! I warrant the Post and Courier would love to hear that."
Black swallowed the obvious threat. Foolish error. Control. Control. He had to stay in control. He snapped his fingers, and as if by magic Adam appeared with Preston's chair. "Have a seat. Let me explain something to you."
Preston sat and glared.
"Your...defection has seriously complicated things. Obviously the Georgian rebellion has failed. We were trying to help them and push the British further from our borders. You do believe in that, don't you?"
"I'm not sending my men on suicide missions."
Black ignored him. "Not only does this fail, but now the British will be wary. Further, when this warning reaches Philadelphia we will lose more face in Congress."
"What do I care what Congress thinks? They are cowards," John snapped.
"I agree." Black relaxed. Good, he could make this work. "Even cowards can wield power though. We can't give them an excuse to try and stop us from strengthening Carolina. You say our new soldiers don't measure up? I agree there also. Congress blocked the funds we would usually use to properly arm, equip and train them so we're working with what we have."
"I don't understand why we need so many men."
"Think of them as a reserve, John. Do you remember the last war, after Benjamin Lincoln destroyed his - our army and Thomas had to come back for more men?"
How could he forget? John had taken a cannon blast in that mess and been in agony for weeks, laudanum or no. He nodded grimly.
"It took months to equip and train them. We lived in constant fear Jasen Exeter would arrive before we were ready. If we can get the training out of the way now, they will be ready."
Ready for what? Preston wondered. Is Tom having trouble? "What about keeping these slaves from doing their work?"
Black shook his head. "You heard about that? Well, it is simple really. We learned some of them were supporting the Indians or trying to start insurgencies of their own. You really cannot trust their character, John. They aren't like us."
"But if they can't do their work, then we'll have to import food which will waste even more money." John absently clenched Pratchett's article, but thought better of pulling it out.
"I realize that. It is a vexing problem to be sure. In a way I'm glad you did return, John, whether I agree with it or not." He leaned forward. "How would you like a promotion?"
"To General!?"
"Well, we probably can't call it that, especially since Congress will make trouble and you are a little young. Still, I need an experienced soldier to take over this training for me. You'd remain Commander of the Guard as well, of course."
"And I can do what I want with them?" John considered. He didn't trust Rutledge, not anymore. Cassie was right, something was clearly wrong. Still, if he remained in charge...
"I'd expect you to discuss it with me so I can talk to the League, but in general?" Black's eyes narrowed and he glared at the door. "Yes, Adam?"
"I beg pardon, sir." The slave trembled. "There's a messenger here. He says its urgent."
"Fine, show him in." Black didn't rise as a young man in American colors rushed in. John did and they exchanged salutes, but not before the messenger gazed wonderingly at Preston's red sash.
"Sir," the soldier turned. "I bring news from Philadelphia. I regret to inform you that your brother was killed nine days ago, and..."
Preston rushed to his side as Black doubled over. He broke into a sweat, his face turned bright red, his eyes bulged. Preston turned on the messenger. "Find a doctor! Go!" The boy fled.
Black grabbed at John's coat. "You have to lead the men," he hissed. "I can't do it. Please."
"Alright, I'll do it! Come, I'll help you to bed." He tried to lift Black, but he pushed Preston away weakly.
"No, I just need to sit down. Tell Adam I need something to cool me - juice. Yes, juice."
"I'll see it to myself." John left.
Black waited until he was alone and straightened. His eyes narrowed, but then he smiled. "So sorry about your brother, Edward," he murmured. "I did warn you about disobedience though. That was a nice try just now, but it only convinced your young buck to help me. No one wants to fight a man who's ill." He chuckled softly.
"And the young are so easy to manipulate."
I've been remiss in not catching up with this AAR. Great stuff, Cat, you have a knack of putting a lot of hidden tensions behind a scene, so that any innocent conversation hints at so much other stuff going on.
With Preston only putting up a weak fight against Black, I hope that a combination of Rutlege, Heyward, and Zahringen can reenter the story.
Mr Black maybe be correct when he says:
However, that doesn't always mean that the young do what you want! I've learned that out the hard way with my own kids, and they're only toddlers! Young adults are 500% worse! Mr. Black had better be careful what he wishes for... he just may end up getting it in a way he cannot handle!
As ususal, Cat, great write up, you've written it well with the interpersonal conflicts, my hat is off to you again, sir!
However, that doesn't always mean that the young do what you want! I've learned that out the hard way with my own kids, and they're only toddlers! Young adults are 500% worse! Mr. Black had better be careful what he wishes for... he just may end up getting it in a way he cannot handle!
As ususal, Cat, great write up, you've written it well with the interpersonal conflicts, my hat is off to you again, sir!
Well, Black has shown Edward Rutledge some of his true power by arranging to have his brother killed. But I think this would only spur Edward to desperate measures -- after all, what does he have to live for now, except to be rid of Black any way possible? And what reason would he have to hold anything back? Give Edward some time, and my money says he'll find a way. He'll find a way, and Black will pay.
It's funny how I'm sympathizing with Rutledge now when I really didn't care much for him earlier. :wacko:
As for Preston, even if Black got what he wanted for the moment (whatever that was), I think John handled himself pretty well, both at home and in Black's office.
It's funny how I'm sympathizing with Rutledge now when I really didn't care much for him earlier. :wacko:
As for Preston, even if Black got what he wanted for the moment (whatever that was), I think John handled himself pretty well, both at home and in Black's office.
Well, Rutledge was bad in his own way, but nothing compared to Black. Everytime we visit Black/Rutledge, I am always thinking how Rutledge is thinking about all this, if he's thinking at all. That was a nice touch adding Black's "spell" when the death of the brother was announced.
Now, I wonder how Preston will fare with the troops. Will they come in handy at some point as well trained and loyal to him, or will this come back to haunt him having fight troops that he has trained but are loyal to Black somehow. So many possibilities.
Now, I wonder how Preston will fare with the troops. Will they come in handy at some point as well trained and loyal to him, or will this come back to haunt him having fight troops that he has trained but are loyal to Black somehow. So many possibilities.
Been quite some time since I had the chance to catch up and reply to some of the stuff that went on. I really enjoy the new dynamic between Black and what is left of Rutledge. John is starting to shape up as well.
From a while back. I am surprised no body saw the clear Princess bride reference.
From a while back. I am surprised no body saw the clear Princess bride reference.
CatKnight said:Storey: John is starting to change. As I wrote before I think this Georgian rebellion has made him wake up a little. Still, he'll probably never completely snap out of it - he's too much of a hothead, he's too prone to acting without thinking, and as we saw here he says what's on his mind. Still, he's in the early stages of getting his act together. In another few decades he might actually be reasonable.
I don't think he has a few decades does he? He's going to have to handle what is shaping up as a very difficult situation now that Black has him in command of the home guard. Is Black using him because of his status with the soldiers or because of his instability of character? Having a hothead in charge of your military could prove to be just what Black needs.
Joe
Mettermrck: Thanks! And welcome to the party.
J. Passepartout: We're getting to Heyward very soon. We just have to look at the repercussions of Rutledge's death first.
Draco Rexus: Very true. Black expects a loyal pawn. We all know Preston has trouble doing what he's told. Expect more fireworks in the future!
jwolf: Well, I think you're sympathizing with Rutledge 'cause he's not nearly as bad as Black. "Enemy of my enemy" and all that.
coz1: I'm not sure how it'll work out. Preston's simply too young for the roles he keeps getting assigned, but he's managed to avoid any major embarassments. Clearly Black thinks he'll be useful....
Machiavellian: Princess Bride? What's that? Shh!
Storey: No, you're right. He doesn't have decades. He doesn't have ONE decade. As for Black's motive, I think the latter. It's certainly why he originally put John in charge of the Home Guard, and I think he feels a local face in a liason role might get the training under control.
-----------
Once more surprises (for me!) in Congress coming up.
J. Passepartout: We're getting to Heyward very soon. We just have to look at the repercussions of Rutledge's death first.
Draco Rexus: Very true. Black expects a loyal pawn. We all know Preston has trouble doing what he's told. Expect more fireworks in the future!
jwolf: Well, I think you're sympathizing with Rutledge 'cause he's not nearly as bad as Black. "Enemy of my enemy" and all that.
coz1: I'm not sure how it'll work out. Preston's simply too young for the roles he keeps getting assigned, but he's managed to avoid any major embarassments. Clearly Black thinks he'll be useful....
Machiavellian: Princess Bride? What's that?
Shh!Storey: No, you're right. He doesn't have decades. He doesn't have ONE decade. As for Black's motive, I think the latter. It's certainly why he originally put John in charge of the Home Guard, and I think he feels a local face in a liason role might get the training under control.
-----------
Once more surprises (for me!) in Congress coming up.
-= 126 =-
November 1783
Pennsylvania
Soldiers manned the forts protecting Philadelphia and marched, hundreds in perfect lockstep, through the streets. Muskets with bayonets rested on their shoulders, and officers with drawn swords walked by their side shouting orders. Gunboats and a frigate, ironically named the Liberty, patrolled the Delaware River looking for trouble. In the hours following John Rutledge's death, Congress passed ordinances forbidding large gatherings within Philadelphia, controlling the press and placing the capital under martial law. "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance," Thomas Jefferson announced gravely, and if assassins could strike at Congress then they would need to be very vigilant indeed. Any who spoke against Congress or the nation's policies was questioned. Any who spoke in favor of her enemies was watched. Somewhere in their fair city was a conspiracy. It would be found and crushed.
"General Burgoyne is mistaken," Jacob Read, the new representative from South Carolina insisted. He spoke with a high, strident pitch that managed to sound condescending with no real effort on his part. "I have sent queries to Charleston as you requested, and it seems we did have a small force within Georgia. However, they were there to fight Indians, not British."
"This Indian war appears to be more trouble than your predecessor suggested to us," Daniel Carroll of Maryland said.
\
"Not at all. It is true that final victory eludes us - and General Arnold I might add - but that is due to snow in the Appalachians. Indians flee before our advance, hence their presence in Georgia."
"If your response from Charleston is accurate," John Jay demanded, "then why pursue them into British territory? If they want to cause trouble, I say let them." New York had been attacked repeatedly in the two wars with Britain. If someone wanted to return the favor, that sounded like justice.
"I might agree with you," Read replied, "but we can't have them crossing the border and hitting our armies in the rear."
"I'm sorry," Benjamin Hawkins from North Carolina added, "but what's the point of this discussion? We receive a warning from a British general who we all know is at best a flash in the pan and a dandy who likes to hear himself speak. He accuses us of wrongdoing. How valid is his word? Truly, we as Congress have two choices: Believe this man, who to put it bluntly is our enemy, or believe our friend. If the former then sanction South Carolina. If not, we have other things to discuss."
There was a long pause as the different delegates pondered this argument.
"If South Carolina's prepared to offer their word that this task force was fighting Indians, then I'm inclined to accept it," Connecticut said. A few nods, but William Ellery of Rhode Island wasn't satisfied.
"With respect to Mister Read, Carolina's misled Congress about their military ambitions before."
"Is Rhode Island making a proposal to sanction them?" Hawkins demanded.
Ellery studied the room and their closed faces, even the northern contingent. Curious. He opened his mouth to speak, but Connecticut touched his elbow. He leaned down.
"We have enough enemies right now," Silas Deane advised quietly. "This doesn't signify. Let them blame the Indians. We're already warring with them. Let's not add South Carolina to the list."
Ellery glanced around again, first at the delegates, then the handful of visitors and an entire squad of soldiers. His conscience demanded action, but he'd lose. He'd lose badly. "Nay. Rhode Island makes no motion at this time."
"Then North Carolina moves that we end this discussion."
The vote passed. Jefferson nodded at James Madison. "I understand you have a motion?" He better. Jefferson had spoken to his fellow Virginian long into the night.
"Yes." Madison rose, swept the room with his gaze. "I do not need to tell you the trouble facing us, both externally with this Cherokee War and continued tensions with Britain, and internally with poor John's murder. Our soldiers, assisting the Philadelphia constables, have been unable to find the killer. He's simply been described as a huge man who said nothing but growled like an animal.
Captain John Andre, a/k/a Jonathan Andrews of New Hampshire, glanced at Ethan Allen, one of the visitors. The Vermont raider was a big man...
"While it seems probable that this was carried out by our enemies, we have to look at the possibility that this attack was carried out by an American with false loyalties, one who does not care for our policies. Aside from the various Indian attacks in our territories, there have been protests in Hartford, Worcester, New York and Trenton. We need to stop this. Now. What I propose is a limited form of what we are doing in Philadelphia. Troop presence is certainly expensive and unnecessary, however I would like us to limit the size of gatherings and put tighter controls on the press. Punish sedition, and..."
"Now hold on!" John Adams of Massachusetts stood and glared. "These are precisely the steps that we despised in the British! Emergency measures in our capital are one thing, and even that is to be regarded with extreme caution. To have it spread through the land, however, is..."
"Prudent, Mister Adams." Madison frowned. "Prudent. We have enemies that..."
"What enemies?" Adams demanded. "Where are they? I feel as bad for poor Rutledge as you do, but we can not jump at shadows and shout like startled women!"
"Are you calling me a woman!?"
"He's saying," Ellery shouted, "that our sacred freedoms are not to be discarded so cheaply!"
"Hear him!"
"A loyal citizen has nothing to fear from these ordinances," Madison replied coldly. "Read? Help me out here."
Jacob Read frowned. His instructions from Charleston said nothing about this, which meant he could rely on his judgement. "I'm with Adams."
"What?"
"I'm sorry, Mister Madison, but there are laws."
"Quite right! We make them!"
"We make them with due regard for process," Jay commented. "And a due appreciation for the rights of the individual states. I am sure Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey agree that if there is a problem with our people then we are in the best position to handle it?"
Deane nodded. "Yes, Mister Madison. Just who defines sedition anyway? I can easily see this proposal being abused by unscrupulous souls to get rid of one's enemies."
Captain Andre perked up.
Madison glared around. Caught Jefferson's eye, shook his head subtlely. "Withdrawn," he snapped.
"So noted." Jefferson slammed his gavel. "Is there any other business? No? Then it's time for... Hold. Mister Andrews?"
Andre thought furiously. It was a dangerous gamble. Exceptionally dangerous. On the other hand, if he didn't start breaking free of his bindings now he'd never get back home. "Yes, Mister President. I have testimony to offer." He stood. "I did not like....I could not speak earlier, but I share Mister Madison's concerns about our enemies."
"He withdrew the proposal," Adams reminded him shortly.
"I'm not speaking of that," Andre snapped. No. He must stay calm. He couldn't reveal his cards until the very end. "You may ask yourself why our enemies chose poor Rutledge. Was it random? Or was it directed at his policies? I cannot answer, but I know who you can ask. I was approached not so long ago by a man who threatened to lie about my character if I did not do as he said. He offered violence to me if I did not cooperate. Perhaps poor Rutledge had a stronger character than I, for I yielded."
"What did he want you to do?" Jefferson asked curiously.
"Press New Hampshire's claim to the Green Mountains and denounce New York."
"What!?" John Jay snarled.
Ethan Allen stood, flushed with fists clenched.
"I say this man's motive was obviously to disrupt Congress by any means, including physical force!" Andre pointed an accusing finger at the furious Green Mountain leader. "If you want an enemy to question about Rutledge's death, then let us start with him!"
"You son of a whore!" Allen bellowed. Seconds later the guards were on him and a wild melee erupted. He punched one, kicked a second. The third struck him in the stomach with a rifle butt. This only seemed to enrage him, as he head butted the soldier, drew a quite illegal knife from his boot and stabbed a fourth. Then sheer numbers told and he fell with a howl. "Spy!" he screamed. "He's a God damned spy!"
Andre didn't have to fake his pale composure. John Jay rose and shook his hand. "Never you mind. Some people will say anything to escape trouble."
Wow, Cat--if I may use such a famillar term-- great work! I read this through today, and must say youve captured the period completely. I love the use of accents in the dialogue too, its belivable and readable, but not too much to get annoying. Outstanding!
Though from reading this latest update..hmm. Borrowing a line here, it seems now the crap is really gonna hit the fan?
great work! I read this through today, and must say youve captured the period completely. I love the use of accents in the dialogue too, its belivable and readable, but not too much to get annoying. Outstanding! Though from reading this latest update..hmm. Borrowing a line here, it seems now the crap is really gonna hit the fan?
Well, that cursed Andre has knocked off Ethan Allen. I say that Andre be the next to be found dead in a gutter. Also, I move that New York receive all title to sovereignty over the lands of Vermont.
Well, nice move on Andre's part to get rid of one threat, now he still needs to worry 'bout the Foreign and Colonial Offices.
I must admit that as much as I hate to read about the stupid self-interests of the different states, I love how you're protraying 'em, Cat. Bravo!
I must admit that as much as I hate to read about the stupid self-interests of the different states, I love how you're protraying 'em, Cat. Bravo!
I would congratulate Andrews on his momentary victory except that we know, and he doesn't, that Exeter is the big bad man, not Allen. So trouble is a-brewing, and quickly.
Oh, I'm sure Allen isn't out of it now. He'll be back, for sure. But as jwolf suggests - they should really be looking for Exeter. Also, I wonder if the folks will start questioning Andrews' word now that he has explained that he can be "bought" so to speak.
I liked the irony of John Adams speaking against the Sedition Act.
I don't like the direction Congress is headed.
Not long ago I found a trove of stuff I hadn't known: evidently there were many Britons and some Americans who saw decades ahead that the colonies would try for independence.
One proposal was to take Martinique from France in peace negotiations and leave Canada. A French Canada would act as a threat on the border and keep the colonials dependent on Britain for security. (French Canada wasn't such a threat as the French presence in the Detroit-to-Pittsburgh area). As it turns out, Britain took Canada instead. Freed of that threat, the colonials rebelled, the US went west and the rest is history.
So I think it's interesting for you to be dealing with the effects on liberty and freedom caused by a strong enemy on the border.
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania (1759)
I don't like the direction Congress is headed.
Not long ago I found a trove of stuff I hadn't known: evidently there were many Britons and some Americans who saw decades ahead that the colonies would try for independence.
One proposal was to take Martinique from France in peace negotiations and leave Canada. A French Canada would act as a threat on the border and keep the colonials dependent on Britain for security. (French Canada wasn't such a threat as the French presence in the Detroit-to-Pittsburgh area). As it turns out, Britain took Canada instead. Freed of that threat, the colonials rebelled, the US went west and the rest is history.
So I think it's interesting for you to be dealing with the effects on liberty and freedom caused by a strong enemy on the border.
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania (1759)
Director said:
I'm kind of tired of that quote. I've never been a big fan of Franklin (or Jefferson, or libertarianism in general), so you'll have to excuse me if I disagree with it.
Now, to more pertinent stuff:
At this rate, Andre's going to be able to get rid of the whole Continental Congress. Although he might actually be doing the Americans a favor there...
I second that motion. Great update Catknight. Very interesting, I am glad that Madison's movement to monitor the press and so forth was defeated.