The Shot Heard Around the World (Countryhumans American Revolution)

E Pluribus Unum

July 5, 1775

United Colonies was nervous. His Congress had just approved the Olive Branch Petition, his last attempt at trying to avoid war with his father to avoid an actual rebellion. It was where his Congress emphasized his loyalty and affection to and for his father, where he reassured his father that he would never want to leave him, where he asked for mercy, where he asked for forgiveness, where he reassured his father that their bond would be forever strong and never be undone, not now or ever.

It was United Colonies' explanation of his feelings towards his father that would clear up any misgivings between them. It explained that they were British citizens and deserved their rights, but also that they were British citizens and would stay loyal to their king and their father country.

It had to be enough to end things, to put things to rest, and to allow them to work toward some sort of solution that would make them both happy.

"Are we sure this is going to work?" the voice he knew to be Virginia asked.

"Of course it will!" the voice that called herself Georgia said.

"It might not after what I did at Breed's Hill," the voice that called himself Massachusetts said. United Colonies scowled, remembering the story that had been explained to him, the story of what really happened at Breed's Hill.

"You shouldn't have done that, Massachusetts. I might be having disagreements with my family, but I don't want to hurt any of them, or leave them, or do anything like that. You...we should've just stayed with Congress. We stay here, we stay away from conflict, and then when my father comes, we could say that we were trying for peace with Congress. You ensured we get punished and that my father will never believe me when I say I love him and want to be his colony." United Colonies explained. In the safety of his private room at the inn, he could talk to his colonies freely.

It was strange and unnatural, and United Colonies still wasn't sure he wasn't going insane, but it helped him clear his thoughts and headaches, helped him find solutions.

So he did it anyway.

"I'm sorry," the voice that called himself Massachusettes said, "but I don't regret it. You fought at Lexington and Concord. I know you're scared, but you've fought as well. You believe that Grandfather has gone too far as well. Maybe I did go too far by hurting England, but we can't pretend none of us have been quick to violence recently."

"We're going to be punished no matter what. That's why we asked for mercy in our petition." the voice that called himself Delaware said, sounding somber and forlorn.

"We would deserve it. We have fought, and Massy did hurt Uncle England. We haven't lived by the promises we made in our petition. If Grandfather punishes us, we deserve it," the voice that called herself Maryland said.

"None of you deserve to be punished for standing up for your rights as British citizens. None of you deserve to be hurt for wanting the best for your people. That is your duty and your job, and you are doing your best to do that," an unnamed voice said, his voice resolute and determined. United Colonies looked down at his hands, trying to find a way to look away from the voice.

It didn't work.

The voice was wrong. United Colonies deserved to be punished for what he had done. Running away had delayed the punishment, but once this was over and done with, he planned to return home to accept his punishment. He had been mean to his father and cruel to his uncle, and while he was mad at them both, that didn't mean he had the right to do much of what he had done.

"I don't want to be punished, and I don't think we deserve it, but Grandfather will never accept any apology from us until we are punished," the voice that called herself New Hampshire said.