The Inaugural Address

PART III - CHAPTER II

2.

"And then we'll take Blenheim once we have a ratified constitution and concentrated militia," Brock spoke into his headset at the peoples rebellion's central command center in Taupo. He was discussing the future of the rebellion with the leading candidates for each of the three other zone's committee representative positions, trying to persuade them to join him in organizing an attack on the Ariesan fortress at Blenheim.

"I think we need to focus solely on crafting the constitution at this time," Another voice on the call chimed in. Brock easily recognized the higher yet still assertive voice, belonging to the leading candidate from the autonomous zone of New Plymouth, Libran Territory – Violet Dubras. She was the candidate running on a pacifist platform, and specialized in legal writing. It made sense that her primary focus would be on the documentation of the rebellion. "My supporters and I also believe we should draft and publish a declaration of independence as soon as possible, seceding formally from the Commonwealth."

"My supporters disagree with issuing a declaration quite yet," The shoe-in for representative of the Invercargill Autonomous Zone, Nance Beaufort, replied. "We would prefer more autonomous zones to develop and adopt our constitution before we declare independence. The Ariesan military would destroy us all if we declared independence now,"

"We agree with the Pisceans," A fourth voice, coming from the only candidate thus far from the autonomous zone in Jamestown, Cancer Territory - Courtney Silverston – added. "We don't think it will be too hard to persuade more villages – especially on the southwest coast – to form their own autonomous zones. Most of the Cancer and Piscean Territories are still rebuilding after the destruction done by the Ariesan military during the tour of the territories. I know I am. I know Jamestown is... a successful attack on Blenheim might help our collective morale and cement faith in the rebellion."

Courtney ran unopposed in Jamestown largely because of her last name. The Silverstons, of which were all murdered after they hosted a rally for the tour of territories by Ariesans, were known as a popular family of local leaders in their community. Courtney was the sole survivor of the massacre. The Silverstons consisted of adopted family members that became cultural and spiritual figureheads in Jamestown. Their community saw them as admirable given they adopted unpopular cancer children often and never had their own biological children. They practiced this tradition of solely adopting and never birthing children of their own even before the birth equality stipend, which they strongly opposed despite the financial incentives encouraging them to participate, was enforced at the start of Alexander IV's reign. They lived by the idea that contributing to the disastrous adoption system only worsened the inequality of the Commonwealth, and they donated whatever stipend money they received for their adoptions to community initiatives.

Courtney's family was famous for its philosophy throughout the Commonwealth. Now as the last Silverston, Courtney was seen not only as a shoe-in for the constitutional committee representative position, but also as a potential candidate for whatever presidential office may be necessary after the anticipated fall of the House of Scorpius. Many saw her survival as proof that she was destined to lead the country out of the disaster it found itself in under its current framework.

"I know that Taupo also wants to add more autonomous zones to our union before declaring independence. That being said, we definitely should start drafting a declaration as well so that we have it when it's time to declare independence." Brock said, directing his comment at Violet before returning to his proposal to attack Blenheim. "And, regarding what Courtney was saying, I agree that a successful attack on Blenheim would help our mission, and I believe we are capable to be successful if we combine all of our forces,"

"If the timing is right, I agree. We can't afford much more loss in Invercargill," Nance continued, however cautiously, "We will coordinate once the Constitution is ratified. Before that, though, we all must win our elections. Courtney, Brock – my campaign recognizes how detrimental the rebellion has been to both of you, and we are prepared to endorse your campaigns in the coming days. Violet, I am willing to endorse your candidacy if you can agree to hold off on publishing any declaration of independence until after the Constitution is ratified and more autonomous zones throw their support behind it,"