The Revolution Came

Chapter 32: The Garcia Affair

October 30, 1935

___~Imperialiste~___

Secretary of the Treasury Caught in Public Funds Scandal

Revilla City, Revilla -

Treasury Secretary Ashton Garcia has admitted to misusing public funds for personal affairs, sparking nationwide outrage. The scandal has fueled calls from Congress for sweeping reforms and the immediate dismissal of implicated cabinet officials.

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Ken Drick placed the newspaper on his desk, the bold headline glaring up at him like a wound that refused to close. His fingers absently stroked his chin as he paced the length of his office, deep in thought. Across the room, Karlos stood with arms crossed, his expression a careful mask of composure. The scandal had shaken the administration to its core, and both men knew the gravity of what lay ahead.

"Sir, Congress is demanding an immediate response," Karlos said, his tone firm yet measured. "If we fail to act, they've made it clear they will send the National Guard to enforce their demands."

Ken Drick stopped in his tracks, turning to face his old friend. The weight of the decision was heavy on him. They had fought too hard to build this government, and too many had bled for its foundation to let a scandal tear it apart from within.

"This cannot stand, Karlos," he muttered, frustration lacing his words. Codinera nodded, his usual sharp gaze darkened by the situation. Neither of them had anticipated that one of the most respected figures of the Revolutionary War, Ashton Garcia, a man trusted with overseeing the nation's finances, would be the center of such disgrace.

"Each of these men was appointed because of their crucial role in the Revolution," Ken Drick continued, exhaling slowly as he looked out the window. "They helped lay the foundation of this government, secured its stability when we needed it most."

Outside, the scene was tense. The National Guard stood in formation, holding back a furious crowd outside the capitol, their chants demanding accountability. The public outrage was undeniable, inaction was no longer an option.

"He kept a low profile, manipulated the system, and compromised departments that were instrumental in combating slavery," Karlos said grimly. He didn't need to say more; they both knew that beyond the financial scandal, Garcia's actions threatened to undermine the government's fragile position in the ongoing slavery debate. With the Red Youths and Young Lawrencians gaining traction, any instability could ignite political violence.

Ken Drick pinched the bridge of his nose. The Imperialists would exploit this crisis to push their agenda, any hesitation now would only embolden them.

"Perhaps," he said finally, turning to Karlos, "it's time we reorganize the cabinet and bring in new leadership."

Karlos nodded, but his expression remained unreadable. The decision would have far-reaching consequences, but the alternative, inaction, was unthinkable.

November 2, 1935

The cabinet gathered in the conference room, the tension palpable. Outside, the distant roar of the crowd echoed through the walls, a relentless reminder of the crisis at hand. Ken Drick sat at the head of the table, his face lined with exhaustion, while Karlos sat beside him, arms crossed in quiet contemplation.

"You've all received the memorandum," Ken Drick began, his voice steady but heavy with the weight of the moment. The secretaries nodded in acknowledgment, though some cast uneasy glances at the empty chair where Ashton Garcia usually sat. Others, less restrained, openly glared at it, their disgust apparent.