The Revolution Came

Chapter 33: Cotton Rebellion

____January 4, 1936____
Heltic

The streets of Brooksville were filled with people while they protested at the steps of the municipal hall.

National Soldiers holding the line while National Guardsmen stood by to serve as reserve.

Governor Jeremiah Torneda stood upon the steps of the hall trying to deliver the announcement from the National Convention.

"The Federal Government has passed an excise tax on all farm goods most especially on cotton. As requested the new tax is to be effective immediately," Governor Torneda said while the crowd started to become rowdy.

National Soldiers holding their line, tried their best to calm the situation.

"Please stand down people, our Republic is still recovering from the Revolutionary War," he said while he tried to calm the masses yet his words only seem to cause them more anger as stones were thrown to the Governor and National Soldiers.

Commander Gilliad Thompson of the Heltic Battalion stood their ground while the Governor was escorted away from ensuing chaos.

National Guards immediately took control of the situation as they started escorting people who were encouraging violence away.

"You cannot do this! This is unconstitutional!" David Braddock shouted while he was being dragged away by the National Guards further angering the crowd.

Imperialists within the crowd took the opportunity as one of them took their revolvers and shot it at the National Soldiers, killing one of them.

Having no choice, Commander Thompson takes his hat down, honouring the fallen of the Revilla Massacre.

"take aim!" He commanded while the National Soldiers quickly aimed their muskets towards the crowd. Most of them hiding their faces under their hats.

"Steady!" He hesitated for a moment knowing that this will lead to a massacre. A massacre that would lead to a repeat of the build up to the Revolutionary War.

He could hear citizens drawing out their guns, some of them being veterans of the Revolutionary War.

"Shame on you Commander!" John Zacharias shouted while he looked at the people and aimed his pistol at the soldiers.

He knows there is no choice, that the choice for a peaceful conclusion to this conflict won't be coming immediately.

He holds onto his hat while he gave the command.

______January 5, 1936______
Revilla

___~Kalayaan~___

Massacre at Heltic

Twelve killed, Ten injured. Martial law declared by Governor Jermiah Torneda.

____

He paced around his office, sweat going down his face while he placed the newspaper and coffee that he was carrying on his desk. He leans onto it for support while tries his best to keep his breakfast in his stomach.

A repeat of the massacre of 1929, the very massacre that started their war against the British. Many thoughts rushing through his mind while he tried to grasp the situation.

He takes a deep breathe while he fixed his vest and polo, knowing that in a few moments the President will come barging into his office soon.