The Revolution Came

Chapter 17: Independence Day

_____November 15, 1932_____

A few weeks have passed since the war council meeting, and the results are starting to blossom.

Since the return of their general-in-chief, many major battles have been won, especially in the country's core regions.

With many military victories under their belts, the Supreme Council saw fit to start drafting the Declaration of Independence and laying out the foundations of the Constitution. Using the documents Cody had given them during his leave of absence, they were able to form a cohesive document that everyone could agree on.

Adding more to that, they took inspiration from Kyra's documents and manifestos, many of them being documents before her untimely execution. It was quite a hard task for everyone involved as they needed to make sure that power wasn't tipped towards one side of the country or the other. After a few hours of debating and writing, Ken Drick breathed a sigh of relief as he started reading the final draft of the declaration.

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Act of Proclamation of Independence of the North Pacific People

We, the people of the North Pacific Islands, solemnly declare our independence from the British Crown. We hereby establish a government founded on the principles of liberty and equality, where all individuals are recognized as equal, and where slavery shall be forever abolished.

This declaration is undersigned by representatives from every city and town, acknowledging that the people of this land have long endured the burdens of British domination. The arbitrary arrests, abuses, and extrajudicial executions carried out by the Civil Guards have repeatedly violated fundamental laws and human rights. Many of these executions were conducted without trial or legal authorization from higher command.

Former officers of the British Navy and Army have joined our ranks, affirming their belief that our cause aligns with the ideals of justice and freedom. Witnessing the righteousness of our struggle, and under the judgment of the Supreme Judge of the Universe, we proclaim our independence with the support and protection of the great and humanitarian nation of France.

By this act, we formally assert that:

The people of the Islands of St. Lawrence have the undeniable right to be free and independent.

All political allegiance to the British Crown is permanently severed.

All political ties between our people and the British government are null and void.

As a free and independent state, we claim the full powers to make peace and war, establish commercial treaties, and form alliances with other sovereign nations.

With firm resolve and unwavering commitment, we pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor to the realization of a just and sovereign nation.

Without any more delay, he stood up and looked among his trusted officers.

"This document represents the freedom and independence we desperately want. With this document we are either signing our death warrant or winning the freedom our future generations deserve," Ken Drick said as he passed the document among the members of the Supreme Council until it arrived back to him.

"Secretary Codinera, you may deliver this document to Congress for signing," Ken Drick said as he nodded, taking the document with him. Two National Guardsmen were called as they started to escort the secretary to the congressional hall.

Vichisburg
November 30, 1932

People started to gather around the Capitol building as the doors opened to show Ken Drick, the Supreme Council, and Congress. They stepped out of the building and started going to their designated areas.

"May we ask everyone to stand up and pledge allegiance to the colors and our national anthem," A guardsman exclaimed as everyone stood up.

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After the Anthem played, Secretary Codinera went to the front with a calm yet upbeat demeanor.

"Greetings to everyone especially beloved generals and commanders, as well as our Supreme Council and President. Today is a joyous day... for we are all here to witness a truly momentous occasion. An occasion that would shape the future of this colony and our future generations. Without further a do... President Winchester you may take the stand," Karlos said as everyone applauded while Ken Drick stepped onto the front and looked upon the crowd.

"Brothers and sisters!"

"We once stood here as revolutionaries, as insurgents who swore to break the chains of tyranny. We tore apart the papers that bound us to oppression, casting aside the lies that said we were subjects, not citizens. And through fire, through sacrifice, through unyielding will, we have won!"

"But victory is not the end of our struggle. No nation is built on the battlefield alone. What we have fought for must now be defended in the halls of Congress, where words replace weapons, and law replaces force. We are no longer insurgents, struggling to fight for our sovereignty, but Republicans! No longer revolutionaries seeking destruction, but founders seeking to build! For this moment, we are a people of law, of justice, of unity." He turned to the Supreme Council, then to Congress.

"Honourable Representatives! The Articles of Confederation are our first great step, not a perfect document, not the final words of our Republic, but the beginning of our nation's governance! It is the first breath of a free people deciding their own fate!"

"It is not paper that will define us, but the principles we uphold! This government will not stand because it is written into law; it will stand because of the people we strive to serve! The Articles are a promise: that we shall never return to the shackles of tyranny, that we shall remain free not just in name, but in truth!"

"We are free men and women, free to chart our destiny, free from the tyranny of the British Empire! And now, as our struggle nears its final chapter, our brave National Guard and valiant Generals march toward Cheapsake Bay, where the last great battle awaits. Let us stand firm in hope and unshaken resolve. Victory will be ours!" As the words rang out, the crowd erupted into cheers.

"No more rule by foreign hands! No more edicts from distant rulers! from this day forward, we govern ourselves, not as subjects but as a Sovereign Republic!"

"Our work is not done. The days ahead will test us just as the war did. But if we could endure the battlefield, we will endure the burdens of leadership. We will not falter, we will not waver, and we will not fail to serve you!

"And so, with these words, I will take my leave, not as a commander in war, but as a servant of the Republic. May justice be our foundation, unity our strength, and liberty be our eternal guide!"

"Le matin viendra!"

"La victoire est proche!" The responded while the band started playing and food was given to the people. National Guards fired their cannons in celebration, the echoes of their salvos carrying the declaration of independence across the land.

To Be Continued