Chapter 171
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Almost noone understood why they'd all been assembled here, or why most guards were asked to come unarmed. They didn't realize it was a mutiny. That guards, including Lee, had issued these orders by stealing Park's card. Governor Santos arrived, asked people to remain calm. Everything would be explained soon. The crowd couldn't help but be suprised when Park was brought to the stage in handcuffs. Santos began speaking.
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Santos: My friends, I come here with a message. Maybe colonel Park hasn't told you yet, but Texas is no longer a part of the United States. Yesterday the state legislature voted, and I approved, secceeding from the Union. This state is now a part of the Collective States of America. This new nation includes Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, California, Minnesota, Virginia, West Virginia, and Oregon. This place, and the Arks in these eleven states, are now the property of the CSA. This is about our right to exist, our right to live as we see fit. I realize this must be confusing. Yesterday you all considered yourselves citizens of the United States, now, you find yourselves in a new nation. We can't promise you much. George Mason won't let us go without a fight. And if ELE come, I can't promise any of you space on an Ark. But myself, and president Frederick Douglas, can offer you freedom. The freedom to buy and sell freeley, to worship without fear of government intrusion. Noone will be drafted into our new army. You will be allowed to build your own shelters as best you can. And most important, we will allow you to choose for yourself which side to be a part of. If you wish to return to the United States, we will allow you to go within a week. Or you can stay here, and possibly fight for your freedom. I've given you one option, but the choice has to be yours. So now, I'll let colonel Park lay the case for his side.
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After governor Santos finished speaking colonel Park began presenting his case.
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Park: I have not been easy on any of you, I admit that. But every one of my actions was to ensure the survival of the human race. To ensure that these Arks have enough fuel to sustain it's population. Santos, Douglas, these militias, are traitors, traitors hang. If you stay loyal to the United States, you have a chance of surviving ELE. If you betray us, you will die. Either in rebellion, or being excluded from the Arks later. Most likely, you'll join the first rebel who betrayed a just government and was forever expelled, Lucifer. Would you rather live as honorable men and women, or die as svavengers? The traitors call themselves "wolves." Perhaps they know, they're barely human anymore. Is that what you wish to descend to, the level of animals? Caring only for your own survival? Disregarding your dignity, your humanity? If you do side with the militias, ask yourself, do Douglas or Santos care about you, or are they using you? Santos is right about one thing, the choice is yours. Decide for yourself what to fight for. But as for me, I would rather die on my feet, than live on my knees.