บท 50: Independence
Philadelphia, United States of America
September 15th, 1776
General Kim stared at the American flag flying over the Pennsylvania State House disbelievingly.
The war was over. Or at least, the fighting part of it was.
After the disastrous losses he suffered during the Battle of Cambridge, General Burgoyne withdrew from Boston and fled to Florida. His forces suffered heavily during the battle, and the uncooperative populace pushed the British soldiers to the brink of revolt. The general and his men retreated from the city three days after the battle and ended the short but significant Boston Campaign. Due to the British defeat at Cambridge, a week-long ceasefire was negotiated between the British military and the American military for both sides to collect themselves. Still, the results were clear: the United States had won the war. Just over a year after General Kim's arrival, the United States was (theoretically) independent and the victors of the Revolutionary War. The Continental Army was still not disbanded, as the US and Britain were still technically "at war" with each other. However, General Washington, General Kim, and their men were recalled to Philadelphia for military honors and celebrations. General Kim had no objections to the order, as he and his troops had been fighting for months on end, and his men deserved the rest.
Thousands of civilians and soldiers were alike were out on the streets in celebration of the war's end. General Kim was drinking silently as he took in the sight of the festivities outside of a nearby tavern. There was plenty of alcohol and flags involved, and outbursts of the "Do You Hear the People Sing" song were common. It seemed as though the people were mainly relieved that the war was coming to a close, though there was widespread support for independence. The celebrations almost reminded him of the future United States.
Almost.
As he watched silently, a tall gentleman adorning numerous medals on his chest joined him and sipped some watered-down wine slowly, "It is all over now."
"We may have a few more battles ahead of us, but the war is over."
General Washington nodded his head looked towards the crowd, "We still have much to do to get our new nation on its feet."
"I am worried about our nation's future, but my future as well."
"Your future?"
"I am a man out of time and have done my best to help the United States earn its independence early on. As an officer, I did the best I could to win America its independence and strengthen it at the same time," General Kim stated, "But what will be my role after the war officially comes to a close? I have many options, but I'm not sure which path I should take."
"Perhaps after the Constitution is adopted, you can become our nation's first president and lead the nation to a brighter future," General Washington suggested.
General Kim snorted quietly, "Surely you jest. You are supposed to be the nation's first president."
The Commander in Chief smiled mysteriously, "History has changed, has it not? Perhaps it is no longer my destiny to lead this nation and become its "Father."
A moment of silence passed between the two of them before General Kim raised his eyebrows questioningly, "I'm guessing that you wish to return to your farm in Virginia instead of becoming the president?"
General Washington let out a small laugh, "You know me too well. And I will return to Virginia after this war because I am confident that you will be a suitable replacement."
"I may have future insight and have recognition from the people, but I am still..."
"Asian."
"Precisely," General Kim answered.
"Then perhaps you can establish a precedent, and an important precedent at that," General Washington replied, "You have my support and goodwill."
The marine sighed and sipped his cup of watered-down wine, "The Constitution is still being "patched up" by Mr. Jefferson and his colleagues, so we will put this matter to rest until then."
"I agree, now is a time of relaxation and celebration," The Virginian held out his cup towards his counterpart, "For our nation, and for those who lost their lives for its freedom."
"For General Arnold and the United States," General Kim drank to the toast, with his Benedict Arnold Medal of Honor and several other medals hanging from his uniform.
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