85 A Fool and His Nation (1/2)
After hearing the emcee announce these men and women as the Sovereign Nation, everyone erupted in cheers.
The people weren't even sure why they were cheering for another Nation, they were just in absolute awe of what they had just witnessed.
”This... this has gotten really awkward, eh Emil?” General Mascardo knew that out of everybody here, Emil would feel the most threatened and so he teased him in front of the other officials.
”Don't jest, Mascardo. Your position is at risk as well! All of you!” Emil hissed back.
”True. Although, seeing as any single one of those men and women could squash us like bugs, I wouldn't mind serving under them. You realize what this show of might is for, right, Emil?”
”Of course I do!” Emil gritted his teeth.
”If it comes to it, would you be willing to give up power for the sake of our citizens? For the sake of our people?” Tomas asked.
”You think this fancy show is enough to make me, Emil, surrender? Have I placed you all in your positions to be cowards and idiots? If they could truly take over just like that, would they need this show?!” Emil, visibly irritated by Tomas' question, was clearly being defensive.
”Fool,” Tomas and the others thought.
”Does he not know that Luna's intention is a quick and easy take over?”
”Why else would we be broadcasting our conversation with him right now to everyone besides his lackeys?”
”Power has gone through his head indeed. Luna's show of power was for him? Fool, it's for the citizens. This show of power alone will be enough to make the citizens flock to Luna's side.”
”Exactly. Especially when they find out about what's to come.”
The members of Tomas' rebellion discussed amongst each other.
”Emil, it's best you watch your tongue. First of all, I might just be a General in your Nation, but I attained this position because there was nothing you could do against me. Let that be known. Second of all, when the next phase comes, you of all people should be aware of how underprepared our Nation is. Without Luna's help, almost all of our citizens will die a gruesome death. Despite knowing that, will you still not lower your head for the sake of our countrymen?” Tomas countered back.
”We've made it through and prospered so far, we'll make it through again.” Emil reluctantly replied, not having enough reason in his justification.
”President Emil, if I may, from what we've seen, even Luna's mere bodyguards are enough to take on multiple of us in a life-or-death fight. Don't you think that it'd be wise for us to lower our pride as leaders for the sake of our people?” General MacArthur chimed in.
”General MacArthur, the world isn't as it was before. I let you have your position in respect to how well the USA has helped the Philippines before, but that's it. It's best if you don't question my rule.” Emil snapped.
”Oh how quick gratitude is to disappear once someone can no longer receive benefits from you.” General MacArthur shook his head.
The citizens who were listening to this conversation the whole time were told by General Mascardo to be patient and not act out their hatred just yet, or else they wouldn't get to see the rest of the show. This was the only reason why they were able to hold back. After hearing what President Emil said to General MacArthur, they wanted to strangle him right then and there.
”INGRATE!”
”He would actually say such an ungrateful thing?! Does he intend for Filipinos to be labeled as ungrateful?! IDIOT!”
”He's been keeping us weak? It makes sense now. How much higher leveled are his lackeys compared to us regular citizens?”