Chapter 202: Chapter 178: Not “These United States” but “The United States”

Clarkston, Texas, the United States of America
April 11th, 1834

"It sure is lively, ey?" Kemarax asked.

"Well, tomorrow is the day after all." The CO of the Rangers replied with a chuckle.

Major Robert E. Lee leaned back and sipped some whiskey and looked up to see the starry sky that watched over the numerous bonfires and tents that sat just west of the town of Clarkston. The men of the Rangers Battalion were drinking and eating with their fellow soldiers as the massive offensive to drive the invaders out of the United States was planned for the following day. Not all of the soldiers were Americans; there were numerous soldiers from Mexico, Central America, and even a few from Yucatan as well. After it became clear that the Alliance was not invading anywhere but the United States, League members that were in close proximity to America sent their troops to help defend the continental power. Mexico had already committed thousands of troops in the Oregon Territory, but it raised thousands more to support the American counterattack into Jefferson. The FRCA and Yucatan had less manpower to offer, but they provided as many supplies and aid as possible. And with the arrival of the American forces that were formerly stationed in the West, the combined strength of the League forces stood at over 70,000. Major General Harrison (who was promoted in order to have a high enough rank to command all the troops) was confident that the troops were enough to overrun any Alliance defenses and flank the invaders that were pushing into Kentucky and Akansa. And Major Lee was inclined to agree. The troops were in high spirits, had plenty of provisions and supplies, and decently-equipped for the task ahead of them (the federal government finally finished its crash project to connect a rail from Clarkston to Wichita to St. Louis, allowing firearms, artillery, and ammunition to finally flow into Texas).

Kemarax wolfed down some roast beef and placed his plate down with a sigh, "Do you have anything you want to do after this war is over, Robert?"

The two had been stuck together for three months now and had developed a close friendship. It certainly helped that both relied on each other during a bloody battle and saw it through to the end. Major Lee pondered upon the captain's question with a frown, "Nothing really comes to mind. I'm too focused on the war that I haven't given much thought about my future."

"Surely there is something you want to do after the war? Getting married? Starting a business? Or perhaps, running for political office? After all, your father was a "vice president," was he not?"

"True," The Virginian scratched his beard, "I was thinking about marriage after I retired from the military. Well, before this invasion began. I don't think I'm well-suited for business, as no one in my family has much experience in it. But politics..."

"Like father, like son," Kemarax grinned as he gave the man a slap in the back.

"Then what about yourself?"

"Like you, politics. After this bloody war is finished, I can return to my homeland in Missouri and run for office when the territory receives statehood. After all, people like war heroes. Moreso in my tribe."

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"Ah, a war hero. I never took you as one." Major Lee jested.

The Missourian deadpanned, "Very funny. But after this war, I should be. And hopefully, I will be able to use my reputation to finally see the "mythical" city of Columbia myself and represent my people on Capitol Hill. My people are... not taking the war well and have been neglected by the rest of the nation. Hopefully, I will be able to bring more light on the situation and help my tribe seek the help it needs."

"Neglected, how?" Major Lee as he turned his attention towards the co-commander.

"Well, I have mentioned before that some of the pro-British tribes have inflicted devastation in the north. The Pawnee tribe formerly bordered my tribe's homeland before most of them were expelled following the war between the Sioux and the Americans. However, several Pawnee settlements remained even then, and before the war started, many exiled Pawnees returned to settle their grudges against America. After Britain declared war on America, the hostile Pawnees raided nearby settlements and allied with other British aligned tribes to bring chaos into the region. My homeland was directly affected, which was why we threw our support behind the United States: in order to protect our lands and receive assistance. The American government gave us supplies and weapons to deal with the problem. Unfortunately, we were forced to fight our own battles as America was busy elsewhere, which has resulted in many of the tribes suffering from the aftermath. Fields have been burned down, settlements have been destroyed, and many are struggling to survive. Even worse, we lack the money to rebuild."

Major Lee's expression darkened, "Then shouldn't you be up in the north?"

"We chased the Pawnees from our homeland and burned their settlements. The lands around my home are safe, which is why the Rangers chose to come down here in the first place. Perhaps, if we show our loyalty and our willingness to fight and die for the United States, then it will give us the assistance we need."

"I will speak with my father about this," Major Lee promised, "He still has some pull in Columbia and I am certain that he will be able to bring light about your people's situation."

Kemarax looked up at the sky and smiled, "Perhaps one day, it will not be "your" people and "my" people, but "our" people. A day where we will be viewed as "Americans" and be cared for by your government just as well as any Americans. The lives of those people suffering under the invaders are worthwhile, but they are not the only ones affected by this war."

"The sooner this war ends, the better. Which is why we must see this war through."

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