Chapter 228: Chapter 197: The Watchmen Society in the Post-War Era

New York City, New York, the United States of America
August 11th, 1835

"And do we have a second?" Secretary of Defense Lucius Bonaparte asked as he looked at the large group assembled before him.

"Aye, I can vouch for the lad. He's young but has a good head on his shoulders," Nathan Hale, the owner of the Boston Daily, said as he raised his right hand.

A group of over a hundred individuals sat around a large round table in the deceased First President's home's basement. After President Kim's passing, the Society restructured itself to be a more 'loose' organization until a more consistent and solid procedure was set. As a result, the Society, which consisted of over two hundred individuals, was divided by region. The regional Society groups would focus on their specific regions, and the entire Society would meet twice a year to establish overarching agendas and discuss the nation's future. Though, the members stayed in contact with each other throughout the year and distributed resources accordingly to maintain unity. Thankfully, due to the creation of the 'Watchmen Society's Charity Organization,' the members could be seen in public with one another since the 'charity' was already one of the biggest relief organizations in the United States. And was supported by many economic and political leaders of the country.

"He's 40, Hale. He's not exactly a 'lad' or young," Senator Caldwell commented with a snort.

"Well, he's younger than most of us. We need some young-blood anyway; Hamilton retired, and Adams passed two months ago. That man lived to a hundred... Quite an accomplishment considering that he died much earlier in the 'other' history..."

Secretary Bonaparte tapped his gavel lightly, "We will proceed with the vote before our meeting is derailed for the fifth time. Those in favor of allowing Mr. John Hopkins to be considered a candidate for the Society, please remain silent. Those who are against the motion, please speak up now."

"I have a question, Mr. Secretary," General William Henry Harrison, who was well-known as 'Old Greenwood' to his troops, mentioned as he stood up from his chair. "I had heard some unsavory rumors about Mr. Hopkins. Specifically, that he profited off the economic chaos during the war and even bribed a few British officers to get past the British blockade."

"The rumors are baseless, General Harrison," Justin Kim, the eldest son of Samuel Kim, answered. The once young Special Operator was now an aging man with streaks of white hair and a weathered face. Unlike his father, he was aging normally and looked much more mortal. "I know you only joined recently, but we have many policies in regards to choosing candidates for the Society. The Society has kept a close eye on Mr. Hopkins for nearly two decades now; we do that with every individual that rose to prominence in the other history and this history. While there is some truth to him profiting off the war, it was mostly because he was daring enough to challenge the British blockade by himself and utilize an inexhaustible number of smugglers. He risked his entire fortune on those blockade runners, and that endeavor paid off handsomely. Additionally, he donated over $500,000 to the American government and Boston during the war and even helped the military direct logistics and industry in the New England area."

"A philanthropist then, much like his 'other' self."

"Basically. And it's no wonder he moved to Boston instead of Baltimore: that city is a major industrial and commercial hub."

"Any other objections?" Secretary Bonaparte asked tiredly. A minute of silence passed before Bonaparte banged his gavel again. "We will proceed with Stage 1 of his initiation and establish contact with Mr. Hopkins. Another vote regarding his admittance into the Society itself will be held in the future."

The Defense Secretary stopped for a moment after reading the next agenda on his list, tugging his shirt's collar uncomfortably as he read the words a second time. He hesitantly put down his gavel and took a large swig of water from his cup. The other members stiffened and watched the temporary acting head of the Northeastern/Canadien branch of the Society without a word.

"The next two topics are critical. The first topic is about the current... unavailability of President Peters. The second is about Nathaniel Napoleon Bonaparte."

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"As you all know, President Peters currently has a mild case of pneumonia. While he isn't in mortal danger, it is a cause for concern due to the president's overall poor health. The war took a heavy toll on his mental and physical health, and he was barely beginning to recover when this illness struck. Secretary of Research and Development David Jean has managed to administer the first, rudimentary form of penicillin to the president, something that was created with great haste due to our destructive war against Britain. However, we are still holding our breath on the results. Until he fully recovers, the Cabinet has agreed to a temporary rotation to head the Society meetings. If you have any objections, please put them forward."

"Why not hand it off to President Kim's own heir and successor?" General Harrison asked, "I would like to nominate Mr. Justin Kim to head the Society meetings until the president recovers. After all, he has plenty of experience and has more modern knowledge than most of us."

Kim shook his head, "I don't think having my family run the Society would be healthy. We need strong leadership, especially since the Society is more fractured than ever before, but I'm not suitable to take up my father's mantle. Besides, President Peters already has plenty of experience leading both the government and the Society. I believe the Cabinet will do a fine job until President Peters recovers."

A few mutters came from some Society members about 'the government controlling the Society,' but they died down after a few moments. Bonaparte nodded his head and continued the meeting with a stroke of his gavel, "Onto the next issue then... Nathaniel Bonaparte."

"Is this favoritism, Mr. Secretary?" Senator Caldwell asked, lowering his glasses and directing his eyes towards the head of the meeting. "You're nominating your own brother to enter the Society? Because that wasn't on the agenda that I received before this meeting."

"I am not nominating him because he is my brother, Senator. I am nominating him because he fits the criteria for the Society and we have put off his membership for decades now."

"I believe Secretary Bonaparte has a good point. After all, Nathaniel Bonaparte is the former General of the Army, a renowned former Congressman, and a very talented individual," Senator Cord fired back. As one of the few women in the Society, she was a presence that was hard to overlook.

"I fully support the inclusion of Nathaniel Bonaparte," General Harrison interjected.

Representative Robin Holmes, a slave in the 'other history' but a respected Congressman in this one, voiced his opinion, "I agree. By credentials, there is no reason why we should not approach Mr. Nathaniel Bonaparte. He is every bit as talented as his other self."

"That is precisely the problem," William Pickney, the Governor of Maryland, said, "Do remember that he was very... imperialistic in the other history. And he has shown signs of it here as well. Not to mention, our successors played a very big part in shaping his destiny in this world. He was the Emperor of France in the other history. I'm not sure what his reaction to the information would be like, especially since we've kept him in the dark for so long. The man is nearly seventy!"

"Yet, he is running for President and, due to his popularity and clear policies, will most likely win. If he wins, he'll learn about the secret regardless of what our opinions are. Isn't it better to show a bit of trust and invite him into our circle before he's elected?" Senator Cord suggested. "And Governor Pickney, I have met Nathaniel many times before, and he has always been an American patriot and a republican. So I doubt he would attempt to create a monarchy in America, if that is what you are suggesting."

"The elections are still a year off, and he is running for the Liberal Party, which has never won a presidential election in its history..."

"I believe this matter will take some time to debate. As such, I will move this topic to the latter portion of the meeting. Until then, formulate your arguments, and we can discuss the matter towards the end," Secretary Bonaparte announced hastily. "Now, onto the recent development of technology. ARPA has outdone itself once again and has developed the first 'refrigerator car' to feed the southern states with fresher food. Not to mention, the invention of the typewriters has eased government bureaucracy and literature, along with the first rudimentary 'car,' which is more of a barely self-moving wagon..."

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