Chapter 55
Texas (4)
Stephen Austin, having given speeches in the major cities and large towns of Texas for several days, moved on to the next stage.
If he had time, he would take his time, but he was under a time constraint now.
"That railroad is getting closer. We can't use it for years."
"Yes. They say they're building it at a fast pace. It's fast, but we need to move on to the next stage."
Michael, the third in command of the Texas Rangers, said.
"Okay, prepare the speech."
"Yes."
Jonathan answered. He was a trusted leader, as he was a go-getter.
It had only been two weeks since the first speech. But its impact was enormous, and news of the speech spread throughout Texas, even in this cold winter.
"Stephen Austin, a Texan, will give another speech! Please gather at the central square!"
The Texas Rangers began to promote the speech again.
"He's giving another speech?"
"Of course we have to go! Isn't he the representative of us Texans?"
"Of course!"
Most people reacted positively, as Stephen Austin was greatly supported in San Antonio.
"I wonder what nonsense that American is going to spout again."
"Let's go. We have to listen, even if we're going to refute it."
Those who didn't support him also gathered.
Stephen Austin smiled as he saw the crowd gathering in the central square like a cloud. Wasn't it at least twice the number from last time?
He mistook them all for his supporters.
Stephen Austin, looking at the crowd gathered under the intense San Antonio sun, began his speech in a firm voice.
"Esteemed Texans, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the passion and support you have shown in the past.
Your support has been the driving force behind our ability to face the challenges and trials we face. Now is the time for us to seek the next stage, a new path.
We will establish a political organization for Texas, the 'Texan Democratic Committee'.
This organization will focus on uniting our voices and representing our interests. We will emphasize the importance of a democratic political system, reflect the opinions of all Texans, and create a fair and transparent political process in which we can all participate."
A declaration to create a 'democratic' committee in a constitutional monarchy and imperial system.
It was a declaration to rise up against the central government of Mexico, even though it was packaged in nice words.
Brian, an American, rented a room on the second floor of a nearby building when he heard about the speech.
He was watching the reaction of the citizens of San Antonio, not Stephen Austin. This 'next stage' seemed a bit premature to Brian.
As he watched the citizens' reactions, Stephen Austin continued.
"I know that some of you are still concerned about fighting for rebellion or independence. But our goal is not violence. We will assert our rights peacefully and rationally.
Our central committee will serve as a democratic political organization for Texans, effectively conveying our voices to the Mexican government."
Stephen Austin's lies had a dramatic effect.
This was because many citizens who had been showing slightly worried expressions during his speech were now showing relieved expressions.
'He's urging them to ask for weapons, but he says he doesn't want to use violence. That's funny.'
Brian thought that, but he also thought that it was all for a greater cause, so it didn't matter much.
Brian, an officer in the US intelligence corps, began to sketch out the next stage of this scenario.
'We need to increase their hostility towards the Mexican government. We'll say that they issued orders to raise taxes on Texans or confiscate their land.'
Stephen Austin will make a gesture of protest. What if rumors spread that the Mexican government arrested a leader of the Texas Rangers?
Brian smiled as he thought that. Stephen Austin's speech was heading towards its conclusion.
"The establishment of this organization will give us all an important role. We must come together and join forces for our future. We must support each other, share our opinions, and above all, cooperate for the prosperity of Texas. Our strength comes from our unity.
Through this committee, I will dedicate myself to solving the problems we face and improving the lives of Texans. We will fight for our rights peacefully and rationally, and our goal is to provide a better future for all Texans. This is our promise and our mission.
Thank you. Our future is bright. Our strength comes from our unity. Together, we can overcome any challenge!"
As usual, the Texas Rangers started cheering and applauding, and soon the citizens followed suit.
"Wooooaaaah!"
"Texas! Texas! Texas!"
"Yeah! We Texans needed an organization to make our voices heard!"
Stephen Austin thought that this speech was also a success, looking at the sight, but Brian felt something strange.
'Wait, something's weird.'
He hastily took out his notebook and began to write down the expressions of each citizen.
It was hard to distinguish them because everyone had almost expressionless faces during the speech, but as the speech ended and cheers began, the citizens' expressions were clearly contrasted.
The citizens' expressions were divided into two. The happy expressions of supporters and the hostile expressions of those who didn't support them.
'The percentage of those who don't support it is bigger than I thought!'
Brian felt a sense of crisis and continued to check the citizens. As he was engrossed in that, someone was watching him.
'Found him!'
It was Major Ricardo, who had been hiding in an alley, his hood pulled over his head.
'Your Highness said that the United States is behind Stephen Austin. And he also predicted that a US agent would observe the reaction when Stephen Austin started his incitement.'
Is a genius able to predict even this?
He felt a strong sense of awe for the crown prince again, but he didn't have time to get lost in that feeling.
There's someone on the second floor, watching the people's expressions and writing something diligently in a notebook.
He looks suspicious, no matter how you look at it.
'That guy's the one.'
Major Ricardo quietly pulled his hood further over his head and began to follow him.
***
Stephen Austin's mansion.
Stephen Austin left all his subordinates except for Jonathan and Michael, and secretly invited a certain person.
"Ahem. I think we've gained enough support to get weapons now?"
The other party was a man named Brian, who claimed to be an American arms dealer.
Stephen Austin was certain that he was a US government agent, so he didn't think it was good to show this transaction to others.
"···I'll give you the first batch of weapons."
He felt something strange, but he had to keep his promise, since he had gathered public opinion.
"First batch? Tell me exactly how much you're going to give me."
"I'll provide 1,500 muskets and 100,000 bullets for the first batch."
Stephen Austin frowned.
"That's quite a small number. What can we do with just this?"
"We're not going to fight Mexico right away. Please focus on your approval ratings in Texas for now."
"···Tsk, you're an arms dealer, and you're talking about approval ratings. Okay, I understand. I'll call you again next time."
Once it started, there was no way Stephen Austin could do anything if Brian (the United States) refused to support him, so he had no choice but to be dragged along.
"I'll bring the weapons here within three days. Then."
Brian said that and left.
"Just wait. You'll see if I can treat you like that after I become the governor of Texas."
Stephen Austin said that, feeling resentful.
"Boss, you won't be able to treat him like that once you're the governor."
Jonathan said that. Michael added.
"That's right. The United States is a federation of states, so being the governor means being the representative of a region. The governor's position can be considered second only to the president and vice president."
Michael didn't bother to say that since there were 24 states in the United States now, even if they joined as the 25th, there would be 24 people in the same position.
Now wasn't the time for Stephen to be in despair.
He needed to move quickly.
Unlike the two, who were optimistic about the future, Michael wasn't so optimistic about the current situation.
***
The Texas Ranger member looked at Carlos suspiciously.
"You're Spanish? But you're going to join the Texas Rangers and the Texan Democratic Committee?"
"I was Spanish, not Mexican. Now I'm Texan. Isn't it an organization for us Texans?"
Carlos answered confidently. A friend who lived nearby had recommended him, but that wasn't the end of the membership process.
"Hmm, that's right. Good. Welcome to our Texas Rangers and the Texan Democratic Committee, brother."
"Thank you!"
The big guy didn't think deeply about it. That's because he didn't have time to think deeply.
He had a lot of people waiting for him to deal with.
Many men in San Antonio were coming to join the Texas Rangers or the Texan Democratic Committee.
Many people joined both.
Carlos, who had successfully infiltrated Stephen Austin's organization, thought.
'It wasn't that hard. Okay, should I implement the next plan?'
The next operation was a bit more dangerous. It was about making allies within the organization. Ordinary members won't do. I need to find someone with more authority and more information.
'I need to target the executives.'
Carlos worked hard, not even doing his job for a few days, making a good impression on the Texas Rangers and the Texan Democratic Committee.
Except for a small number of executives, everyone had a main job, so few people, except for Carlos, were dedicated to committee activities.
"You seem to be around a lot lately. Are you okay?"
"It's nothing for Texas."
The Rangers and the committee were unpaid. But Carlos, who came every day and helped with work all day, soon caught the eye of the executives.
'Should I start now?'
***
At that moment, when many figures in Texas were moving with different goals, a Mexican Empire fleet arrived at the port of Galveston.
One ship of the line and two frigates were protecting the transports, and troops began to disembark from the transports.
A total of 2,500 troops.
Mumbling.
"What's an army like that doing here?"
"Maybe Stephen…"
"Shh! Don't say anything stupid. Keep quiet. We might get involved for no reason."
"···Okay."
The crown prince of the Mexican Empire had arrived with his army.
It was a bolt from the blue for those who were worried about the railroad, which would be completed in a few months.
Nice chapter
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