Chapter 10: Rivalry between General's

As me and Jose Alejandrino were talking and smoking our pipes, we suddenly saw another general walking up the doors of the church where the cabinet meeting room was stationed at, It was General Tomàs Mascardo one of my rivals.

as he passed us we gave each other a nod and off on our own ways.

Meanwhile, while the rest of the ministers have left the Cabinet room President Emilio Aguinaldo along with prime minister Apolinario Mabini are having a conversation.

"How many men have arrived?" President Emilio Aguinaldo started the conversation first.

" About a thousand and a half, from Pangasinan and Ilocos. Lieutenant Manual Quezon brought us about 400 men from Tayabas. Everyone goes to you now that Bonifacio is gone. "

The seen moves to the execution of both the Bonifacio brothers, where Procopio Bonifacio is shot to death then Andres Bonifacio being hack to death.

" Mr. President, I will go ahead." General Mascardo says as he stands up from his seat.

" Where are you going? " Prime Minister Apolinario inquired.

" To Arayat sir. There's a feast I have to attend." after Mascardo finish speaking to turns to the President and gives him a salute then leaving the room with only Mabini and Emilio in it.

Apolinario Mabini looks to Emilio Aguinaldo and see's that his thinking deeply.

" Are you still thinking about Andres Bonifacio?"

" I'm just afraid it might happen again."

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As General Luna arrives back at the army camp after the cabinet meeting, he spots Joven, the journalist, waiting for him. He nods in acknowledgment and approaches him. "Good to see you again, Joven," he says with a friendly smile. "Shall we continue our conversation from where we left off?"

As General Luna and Joven continue their conversation by the campfire, Joven leans in, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "General Luna," he begins, "you often speak of being a 'true son of liberty.' Could you elaborate on what that means to you? What qualities or principles define a true son of liberty in your eyes?" Luna takes a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, his expression thoughtful in the dim light.

The scene unfolds, with General Luna's narration providing a stark contrast to the opulent party hosted by President Emilio Aguinaldo. Luna's voice continues in the background, carrying a sense of disillusionment.

"A true son of liberty will never allow themselves to be tied up like dogs. They are worse than the Americans, those who place their self-interest first, those who pledge allegiance only to their regions and their tribes. That is proof that we are not ready to rule ourselves. Luna's voice emphasizes as the camera pans over the lavish gathering.

As the wealthy elite converse in hushed tones about their priorities, their indifference to the ongoing war is evident. The business owner's words echo with self-interest,

" I hope this fvcking war ends already."

" I agree. I really don't care if the Americans win the war, as long as it's good for business."

" Exactly. "

Amidst the glamour, a group of ladies contemplates the idea of leaving the country. One of them shares her plan to move to Paris after her wedding, evoking envy from her peers who express a desire to escape as well.

" My fiancé has invited me to Paris."

" you're moving there?"

"Yes, After the wedding."

" You're so lucky. Everyone wants to leave."

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The next day at the frontlines of the province of Bagbag, Novaliche region. General Luna and his official's are having a meeting.

" Our defenses are for the three camps. Here in Bagbag, Pulilan, and with General del pilar's troops in Quinga. But we still need more troops." Colonel Roman said to General Luna.

" Send a telegram to General Mascardo. Tell him to send more troops to Quinga and here in Bagbag. "

" Sir, General Mascardo is headed for Arayat. "

" Do you know why? "

" He didn't say. But there's a feat today in Arayat. "

Seen change and we see General Mascardo arriving at Arayat, Pampanga.

As the General was entering the town he was meet by one of his officers.

" General Mascardo. " The soldier Salutes him. " A telegram from General Luna. "

" What does it say? "

" He's ordering you to return to Bagbag at once. Additional troops are needed. "

" I just got here and he wants me to leave? " General Mascardo said a little bit angry and starts to walk off.

" He also said there's no time for festivities. "

" Look at that Luna's arrogance. You'd think he wasn't talking to a fellow general. Tell him I didn't come for the feast. I have to inspect our troops here in Arayat. I'll return to Bagbag when I'm done ."

In the midst of mounting tension between General Luna and General Mascardo, a clash of egos threatens to undermine the Philippine forces' cohesion. Despite the looming American threat, Luna and Mascardo's power struggle intensifies.

Back to General Luna's headquarters.

" While the Americans advance, our troops will slowly retreat to a fortress in the Cordillera Mountains. By the time the enemies reach North, our defenses would have been fortified. If we can't surpass them in numbers and technology, we will beat them using the very same strategy they used on the British, Guerilla tactics. " Said General Luna as he shows Joven His plans.

" We need to dig trenches from Caloocan to Novaliches. I am just waiting for the President's approval. "

" I hope he approves it, sir. " Joven commented.

" He must. "

As the General and Joven were talking colonel Roman entered the room and General Luna receives Mascardo's defiant response in Arayat. General Luna Read's it's contents for a little bit then said to Colonel Roman.

" Send another telegram and Kindly ask Mascardo if he understands tagalog. "

Back to Arayat the telegram of General Luna have arrived while General Mascardo and his officials' are eating.

"General, general luna said if you understand tagalog or do you understand Spanish more because it was clear that- " The same officer from before said to General Mascardo but he was cut off as General Mascardo slammed his palm to the table.

" I understand tagalog. I will return when I'm done here. Tell him he doesn't have authority over me. I'm the commander of Pampanga. The President gave him authority over the troops but not to General's like me. "

General Luna's headquarters, colonel Roman was reading the telegram from General Mascardo to General Luna.

" Is that so? " He shouted "Rusca! Ride to Arayat. Tell to that Mascardo's face that I will have him arrested for his stubbornness. "

Arayat, where Rusca just finished saying the telegram to General Mascardo.

" Is he challenging me? "

" General, what's important is your return to Bagbag and send reinforcements before the Americans attack. "

" I was about to leave if not for that Luna's arrogance. Who is he to give me orders like his the President? If he wants a fight I'm not backing down! "

Back to General Luna's headquarters it's already night time and as he hears General Mascardo's reply he flips the strategy table in anger.

" Román! Send a telegram to every official under Mascardo and tell them they are to report to the main headquarters in Pampanga tonight. They are all under my command so they cannot disobey as Mascardo said. Rusca, inform President Aguinaldo that I plan to have Mascardo arrested if this continues. "

In the President's office Rusca just finished saying general Luna's message.

" This is bad. The Americans will think there's confusion amongst our ranks " prime minister Apolinario Mabini said to president Emilio.

" It's true though, isn't it?" President Emilio Aguinaldo said disappointed at both of the General's.

Back in Arayat, Mascardo refuses to comply, rallying his troops and preparing for confrontation. The confusion among soldiers is palpable as they receive conflicting orders.

" Damn it! If that bastard is looking for a fight I will give it to him. " General Mascardo said as he finish reading general Luna's orders to his official's.

" Move away! Stop the music!" General Mascardo said to the townsfolk gathered at the townsquare. " Soldiers! Do not follow Luna's orders. Arm yourselves!" The soldiers at first are confused with the conflicting order of General Mascardo.

" What are you waiting for? Go! " He said to the soldiers then went to his aid.

" Get Captain Janolino. Tell him to gather the soldiers headed for Bagbag and have them report to me. Tell Luna that I rather like in a coffin, Because I will only take orders from the President or fellow Caviteños. "

Back at General Luna's headquarters Roman finished reading the letter to General Luna again.

" Idiot! Does he think Cavite is a different country? "

" He has gathered his troops and officer's. They're heading to Guagua. "

" What the heavens is he gonna do there? "

" He said sir, that if you want to face him, he'll be there."

General Luna laughed at General Mascardo's challenge.

" How many men do we have now? "

" The Bernal brothers are here with 200 men. "

" Captain. Major. " General Luna said greeting both of the brothers.

" General."

" Do not worry, General. We are behind you. "

the Bernal brothers said showing their loyalty to General Luna.

" There are some men stationed at the bridge. Rusca hasn't returned yet. " Colonel Roman informed the general.

" Captain Jose Bernal?"

" General."

" Stay here with a few Lieutenants to oversee the bridge defenses. I need 50 men to come with me to Guagua. " General Luna said to everyone at the camp.

Meanwhile, Luna secures additional reinforcements, including the Luna sharpshooters, and makes preparations for the inevitable clash, even bringing a symbolic coffin, foreshadowing the intensity of the conflict that lies ahead.

" Send a telegram to Alejandrino and say to him that I need a battalion of my Tiradores de la Muerte (Luna sharpshooters) in Guagua."

" Yes, sir " Roman said.

" Oh, and Roman let's bring a coffin. "