Chapter 10: "A Nation Divided"

Chapter 10: A Nation Divided

General Antonio Luna sat in his office, his mind filled with concern as he received a message from the Supremo Office. The message bore grave news: he was to negotiate with his longtime friend, General Emilio Aguinaldo. The reason? Aguinaldo's desire to revolt against the Franz Government.

Luna's brow furrowed as he read the words again, disbelief washing over him. He and Aguinaldo had fought side by side, shared victories and defeats, their bond forged in the fires of revolution. Yet now, it seemed their paths were diverging.

A sense of duty gnawed at Luna's conscience. He knew Aguinaldo's intentions were fueled by a desire for freedom, for justice. But the thought of plunging their motherland into further chaos weighed heavily on Luna's mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that an uprising would only bring suffering and instability to their already fragile nation.

Rising from his chair, Luna paced the room, his thoughts swirling like a storm. He recalled the sacrifices made by countless patriots, the bloodshed that had paved the way for their fledgling republic. Was it all for naught? Could they risk it all on the gamble of rebellion?

But as he pondered, Luna's resolve hardened. He couldn't betray his principles, his commitment to the greater good. Despite his deep friendship with Aguinaldo, Luna knew he had to stand firm in his beliefs. He couldn't in good conscience support a course of action that would only lead to further devastation.

He understand that Aguinaldo and other General was dissatisfied because of unequal distribution of power, however the nation had just recently gained it's independence. He couldn't help but recall the words of the revered Jose Rizal, a voice of reason in tumultuous times. "The nation is not ready yet for leading themselves," Rizal had written to Luna, a sobering reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. Luna understood the sentiment all too well; the intoxicating allure of power could easily corrupt even the noblest of intentions. And in a nation still finding its footing on the rocky path to independence, the dangers of unchecked ambition loomed large on the horizon.

Shino's promise to stabilize the country first before doing the democratic election was right, yet the people couldn't ignore their doubt and fear to the government who they think that won't keep its promise these cause mistrust and also woke the sense of people to go with the trend thinking that what they fought is justice.

Justice, though a noble ideal, is not always absolute and can be subject to interpretation and manipulation. Most terrorist groups in the future build their foundation and even recruit fools because of hiding in the name of justice. They exacerbate tensions, sow discord, and contribute to social unrest in the name of justice. While someone, also overused "justice" to manipulate and destroy a country.

The people clamored for change, their voices raised in protest against perceived injustices and inequalities. But Luna couldn't help but wonder: were they sabotaging their own chances for progress by refusing to give the government a chance to govern?

"The least that everyone could do now is to shut their mouth, stop protesting, and observe the changes," Luna mused aloud, his words carried away on the breeze. If the people made it difficult for the government to govern them, how could they ever hope to achieve the change they so desperately sought?

But Luna knew that human nature was a fickle thing, driven by desires that often exceeded reason. "Sometimes people always ask for more," he thought, a tinge of resignation coloring his words. "When they get one thing, they ask for more. Greed always accompanied jealousy."

And so, as Luna watched the ebb and flow of discontent swirl around him, he resolved to remain steadfast in his commitment to serving the greater good. For in a nation still finding its footing on the path to progress, it was not just the actions of the government that would shape their destiny, but the collective will of its people to rise above their fears and doubts, and forge a future worthy of their aspirations.

With a heavy heart, Luna prepared to embark on the journey to meet Aguinaldo. His mind buzzed with thoughts of the task ahead, the weight of responsibility pressing down upon him like a leaden cloak. He knew the outcome of their meeting would shape the future of their nation, perhaps even determine its very survival.