Napoleon
Page 26
“Not bad. That would help the average citizen tremendously by not only saving fuel, but by pouring out less smog into the city. And it is an item that can be exported as well. Vara, when you arrive, scout out an iron foundry we might purchase, or at least a good site for us to build upon.”
Vara's trip came and went. Scouting for a metalworks foundry was followed by gathering funds and buying a small home in London, which was outfitted with clothes. “The home furnishings are sparse, as well are the funds. I'm sorry, but it is the best I could do in that short time.”
Reno gave a single bow. “Any accomplishment along those lines will give me an advantage. You seem to be very resourceful in these matters. Your work is to be commended.”
“Thank you, but I've been doing these exact things for Naffi for most of my working life. That experience has given me both the attitude and determination I need.”
“When Naffi's next journey is complete, would you mind going back and finishing this funding effort? If I come into the education community with monies, I am far more likely to be accepted.”
A new clone was readied, bio-linked to Naffi, and sent back through time. Playback began after a trek to and up the Hudson had John Crawley standing at the edge of a clearing that looked out onto the main Mohawk Indian village. Two scouts emerged from the woods surrounding him, taking him by the arms.
“What is the meaning of this?”
“You come with us. Chief will explain.”
A short walk had John standing in the tent of the Mohawk chief. “John Crawley, please sit.”
“Am I a captive?”
“I wanted to thank you for your efforts.”
“I saw members of the Wabanaki out there. Is there peace between you?”
The chief smiled as his guest took a seat on a fur. “There is peace, and there is war.”
“What?”
“Peace with our brothers, war on your brothers.”
“What? You are declaring war on the British?”
“They have invaded our lands. They make our people slaves. We shall push them back to the sea.”
“You can't possibly win. They have too many people and too many guns.”
“We have guns. The French are bringing ten thousand rifles.”
“Still. There has to be twenty-five times your number of warriors to Brits alone.”
“The Iroquois have made peace with the Wabanaki. A meeting of the First Nations has us being joined by the Illinois, the Shawnee, the Cherokee, the Erie and many others. We have two thousand warriors with us today. In the coming weeks those numbers will swell by twenty-fold, with more to follow. It is time we took back what is rightfully ours.”
Naffi paused the playback. “This was not the plan I had in mind.”
“The colonists have forts,” Reno said. “They can defend themselves.”
“Against bands of Indians, yes. But not against this. Not only are these First Nations fierce fighters, they are also motivated. We may have to rethink our efforts here. These tribes could end all colonization, for decades if not centuries. Check the archives... I'm thinking the war that is coming will not end in our favor.”
~~~~~
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