The Rebellion Burns Bright

After about half an hour, Colonel Kim finally managed to finish his tale. He explained to the commander in chief about his life in the future, his sudden appearance at Bunker Hill, his "mission" given to him by his "benefactor," his special tools and supply drops, and the future of the United States. To General Washington's credit, he looked calm and collected throughout the ordeal. He only raised an eyebrow when the colonel showed him the laptop and the various history articles stored within. When the Korean-American finished, General Washington shook his head disbelievingly, "So you are an officer of the "United States Marines" in the future, sent back into the past by the Almighty, and now you are here, fighting for your country's future and seeking to change it."

"That would be the simplest way to put it, sir."

"And what you told me is true? This "United States" we are fighting for will one day eclipse Britain and I will become the "Father" of the country?"

Colonel Kim nodded, "It is the truth, sir. The United States will become the world's greatest power by the mid 20th century and become unchallenged before the century's end. You were the nation's first president and many historians believe that without your guidance and your firm precedent, the nation might have struggled even more so after our independence."

General Washington remained silent for a few moments. His eyes glanced at the glowing screen of the laptop, and then back at Colonel Kim, "I have always believed that the Almighty had a presence on Earth and was involved in the daily lives of people. Although you have told me that you are unsure of what your "benefactor" is, I believe your presence is a sign of the Creator or some being that is related to him in some way. Since you are here under his blessings, I will support your endeavors, colonel. If the Divine Author wishes to rewrite the history of the United States through you, then I will follow his wishes and ensure the history of your world does not come about."

After saying this, General Washington bowed to the Asian officer, shocking both Colonel Kim and General Putnam. Colonel Kim shifted in his seat uncomfortably and cleared his throat, "I am surprised you took my tale well, general. To be frank, I thought there would be many more complications due to my unique circumstances."

"I will confess and state that I am... discomforted about the future generations revering my name and treating me like the Almighty himself. Yet it is humbling and it is a reminder that every action that I take from now on will affect the future generations of Americans. While your presence is surprising, I have accepted that the reasons for your travel are beyond my comprehension." The general stated as he straightened his back and came to a normal sitting position. "Now, what is your plan for the future, colonel? I assume you wish to win the war first and then reassure the values that the United States was founded on?"

The colonel pulled out some maps from his laptop to show the commander in chief his plan. "Yes, sir. I already have several plans in the works for the immediate future and then some long term plans I hope to accomplish over a long period of time. My immediate plans are to push the British out of the north completely and ensure they no longer pose a threat to the northeastern colonies. I am constructing a plan where I utilize my troops to invade Quebec and attempt to form an alliance with the Six Nations neighboring New York, seizing Montreal and Quebec to deny the British an invasion point to threaten New York. The second part of that plan is to have another army, or my regiment, invade the Maritime provinces shortly after, with their objective being Nova Scotia. In another history, Nova Scotia and Quebec were often the staging points of invasions and raids against the northeastern colonies. This time, with Boston no longer under siege, we will have the flexibility to counterattack the British and bring the war to their colonies. Since the British suffered heavy losses at Bunker Hill, they will be unlikely to hold both objectives and be forced to focus on one front or divert their forces. If we are able to seize our objectives, the northeastern colonies will be secured and we will be able to dig in to defend our positions. Additionally, with the northeastern colonies secured, we will be able to assist the south with greater vigor and have a bigger influence in the south throughout the war."

"I see, and with this, we can possibly win the war much earlier or even acquire the support of other European powers like in your history," General Washington nodded approvingly, "While I do not disagree with your plan to work with Indians, I must ask, what will you attempt to offer them to convince them to join our cause?"

"I understand it'll be a long shot to convince Congress, but I will attempt to explain to the representatives of the Continental Congress about my situation and convince them to allow the Six Nations to form a state in the Union."

Instead of General Washington answering, General Putnam cut into the conversation, "That will be a difficult and bold move, colonel. While I understand your reasons, I'm not sure if the Continental Congres will allow "savages" representation. It will mean slicing away a portion of New York and Pennsylvania and handing them to the Indians."

Colonel Kim tiredly sighed, "It will be a battle, but I do have leverage. I can offer them millions of pounds worth of gold, a fully equipped and battle-ready regiment, future knowledge about technology and inventions, and much more. While I do not wish to force anything upon the Congress, I can not let the atrocities that befell upon the Native Americans in my history happen in this history. Additionally, the Six Nations can be a valuable ally and with their assistance, we can take Quebec with far fewer losses and harass the British in their western territories. I can, quite literally, agree to pay off all of New York's and Pennsylvania's debt if they agree to release a small portion of their western territories to the Native Americans."

"And if that fails?" General Putnam asked.

"Then I negotiate with the Native Americans on my own. I'll offer them weapons, supplies, and money to convince them to fight for us."

"While I do see the value in allying with the Indians, I must warn you that this issue may divide Congress and your actions may turn them against you." General Washington warned.

The Marine officer looked at the leader of the Continental Army with fire in his eyes, "Which is why I will need your help, General Washington. You have greater sway with the Continental Congress than I do and Congress needs to see that we must avoid the mistakes the United States made in my history. Otherwise, it'll be an eternal stain upon our future nation. I believe the issue with dealing with Native Americans, slavery, and equal rights will be our biggest conflicting points, but those are issues I am unwilling to yield from."

General Washington looked deep in thought as he listened to the colonel's words. "They certainly will be difficult, but I will do my best to support you, colonel. You have my word. As a show of support, I will also free my own slaves and allow them to work on my farm with pay and lodging."

Even though the colonel was aware that General Washington was more agreeable than expected, he was surprised at the general's comment, "Just like that, sir?"

"I have now learned of the vile stain slavery leaves on our nation: the "Civil War," my own failures to even attempt to abolish slavery as the president, and the barbaric treatment of slaves by future slave owners. It is better to get rid of ourselves the institution now so that our future generations are not corrupted or mistreated from the practice."

A messenger called out from outside the tent, announcing that dinner was ready. Colonel Kim rose from the box he was sitting on and turned to his fellow officers, "For now, let us grab some dinner, sirs. We can discuss this at a later time. For now, let us enjoy some good food and relax. We can discuss the fate of our nation afterward."