Let's rewind a few hours before the incident. At the location where the uprising had occurred, the President of the Seven Republics was alone and unguarded, risking assassination, sitting and drinking tea with his leader, Celeste Villordo.
"I must confess that I don't like chamomile much, but it's better than drinking water, isn't it?"
"Not at all, young man. However, it's the least we have thanks to the blockade."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
Celeste was facing the most powerful person in the Seven Republics. If he were to die, the other nations would crush his revolution in the blink of an eye. Although he had political problems, he still enjoyed immense popularity among the people.
The truth was that Fausto did not fear for his life. He could boast that he had seen hell as a child, so he had no problem going to a war zone that could end in tragedy at any moment, with just a suitcase and a hat.
"I want to avoid bloodshed."
"That's asking too much, Mr. President."
"Of course, I come offering a way out that could end this, but I need your cooperation. I plan to listen to what you have to say."
"We want what everyone has, and what we are deprived of: freedom and rights."
"I can give you that, yes, but I also want you not to abandon your work."
"I can't guarantee that. When they are free, they will want to do different jobs. No one wants to work in a place that brings back bad memories."
"But they will need sustenance to maintain their freedom."
Fausto looked at a scruffy young man holding a rifle.
"Boy, come here."
The young man approached him cautiously.
"Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you. Tell me your name."
"Solaris Wilman."
"Very well, Solaris. How old are you?"
"Fourteen, sir."
"What were you before the uprising?"
"A slave, sir. My job was domestic work."
"What will you do when it's all over?"
"I... I don't know, sir. Survive."
Fausto looked at Celeste, then bid farewell to the young man.
"You may go, Solaris. Take care."
"Thank you, sir."
After the brief exchange of words, the young man walked away, leaving Celeste and Fausto alone.
"Survive. If a bullet doesn't kill him, hunger will," Fausto remarked.
After saying this, he took a sip of his tea. Celeste said nothing and simply looked at him.
"I can give them freedom and much more. I can guarantee rights and obligations as citizens, if they don't change their work. The minerals will continue to be extracted, but not until they collapse, rather for a clear, negotiable time limit, and they will be paid for it."
"What guarantees are there, sir?"
Fausto looked at the huge sign behind them. The sign read "Forreza Company" in large letters.
"Because I plan, as president, to take charge of you, not as slaves, but as employees."
"Excuse my boldness, but you are insane. Do you really think you can buy...?"
"I already did."
Celeste was shocked.
"Before coming here, I met with Mr. Arturo Forreza for coffee."
"How did you manage that?"
Fausto smiled.
It turned out to be true. Fausto had met with the magnate Forreza. Initially, the magnate wanted the president to solve his problem with the army and have the state pay for the damage to his company. But Fausto knew him well; during the week he had been silent, he had been investigating a way to resolve this situation without bloodshed.
Arturo Forreza had taken over his father’s company, Oscar Forreza, who died of natural causes and left the company to his only son. The incompetent Arturo began squandering his father’s fortune within two years. The losses were increasingly high, causing the maintenance of the slaves' basic needs to deteriorate and resulting in poor living conditions among them. The situation among the slaves was so unstable that even a small problem or situation could trigger a revolt. It wasn’t overnight; it was an incredibly prolonged process that lasted two years.
Fausto made a deal with him, explaining that his assets were in the hands of the slaves, and if he sent the army, the little he had would go down the drain. The slaves would barricade themselves in the factories, and the military would not hesitate to open fire or even set the factories on fire with the slaves inside. Of course, the slaves, being the most expensive and valuable asset of the company, would be executed if they took up arms. Mr. Arturo, with his diminished but enviable wealth for any average worker, would have to use that "little" fortune to restore it and also buy more slaves. With a massacre of such magnitude, the price of slaves would rise, and he would have to pay double what he had paid. If he wanted to sell the company, no one would want to take over a company in ruins whose repair and maintenance costs would not compensate for the profits for at least five years. No one would want to take on an asset that would not yield immediate profits.
Thus, with little effort and a purchase of over two million lunarios, Fausto took over the company's rights.
"I can't believe it," Celeste was astonished.
"Can I count on your support?"
Celeste thought for a moment.
"I would like to consider this offer, if it's not too much trouble."
"Of course, but only for one day."
"You will have a clear answer by tomorrow."
Fausto stood up and went to the hotel where the slaves were staying, clearly disturbed. Curiously, neither of them slept well that night, each with different problems. On one hand, Celeste had a very important decision to make, perhaps the most crucial of her life, as she held the future of her people in her hands. Whatever her decision, it would greatly affect her and others, either positively or negatively. On the other hand, Fausto could not sleep due to the chaos in the hotel: chanting, drunks, music, and moans.
"Have I made a mistake?" he wondered to himself.
He had forgotten the detail that the cabeluces are nocturnal people, and the few people at their noon meeting were because they were resting.
The next day, both Celeste and Fausto had dark circles under their eyes from not sleeping well, each for different reasons.
"We have a deal."
"I accept the terms, but with conditions."
"Go ahead."
"I want to ensure the safety of all those who have rebelled against their owners."
"I agree."
"I want the decision of those who refuse to work in mining to be respected and for them to be offered other employment."
"Their decision will be respected, but no job will be guaranteed. I can only offer options, but not ensure acceptance."
"A law that..."
"It's already in progress."
"Oh, good."
Fausto stood up and extended his hand.
"Please, no," Celeste said with disgust.
"I insist, Miss Celeste."
With no other alternative, Celeste accepted the handshake.
"It’s done."
"I suppose."
"By the way, do you have a radio station?"
Fausto wasted no time and headed to the only radio station still operating. Curiously, the announcer was there drinking tea, and when he saw the president, he was alarmed and spat out his tea.
"Mr. President?!"
Fausto walked in and entered the booth.
"Good morning, sir. I need your help to connect to a radio station in the capital."
"Understood, sir..."
"Do you have coffee?"
"On the top shelf, sir."
Fausto opened one of the many doors there and took out a glass jar of ground coffee. Without measuring it too carefully, he proceeded to eat the raw coffee with four spoonfuls, then drank some water.
"Is this how you do it in the capital?"
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
"That’s how I do it."
The radio connected to a station in the capital, and the rest is history. The message reached Congress through the radio station because it was time to vote.
"Good morning, honorable representatives. I know very well that I am not liked by you, just as your existence is a justified annoyance to my government. And to be honest, I have often considered blowing up Congress myself."
Everyone was stunned by these latest statements; even Victorino covered his face out of embarrassment. However, the message continued.
"But I understand you. That’s what democracy is about: thinking differently and having more than one vision of how to help the country. Even though the ideas may differ, they are valid; any idea on how to help the nation is valid. I understand that you may not want to assist me on certain issues for various reasons, but I don’t want to be the president remembered for sending an army to suppress a slave revolt, nor the state genocidalist who pioneered massacres. This law is intended to prevent that. I am aware that the representatives of Artigas and Neptún oppose the law for the liberation of slaves, but I can offer you solutions that, I swear on my life, will be beneficial for your nations. The state will provide a fifty thousand lunario bonus for mineral extraction, in addition to the total reconstruction of Ochanca by the Presidential State."
The senators and deputies looked at each other, murmuring among themselves, and the first to speak was Aníbal Harrington from the JW party, representing Artigas.
"The Artigas Murallista Party will be willing to support you only if the national government agrees to subsidize the infrastructure damaged during the uprising."
"That will be done, honorable..."
"Aníbal Harrington."
After saying this, Mr. Harrington sat back down and stared at Julio Cantero, president of the JW party. However, he did not oppose and supported his colleague Aníbal’s stance.
For his part, Neptún, who would be greatly benefited by the president’s proposal and the support of the JW party, did not need to be eloquent to express his agreement. As is customary in bureaucratic history, the UL did not want to miss the chance to prolong its monologue on why it should say yes. This monologue was delivered by Senator Luciano Zárate.
"Regarding the present resolution of the future causes and consequences of this decision, considering the clear and unequivocal stance of our peers, we are completely aligned with a decisive and cooperative relationship with our sister nation. That is to say, our support is total and willing."
Victorino laughed at the situation.
"So much paraphrasing just to say yes," he whispered to his aides.
On the other hand, Fausto was about to fall asleep when he heard that Mr. Zárate would speak. However, he soon resumed eating his coffee by the spoonful when he began to speak, and to everyone’s surprise, he was brief.
"Ahem, then I would like to present the vote on these two laws, which are in the hands of the Chief of the Chamber, Mr. Javier Pozo."
Javier stood up, and with the papers in hand, raised them in the air for everyone to see.
"From this moment, a copy will be delivered to each representative of the chamber so that they can read it and declare whether they agree with it or not."
Then he looked towards the radio.
"Are you still there, Mr. President?"
"Yes, I’m still here."
"Good, because your voice must be present. As you are promulgating this new reform, there will be members who will not agree with certain parts of your law, so you must make statements. Otherwise, I will call for a break, and we will debate it when you are present."
Fausto loosened his tie and took one last spoonful of coffee before setting it aside.
"Of course, I will be here."
Fausto found himself compelled to stay glued to the radio while Congress began to read what the president proposed. Soon after, Celeste reappeared, accompanied by some of her aides, who looked visibly troubled.
"Sir, there are problems."
Fausto was surprised to see the concern on Celeste’s aides’ faces.
"Excuse me, I need to step away for a moment."
"You may take as much time as you need, Mr. President. The procedures will take time, but it would be best if you were present to make statements."
"I will be present."
Fausto stood up from his chair and followed Celeste outside. It turned out that from the barricade, one could see the Artigas Republic's cavalry, which was prepared to enter. He quickly realized that they fully intended to do so.
"STOP THERE!" Fausto shouted.
He began to run towards the barricade and climbed onto an improvised platform that had been built. As he approached them, one of the soldiers drew his weapon and aimed it at him, but his superior snatched it away.
"He's the president, idiot."
Fausto climbed onto the improvised platform and faced his superior.
"Name and rank, number, and reason for your arrival."
"I am Commander Vega Ocampo of the 103rd Battalion of the Republic of Artigas. I am sent by Magistrate Claudio Domini-co."
"Very well, Mr. Ocampo, you and your men may leave."
"I'm sorry, but I can't do that. I have orders."
Fausto laughed.
"Don’t forget that you must obey my orders. I am the supreme commander of the armed forces, as dictated by the constitution you swore to uphold."
"I answer to the magistrate, sir, not to you."
"Then I must take this as an act of rebellion."
"Take it as you will. I won’t take orders from a child who doesn’t know how to lift a rifle, President."
"Enough. You and the magistrate are under arrest for insurrection."
The soldiers laughed, except for Ocampo.
"You are not, and will never be, my superior."
The soldiers raised their weapons.
"Commander!? This is treason."
"Silence, sergeant. We have orders to follow. Military laws are not bound by the constitution, and our chief is the magistrate."
Celeste went on the defensive, but Fausto stepped in.
"There will be no bloodshed. This ends now."
"Words won’t work. If he dies, he’ll become a martyr for the others, and we can get rid of these dirty cockroaches."
The sergeant took his rifle and struck Commander Ocampo in the face, knocking him unconscious from his horse.
"Fool," he then addressed the other men. "Listen, I’m in charge now. Arrest this man for treason."
"Thank you, sir..."
"Axel Quiroga."
"You have my gratitude. While we’re speaking, a law is being voted on to resolve this without bloodshed. Please, withdraw."
"Although I’m against this crazy man, it’s true we have orders from the magistrate. We can’t disobey, but I can encircle the area and buy time."
"Buy time?"
"We’re the first to arrive. Our task was to destroy the barricade so that reinforcements could cross. The commander... well."
"How many are there?"
"Twelve battalions: 1, 6, 15, 16, 41, 89, 123, 204, 25, 33, 10, and 103."
"Very well, these are the new orders: encircle the area and protect these people."
"These... slaves?"
Celeste glared at the officer with anger, but Fausto approached her.
"No, they are citizens."
The sergeant looked intrigued but nodded and accepted his words.
"I understand," he then addressed his men. "Soldiers, you heard: protect the president and the citizens."
"YES, SIR!"
The soldiers trotted off to prepare the area. Celeste sighed in relief and looked at Fausto.
"Thank you."
"Not yet. He’s right, you’re still a slave, but that will end today."
Fausto quickly returned to the radio station; he had already delayed too long.
"Mr. President? Are you there?"
"I’m back. I had some circumstances. I would like you to inform Magistrate Dominico to withdraw his troops from the city."
"ARE THERE TROOPS MOVING WITHOUT SENATE APPROVAL?!"
"That voice... Erick?"
"Yes. When you return, there will be things to clarify, but for now, that reprimand will be dealt with by the magistrate. He has endangered the safety of his head of state."
"Yes, yes. And the vote?"
"The bloc has agreed on the referendum, so the voting will begin."
Fausto celebrated silently.
"Very well, I’ll wait for the result."
As Fausto turned around, the cabin was filled with cabeluces, with Celeste at the head of the small crowd.
"Hello, um... is something happening?"
"The voting has started, hasn’t it?"
"Yes, it has."
"Let’s hope for the best."
"No, it will happen. There’s no doubt."
Long hours passed as the deputies gave lengthy speeches, expressing their positions, whether to abstain or oppose. However, to the relief of many, those in favor cast their votes immediately. Of the deputies, only eleven voted against; there were no abstentions. It then moved to the senators. By custom, the bloc that pushes the law votes first. As Victorino had resigned from his role as president of the chamber, he was limited to observing the voting. Fortunately, all voted in favor, but when it was Hidalgo Rivas’s turn, he responded:
"I abstain."
The RIU erupted in opposition, and the boos were numerous. It was clear that the eleven Rivas had influenced had become fifteen. This drew a smile on Aníbal’s face, a smile he directed at Victorino when his turn came.
"I vote in favor."
Victorino knew he had to offer something in return, as discord had been noticeable within the official bloc. Now the RIU did not show as much unity; no one voted against, but there were fifteen abstentions. The JW party voted in favor, and only six senators from the UL party voted against.
"By a wide margin, the law promulgated by President Joaquín Gabriel F. Fausto is ratified and becomes Law 13.505 of the Constitution."
Fausto closed his eyes and smiled.
"That means..."
"Yes, Miss Celeste, you are all free. All of you."
Those simple words, which were a treasure to them, had become reality. The euphoria was such that, upon hearing it, they rose in joy and celebration. Cabeluces were embracing and crying. Even Celeste was in shock, realizing she was no longer chained to anyone. Her surprise and relief were so great that she lost strength in her legs and knelt before Fausto. Immediately, everyone lifted him in their arms and carried him out of the radio station. Even the announcer, who was not a cabeluz but a simple Black citizen, joined in the celebration.
They carried the president in their arms to the plaza, where the crowd chanted his name.
"FAUSTO! FAUSTO! FAUSTO!"
The cheers and euphoria reached the ears of the army, which surrounded the city in case the battalion attempted to enter. Sergeant Quiroga raised his saber, and the others followed, saluting the new citizens.
When Fausto asked to be set down and his feet touched the ground, he quickly sought an elevated area to be seen by everyone, or almost everyone. He climbed onto an improvised podium so that everyone could see him and began to sing the anthem of the Seven Republics.
"Listen to the change, breathe the future, feel the hope, behold the great republic."
The people began to join in his singing, a song that reached the soldiers. They were compelled to stand at attention upon hearing their homeland’s anthem, a melody that could be heard from afar. This is the anthem of the Seven Republics.
(Spanish)
Escuchad el cambio,
Aspirad al futuro,
Sentid la esperanza,
Contemplad la gran república.
Ha llegado el momento, es la hora de alzarse.
Los laureles de los ancestros claman por la patria.
Nuestro pabellón, teñido en sangre, resguarda nuestro legado.
Somos el porvenir, los heraldos del cambio.
Juramos defender, luchar y construir:
¡Victoria o muerte!
Escuchad el cambio,
Aspirad al futuro,
Sentid la esperanza,
Contemplad la gran república.
Desde los cuatro puntos cardinales, ¡Patria o muerte!
Somos la revolución, los idealistas, la esperanza viva.
Gloria a la muralla, al pueblo y a la vida,
Gloria a la bandera, a la democracia,
Gloria a las siete repúblicas, con gracia y audacia.
Ha llegado el momento, es la hora de las murallas,
Ha llegado el momento, es la hora de la república,
Ha llegado el momento, es la hora de la esperanza,
Ha llegado el momento, es la hora del pueblo,
Ha llegado el momento, es la hora de la democracia.
Escuchad el cambio,
Aspirad al futuro,
Sentid la esperanza,
Contemplad la gran república.
¡Patria o muerte!
Desde las cuevas hasta las montañas, somos la grandeza.
Un movimiento social que crece por y para todos.
Salve la gran democracia, salve nuestros ancestros.
¡Victoria o muerte!
Estad atentos, somos el cambio, es la hora.
Estad atentos, somos la democracia, es la hora.
Aunque el pasado duela, somos el futuro, es la hora.
¡Por y para nuestro pueblo!
Escuchad el cambio,
Aspirad al futuro,
Sentid la esperanza,
Contemplad la gran república.
Ha llegado el momento, es la hora de las murallas,
Ha llegado el momento, es la hora de la república,
Ha llegado el momento, es la hora de la esperanza,
Ha llegado el momento, es la hora del pueblo,
Ha llegado el momento, es la hora de la democracia.
¡Patria o muerte!
Escuchad el cambio,
Aspirad al futuro,
Sentid la esperanza,
Contemplad la gran república.
¡Patria o muerte!
(English)
Listen to the Change
Aspire to the Future
Feel the Hope
Behold the Great Republic
The time has come, it’s time to rise.
The laurels of our ancestors cry out for the homeland.
Our flag, dyed in blood, guards our legacy.
We are the future, the harbingers of change.
We swear to defend, to fight, and to build:
Victory or death!
Listen to the Change
Aspire to the Future
Feel the Hope
Behold the Great Republic
From the four corners of the world, Homeland or Death!
We are the revolution, the idealists, the living hope.
Glory to the wall, to the people, and to life,
Glory to the flag, to democracy,
Glory to the Seven Republics, with grace and audacity.
The time has come, it’s time for the walls,
The time has come, it’s time for the republic,
The time has come, it’s time for hope,
The time has come, it’s time for the people,
The time has come, it’s time for democracy.
Listen to the Change
Aspire to the Future
Feel the Hope
Behold the Great Republic
Homeland or Death!
From the caves to the mountains, we are greatness.
A social movement growing by and for all.
Hail the great democracy, hail our ancestors.
Victory or Death!
Be vigilant, we are the change, it’s time.
Be vigilant, we are democracy, it’s time.
Though the past may hurt, we are the future, it’s time.
For and by our people!
Listen to the Change
Aspire to the Future
Feel the Hope
Behold the Great Republic
The time has come, it’s time for the walls,
The time has come, it’s time for the republic,
The time has come, it’s time for hope,
The time has come, it’s time for the people,
The time has come, it’s time for democracy.
Homeland or Death!
Listen to the Change
Aspire to the Future
Feel the Hope
Behold the Great Republic
Homeland or Death!