Time for a history lesson as the Mane 7 are launched by Twilight's newest invention back in time to the American Revolution.
Twilight Sparkle’s done it again; her inventing has gotten the girls in trouble, this time with history. That’s right; she’s built a time machine and it’s sent the Mane 7 hurtling back to the 1770s. Now with a front-row seat to the American Revolution, can the girls stay under the radar, or will their presence in the past spell ruin for their future?
I really got the idea to start writing this after getting recently interested in a historic fiction show called "Liberty's Kids", which features a lot of aspects of Revolutionary history I never knew about beforehand. I highly recommend it (you can find it on YouTube, though I suggest Awesome Inspector's playlist of all the full episodes in order) and hope you enjoy my story. Comments and criticisms are more than welcome.
Summer in the town of Canterlot City; a favored time for students of Canterlot High. It always meant they could take time away from their studies to work on personal projects for as long as they liked. And one of the students with the greatest of projects was Twilight Sparkle; a child inventor and student of otherworldly magic under her classmates and good friends.
But right now, her friends were more bored than anything. “Okay, I know we all love Twilight, but is anyone else thinking this is a waste of time?” Rainbow Dash was right to ask; Twilight had called her friends over to show them a new invention but had instead kept them locked outside her lab for almost twenty minutes as she made “final adjustments”, as she called it.
“Now Darling, you must remember; if she takes this time, she’s clearly going for fabulous.” Rarity reminded. “And fabulous takes time.”
“And in this case, so does awesome,” Twilight remarked as she finally stepped out of her lab with Spike at her side. “Behold my latest invention; the Chrono-Slide.” The girls were confused at the sight of it.
“Uh, Twilight? I don’t wanna offend you or anything, but this ‘latest invention’ looks a lot like a Walkman.” Sunset Shimmer was right; it certainly appeared to be the old-fashioned music device.
Twilight just smirked. “Well, I’m pretty sure the guys at Sony never gave their Walkman toys like this.” And sure enough, when she opened the device, instead of a tape-deck, there was a system of advanced-looking controls; buttons, switches, and a time readout. “Observe.” She pressed one button on the device and suddenly, she looked nothing like she used to; her skin was a fair Caucasian, her hair turned black and her eyes turned dark blue.
Naturally, the girls were more than a bit surprised; they had no idea Twilight’s tech could do something like that. But Rainbow was still somewhat dubious. “Really Twilight? You spent three weeks working on a makeup machine?”
“Well, if you wanna call it that, sure. But it does a lot more than that.” She pointed the device at Spike and pressed the button again, suddenly turning him dark brown and black. “It’s also a portable historic wardrobe.” With that, she pressed another button and was suddenly encased in a simpler skirt and sweater that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the 1970s.
“Oh darling, that’s divine!” Rarity was amazed as she looked at the device. “This would be perfect for my next fashion show.”
“I’m sure it would, but that’s not really why I built it,” Twilight assured, switching her and Spike back to their usual outfit and coloration. “This device is a nanotech auto-stitcher and holographic projector; true, but its main function is the temporal slide function.”
“Uh-huh, cool. And now maybe in non-nerd speak?” Rainbow insisted, much to Twilight’s chagrin.
“Wait a second, I think I’ve seen enough movies to know what she’s talking about.” Sunset realized. “Twilight, did you make a time machine?” Twilight’s smirk said everything that needed to be said.
“That is awesome!” Rainbow squeaked. “What’re we gonna do with it? Ooh, I know; we’re gonna go into the future to see just how awesome I get.”
“I would fancy a trip to the future as well; a chance to see the fate of my dreams as a fashionista would be wonderful.” Rarity agreed.
“Well, a trip to the future is certainly on my agenda,” Twilight noted. “But until then, I was thinking we might take a trip into history. A little historical research for research’s sake, y’know?”
“Only you could make something as awesome as a time machine sound so lame, Twilight.” Rainbow rolled her eyes as she said that.
“Oh please, don’t tell me you’ve never looked up certain athletic records just because you wanted to.” Twilight countered.
Rainbow opened her mouth to say something, but then realized Twilight was exactly right; she’d done that a thousand times before, so she rethought what she said; “Okay, you got me.”
“Thought so.” Twilight nodded. “Now let’s get ready for our trip into history.” With that, she quickly hit herself and Spike, turning them to their cover colors.
That actually made Applejack think. “Wait, so what’s the point of that part?”
“Well, you don’t exactly see great historic figures walkin’ around looking anything like us, do you?” Twilight brought up. Applejack just shrugged in response. “Thankfully, your coloration is fairly standard, so I won’t have to use it on you.”
“But the rest of us get a makeover. Nice.” Sunset smiled, even though her transition wasn’t really all that extreme; her eyes stayed the same, her skin turned a few shades brighter and her hair simply transitioned to low orange.
Fluttershy’s skin turned a simple fair color, while her hair turned a pale blonde and her eyes remained their standard light blue. Pinkie’s skin turned tan while her hair turned bright orange, her eyes remaining the same as well.
Rainbow’s disguise was a bit more interesting; her skin turned darker tan, but her eyes and hair both turned brown, which seriously confused her. “Whoa! Uh okay, what’s going on here? What sense is this gonna make with my name?”
“Your real name is gonna draw way too much attention from people in the past.” Twilight reminded. “We’ll have to come up with aliases based on where and when we end up.”
Sunset nodded, before glancing over at Applejack. “Are you gonna be able to handle that?” She was right to worry; Applejack was honest to a fault, and if that honesty meant she accidentally told people in the past who they really were, it might spell ruin.
“Course I can; I’m on the internet. I use fake names all the time,” she assured.
“If you’re sure.” Sunset shrugged as she glanced over at Rarity; her skin turned to a fair though pale tone and her hair turned black, her clear blue eyes remaining.
“Well, I must say; this is a remarkable look.” Rarity smiled. “Oh, I must come up with a line to suit this new look. Perhaps something with a brighter blue.”
“You won’t have to worry about that too much, Rarity,” Twilight assured, holding up the time machine. “I programmed the device to automatically create clothes appropriate for the era and location we end up in. Speaking of first, where to first?” She twisted the knobs near the time and location screens, trying to figure that out.
Pinkie’s attention was immediately caught by something on the device. “Ooh, big red button.” She immediately pressed it and the machine started revving up.
“Why did you do that?!” asked Rainbow. She didn’t get her answer as a large field of a strange energy formed around the group. “Uh-oh.”
“Twilight, make it stop!” Spike yelled.
“I can’t; it’s locked in,” Twilight answered.
“Well, where are we going?” asked Sunset.
“I don’t know; I didn’t see what the readout said and now it’s fritzing,” Twilight answered.
“Well, I guess we’ll just have to see where we end up when we land.” Applejack shrugged.
“Brace yourselves; this might be bumpy.” Twilight was right to give that warning; it looked like everything outside the field was disintegrating. Then they felt as though they were being shot out of a cannon; pressed up against the back of the field as it shot through history.
“I’m gonna hurl!” That was the last thing the girls heard Rainbow yell before they blacked out. Where they ended up, only fate could say.
“Whoa!” That was the first thing yelled as the girls were flung from the time-warp, landing face-first into a low snowbank. They each groaned as they pulled themselves up from the snow, finding themselves on cobblestone streets sheeted in snow, surrounded by old-fashioned structures.
“Ugh. Where are we?” Rainbow groaned as she stood, only to do a double-take when she saw her clothes. “And what are we wearing?” They all appeared to be wearing simple young women’s dresses from what seemed like centuries ago, including a straw hat on Applejack’s head and a pair of miniscule, black-rimmed round-lensed spectacles on Twilight’s face. Each of their outfits seemed colored like their original skin colors, but it was still quite jarring.
“Hang on, lemme check.” Twilight looked down at the time machine in her hand, now in the form of a small wooden box on a leather strap. Her eyes popped when she saw the date on the display. “This isn’t good.”
“What do you mean? What does it say?” asked Sunset.
“It says that this is the evening of March 5th, 1770.” Twilight explained in concern. “The date of the Boston Massacre.”
Applejack was amazed and held her hat to her chest when she heard that. “First blood shed in the name of American independence.”
“You mean Pinkie Pie just catapulted us back in time to the start of the American Revolution?” Rainbow asked in shock. “What were you thinking, Pinkie?”
“Sorry, I couldn’t help it. Big red buttons are the mother of all buttons.” Twilight almost said that didn’t make any sense, but then she remembered that with Pinkie Pie, practically nothing made any sense, so she just shrugged and kept it to herself.
“Well, plus-side; we’ve got a front-row seat to the birth of a nation.” Sunset shrugged. “Should we go and watch?”
“We might wanna stay out of sight, just in case. Don’t want to get too swept up in history.” Twilight assured as she looked around. “But it looks like we’re in the right area. We’re in Boston, and if I’m not mistaken, the customs house should be right… over… there.” Sure enough, there was the large warehouse where everything began.
The girls all tried to stay undercover on the street as they saw a British soldier in a red uniform outside the door of the customs house. “Who’s that?” Rainbow asked quietly.
“That’s Private Hugh White; he’s what started this entire thing.” Twilight explained. “Maybe a little background would be helpful.” She smiled as she saw something down the road; a paperboy with the evening edition in his hand. Happy to find she had some era-appropriate money on hand, she walked over and bought an issue from him before she returned to the others, showing them the paper. “By this point, the British Parliament has passed several punitive laws against the colonies who didn’t even have a voice there, leading to increased tension between the colonists and the crown.”
“You know the old war cry of the beginning of the Revolution; ‘No taxation without representation'? That’s been echoin’ around the colonies for a while by now.” Applejack noted.
“Exactly, and it’s gotten so loud by this point, that the British have had to send troops here to try and maintain law and order.” Twilight explained. “They’ve been here for about two years, and relations have only gotten worse.”
“Psst. Someone’s coming.” Rarity pointed out. And there indeed was another British soldier walking down the street toward the customs house.
“That must be Captain-Lieutenant John Goldfinch.” Twilight pointed out as she saw a boy emerge from the wig-shop next door to the customs house. “And there’s Edward Garrick, the wigmaker’s apprentice who started it all.”
“Hey, Gold-birdy!” Garrick yelled. “My master’s still owed 15 pounds from your pocket! Get in here and pay it!” Goldfinch however seemed to ignore the taunting.
“Why isn’t he listening?” Rainbow asked.
“He’s already squared that debt.” Twilight explained. “But White doesn’t know that.”
And indeed he didn’t, as the private looked at the apprentice with a glare in his eye. “Oi, you! Show some respect; that’s a soldier of the crown!”
“Ya mean the same crown that’s taxing its own colonies into the ground without even givin’ them a say in the matter?!” Garrick yelled back.
“Oh boy, this ain’t gonna be good.” Applejack was right, of course; this confrontation only escalated as White and Garrick started exchanging insults, growing increasingly louder. Then things got worse as Garrick marched over and tauntingly poked White in the chest.
“Here it comes…” Twilight cringed in anticipation as White clearly lost patience and swung his musket, bashing Garrick in the face with the stock, making him cry out in pain as he fell into the snow, blood dripping from his cheek.
“Ooh!” the other girls cringed as another man came out from the wigmaker’s shop.
“What’s goin’ on out here? Edward? Edward, are you alright?” the man said in concern, before glaring at the now clearly frightened Private White. The soldier was quickly engaged in a loud argument with the wigmaker, which drew a larger crowd.
“Oh, this ain’t gon’ be good.” Applejack said in worry, and she was right; soon, White was surrounded by other civilians all jeering and yelling at him.
Among them was a young man Twilight recognized. “That’s Henry Knox. He’s working as a bookseller now,” she remembered.
“Everyone stay back!” White yelled in warning. “My weapon is loaded and I am prepared to fire if necessary.”
“Then know this, soldier; if you fire, you must die for it!” Knox yelled in argument.
The girls grew nervous and wisely decided to sneak their way to the roof of the custom-house, giving them a good view of the events even though they were hidden from view. Suddenly church bells clanged out around the streets of Boston, drawing people to pour into the streets.
The movements of several of them confused Rainbow Dash. “Why are they grabbing buckets?” she asked.
“The bell must be a fire alarm.” Sunset theorized.
“And who’s that young gentleman?” Rarity pointed to a darker-skinned man in fine clothes.
“That’s Crispus Attucks. He’s a free man of African and Native American heritage, considered a hero of his people.” Twilight remembered. “He may not know it, but he’s going to die tonight.” Attucks appeared to be leading the group of now at least fifty people, all surrounding Private White and forcing him onto the steps of the customs house, pelting him with snowballs and daring him to fire his weapon.
“Help! Help me!” he cried.
Rainbow’s sharp eyes spotted someone moving away from the mob. “Runner, 10 o’clock!” she pointed out.
“He must be going to get backup.” Applejack concluded. And sure enough, a few minutes later, seven more soldiers led by an officer arrived, forcing their way through the crowd to form a semicircle on the steps.
“Right men, fix bayonets!” the officer ordered as the blades were mounted on their weapons. “No one fires unless I give the order!”
“That’s Captain Preston,” Twilight noted. “Keep a close watch on him and his men.” The girls tried but were distracted by the growing mob, now several hundred people with some armed with ropemakers’ clubs, and all continuing to throw snow and ice at the soldiers, even some oyster shells.
“Fire! Fire! Fire!” the mob chanted, trying to goad the soldiers into firing.
Then a man in smart garb with a cudgel in his hand approached the captain. “Captain Preston! Sir! Sir, I am Richard Palmes; I keep an inn nearby. I’ve come to ask in good faith; are your weapons loaded?”
“Yes Mr. Palmes, they most assuredly are.” the captain assured. “But worry not; my men are under strict orders not to fire unless ordered. And anyway, they won’t whilst we’re positioned like this.” Indeed, Preston was positioned right in front of his soldiers.
“Smart move. If his troops fire, he’ll be in their sights.” Sunset smirked.
Suddenly something flew and struck one of the soldiers under Preston’s command, knocking him to the ground. He rose with a growl and leveled his musket. “Damn you; fire!” He fired his musket into the crowd, only to be swiftly struck in the arm by Mr. Palmes’ cudgel. Then he swung at Preston, narrowly missing the captain’s head and instead hitting his arm.
The rest of the soldiers didn’t know the order had come from that soldier and not from Preston, so they fired as well, one after the other in an undisciplined volley. “Cease fire! Cease fire!” Preston ordered in rage, but too late; three people – Crispus Attucks among them – lay dead in the snow. Eight others around the area, including a boy no older than the girls, were grievously wounded and clustered around the steps of the customs house.
The rest of the mob surged away, but still gathered in nearby streets as the girls watched on in horror, before an older man in official’s garments arrived with more soldiers. “That’s Acting Governor Hutchinson. He’ll be forced into the local statehouse in a moment.” Twilight noted, and indeed, the people did so, where he stood atop the balcony and looked down at them.
“Citizens of Boston, please calm yourselves!” he yelled. “As your acting governor I ask that you please disperse immediately, and I assure you there will be an investigation, and those found will be tried!” The people appeared disgruntled but appeased as they scattered.
The girls made the wise decision to slip away from the crowd and hide in an alley nearby. “What happens now?” asked Rainbow.
“Well, Captain Preston and eight of his men will be arrested tomorrow and there will be a massive war of propaganda on whether or not this was all intentional,” Twilight remembered. “But for right now, I suggest we make ourselves scarce. Maybe get out of Boston altogether.”
“Perhaps tomorrow. All this madness has left me somewhat tired.” Rarity insisted.
“Same here. And I wouldn’t mind a quick meal before bed.” Rainbow agreed.
“Good idea.” Sunset nodded. “Are there any inns near here?”
“What about that Palmes fella? He said he had an inn near here.” Applejack suggested.
“Well, we can certainly ask him for a room. If we can find him.” Twilight shrugged. “Spike?”
“On it.” Spike shrugged and sniffed the ground, quickly getting a scent of ale and bread; the telltale smell of an innkeeper of this time. “This way.” Quickly, he led the girls away from the site of the massacre and down the street to an area near the harbor, where they came to a small tavern.
Sunset stepped forward and rapped on the door, finding it answered by Mr. Palmes himself, who was rather surprised. “Goodness, what are you fine ladies doing out in this cold?”
“We’re new to Boston, sir. We weren’t prepared for these conditions.” Sunset knew she wasn’t exactly lying; she was just leaving a few details out. “Please sir, we’re hungry, tired, and cold. Can we come in?”
“Yes, of course. Please be my guests; you can warm yourselves by the fire.” He stood aside and allowed the group in, where they shivered near the burning hearth as they were told.
Twilight stood and smiled at the innkeeper. “Thank you very much for your hospitality, Mr. Palmes.”
The innkeeper seemed surprised. “Hang on; you said you were new to town. How did you know my name?”
“We saw you at the customs house,” Rainbow answered.
“Ah yes. Damn travesty, that display.” Palmes nodded as he cleaned up the main room. “Well, it would appear you have the advantage of me.”
Twilight knew what he meant. “Of course, sir; my apologies.” she nodded. “My name is Tara Spencer. This is my dog Spike, and these are my friends Samantha Stokes, Annie Jaqueline Smith, Veronica Dancer, Rachel Belle, Florence Sheppard, and Patricia Pierce.” The girls all bowed one after another.
“A pleasure, ladies.” Mr. Palmes smiled. “How long do you expect to be in Boston?”
“Just tonight. We’ll be leaving in the morning.” Twilight assured.
“I see. And where do you intend to go? Just out of curiosity.” Mr. Palmes asked.
“Philadelphia, maybe.” The girls were confused; they hadn’t really discussed any major plans for where to go after Boston, so why did Twilight want to go to Philadelphia? They swiftly got their answer. “I saw an advertisement recently that there are openings for work at the Pennsylvania Gazette.”
“Ah yes, that’s right; Dr. Franklin is hiring.” Mr. Palmes nodded. “Well, if you wish, I can see about arranging a wagon or ship for you tomorrow.”
“You’re kind enough offering us a place to stay the night, Mr. Palmes,” Sunset assured. “We can attend to our transportation needs ourselves.”
“As you wish.” Mr. Palmes shrugged. “In the meantime, perhaps some dinner before you go to bed?”
“Don’t mind if I help myself.” Rainbow smiled as she stood and moved to a table near the hearth to eat.
Soon enough, with full bellies, the girls went upstairs to their room, finding it rather small but enough for their purposes as the time machine transitioned them into nightgowns. “So Twilight, I’ve gotta ask; why do you wanna go work for this Franklin guy?” Rainbow asked seriously.
“Benjamin Franklin, one of the best renaissance men of this era.” Twilight explained quickly. “Writer, scientist, statesman; he does everything. Including owning a newspaper in Philadelphia, which we’ll need to get jobs at as a cover if we want to watch the events of the Revolution unfold without drawing too much attention.”
“That reminds me; the Revolution ain’t gonna really get started for another couple years.” Applejack noted.
“A few years? We don’t plan on staying that long, do we?” asked Rarity. “By the time we return to our own time, we’ll be old and gray.”
“No, we won’t, Rarity,” Twilight assured. “I installed a special function in the time machine that contains each of us in our own bubble of temporal stasis; time doesn’t affect us when we’re in the past. We could live from right this second till the moment we left our own time and we wouldn’t age a day.”
“Okay, that’s remarkably cool.” Sunset was right to be amazed; the only time travel magic she’d ever really heard about was the time-travel loop Princess Twilight mentioned after the Friendship Games, and it only involved a few jumps back and forth between one specific moment and various different future timelines. She laughed; man, the meeting after that was so awkward.
“Well, the way I heard it, the next big event in Revolutionary history was the Boston Tea Party, and that ain’t for another three years.” Applejack reminded.
“Age-stopping whatever or not, we’re not actually gonna hang out in the colonies for the next three years, are we?” asked Rainbow.
“Why not?” Twilight asked seriously. “This is a unique experience; a first-hand experience of a different place and time, meeting great people of history.”
“Well, before we go gallivanting off to meet His Majesty the King, I suggest we all try to get some sleep.” Rarity noted. “Good night, all.” With that, she blew out their candlelight and they all fell fast asleep.
Soon the next morning, the device had changed their clothes to a set more suited to the winter conditions of Boston and hired a wagon to carry them as they made their way out of town. As they rode toward the outskirts, they saw Captain Preston and his men being led away in chains. “Well, that’s fairly depressing to see,” Sunset remarked.
“Believe me, it’s about to get a lot worse from here on out,” Twilight remarked. “Anyway, let’s ride.” Applejack was at the reins of the wagon and with a simple crack, they began rumbling out of Boston.
As they rode, Sunset grew worried about something. “There’s just one more thing, Twilight. In pretty much every time travel movie I’ve ever seen, if people stay in the past too long or interfere with past events too much, they risk destroying the future. What’s to say that won’t happen to us?”
“Relax SunShim; if that happens, we can just go further back and correct it, right?” asked Rainbow.
“I’m afraid that’s not advisable unless you want the entire spacetime continuum destroyed.” Twilight explained briefly. “Anyway, we won’t have to worry too much. We can blend in perfectly well in this time; the device that creates our disguises is solar-powered and as long as we stay out of the spotlight and use our cover names, we’ll be fine.”
“That’s what they all say,” Sunset muttered. But she had to admit, it was a great experience being in this time period with her friends. And their time in the Revolution was only just beginning.
Four days’ ride in an old wagon on beaten dirt roads across the east coast, until finally, the brownstones of an old city came into view. Applejack tipped up her hat as she smiled over the buildings. “Up n’ at ‘em, girls. I think we’re here.”
Rainbow groaned as she pulled herself up from the old straw they stacked to make the wagon at least a little more comfortable. “You said that yesterday, and we ended up spending the night in Queens.”
Twilight groaned as well, rubbing her eyes as she looked out the front of the wagon. “No, she’s right. We’re here. That’s Philadelphia.”
“Great. Now, what?” asked Sunset.
“Now we get into town and ask where the Gazette’s office is.” Twilight explained. “Hopefully, Dr. Franklin will be willing to give us work and a place to lay our heads while we’re here.”
“You really think he’s just gonna let a bunch of weird teenage girls from off the street into his newspaper office?” Rainbow asked seriously as the wagon rolled into town.
“Why wouldn’t he?” Rarity shrugged. “I’ve heard Dr. Franklin is a very charitable gentleman.”
“He’s more than that, Rarity,” Twilight assured. “Dr. Franklin’s all sorts of things; writer, patriot, abolitionist, and credited as the first real American citizen.” She noticed a confused look in Rainbow’s eye when she said that, but still smiled. “You’ll understand if you go with him to London in a few years. In the meantime, let’s start looking around.”
The girls all started looking around outside the wagon as they rolled along the old cobblestone streets of Philadelphia. Eventually, Rarity grew tired and leaned her head out the side to wave to a passing constable. “Uh, excuse me. Yoo-hoo.” The constable seemed confused as the wagon slowly stopped. “I’m terribly sorry to bother you sir, but my friends and I were looking for the office of the Pennsylvania Gazette. Might you be able to tell us where to look?”
“Certainly.” the constable nodded, pointing down the street. “Just down that way and take the third left; it’s the fifth building on the right.”
“Many thanks, sir.” Rarity nodded, leaning back into the wagon. “If you would, Annie?”
“My pleasure, Rachel.” Applejack smiled as she clicked her tongue and cracked the reins, sending the horse at the wagon onward down the street, taking the required turns until they arrived at the office.
“Here we are, girls; our cover while we’re here.” Twilight smiled.
Rainbow was confused as she looked at the sign above the door. “Why does it say ‘Pennfylvania’?”
“That’s not an f Veronica, it’s a long s.” Twilight explained as Applejack hitched the horse outside the building. “It’ll be outdated in twenty years, so forget about it.” She then stepped forward and knocked on the door.
“Come in.” a kind voice came from inside. Twilight opened the door and led the girls inside to find a large older fellow behind a desk, reading something.
“Dr. Franklin?” Twilight asked.
“The same.” the old man smiled as he stood from his work and smiled at the girls. “And you are?”
“Tara Spencer, sir.” Twilight curtseyed respectfully. “My friends and I have just arrived from Boston, and we were hoping to find work here.”
“Well, a few extra pairs of hands are always welcome.” Dr. Franklin nodded. “Though I’m afraid you won’t be paid much for your services.”
“Whatever you can offer, we’ll accept, no questions asked, sir.” Applejack assured. “And who knows? We may have a story or two you might be interested in.”
This seemed to pique the old doctor’s interest. “Oh?”
“I don’t suppose you’ve heard about what happened in Boston four days ago as of yet, have you?” asked Rarity.
The doctor sighed and removed his small glasses, rubbing his eyes before he put them back on. “I’m afraid I have. In fact, just as you arrived, I was reading a dispatch from my associate in Boston; Paul Revere, telling me of what happened.”
“Well, we were there too.” Rainbow explained. “We saw the whole thing.”
“Did you?” asked Dr. Franklin in interest. “Well, in that case, I suppose you’ll agree that such news needs to be heard throughout the colonies.”
“Absolutely, sir.” Twilight nodded. “Let us write of those events for the Gazette, and any other major events in the colonies, and that will be all we ask of you.”
“All, of course, aside from a roof over our heads and food in our bellies,” Applejack added.
“Certainly.” Dr. Franklin nodded. “Professionally, I’ll have some papers for you to fill out beforehand, but on a personal note… welcome to Philadelphia.”
Twilight tried to suppress the “squee” in her mind as she shook Dr. Franklin’s hand. “Thank you, sir. I promise you won’t regret this.”
“I’m sure I won’t.” Dr. Franklin smiled as he handed each of the girls some papers. “Here are your forms. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m meeting an associate from New York for lunch in a moment. I’ll be back shortly.” With that, he put on a hat and coat hanging near the door and walked out of the print shop.
Once he was gone, Sunset had a chance to voice another concern. “I hate to keep questioning you Twilight, but are you sure this is a good idea?” she asked seriously. “We can’t stay here for very long without causing serious trouble for the future.”
“I understand your concern Sunset, but really, you have to relax; it’s like what Starlight told you when Juniper went wild; if you spend too much time worrying about the bad things that might happen…”
“I’ll miss out on all the good things that are happening.” Sunset smiled; Starlight Glimmer was a wise pony. She only wished she’d had a chance to hang out with her more. “You’re right; can’t believe I forgot about that. I’ll do better.”
“That’s all I ask.” Twilight smiled. “Now, let’s get ready for our time at the papers.” It didn’t take long for them to fill out their forms, and when they were done, they knew that their adventure in this time was about to begin.
The girls had been working and living in the office of the Pennsylvania Gazette for a little over three years, and just as Twilight had said, none of them had aged a single day in all that time. When Dr. Franklin asked about it, Twilight had told him it was simply a matter of good hygienic care that made them appear ageless. By this point, the girls had grown accustomed to the use of their era-appropriate cover names as they worked in the printing press room, waiting for the next event of the Revolution.
And it would soon happen. But first… “Ow! AJ!” Some shenanigans; Dr. Franklin had left for London a few weeks ago, leaving the girls in charge of the Gazette. Unfortunately, over the course of these few weeks, Rainbow had gotten her work-apron caught in the press more than once, and this time was no exception.
“Ugh. Again, Ronnie? Really?” Applejack sighed; they’d taken to calling Rainbow Dash ‘Ronnie’ as a shortened version of her cover-name Veronica. No one minded, least of all Dr. Franklin. Twilight was right; he was a very understanding man.
“Sorry. Get me outta here, will ya?” Rainbow Dash and Applejack had been working the printing press as they and the others all wrote and helped out around the shop; Twilight and Sunset worked inventory, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy sold the paper to the people, and Rarity edited what was written and kept the shop in order. Which she would need to do as Rainbow – freed from the press – fell into a pile of paper. “I’m okay.”
Spike smiled as he walked around, happy to just work in the shop. Twilight however sighed as she pulled Rainbow to her feet. “How many times has Dr. Franklin told you, Rainbow Dash? Don’t stand so close to the press when you’re working.”
“I know, I know.” Rainbow groaned. “Look, I’ve been tellin’ you this for months; I’m an athlete, not a reporter.”
“Well, that’s good cause ya haven’t been doin’ a lot of reportin’ anyhow.” Applejack smiled.
“Ha-ha.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “What do you expect; this town is boring. Aside from the Gaspee getting burned, nothing’s really happened anywhere in the colonies. When are we gonna see some action?”
Twilight smiled as she looked at the most recent edition of the paper. “Soon, looks like. Look at today’s date.”
Rarity glanced at the paper and raised an eyebrow. “December 12th, 1773. What of it?”
“Get the wagon ready; that’s what of it,” Twilight ordered. “We’re heading back to Boston. For a cup of harbor tea.”
This prompted some rightful confusion… except from Applejack; she knew what Twilight meant. “I’ll bring ‘er round front. Wouldn’t wanna miss the party.” That sparked much more understanding as she went out to get the wagon ready.
“The Boston Tea Party.” Sunset’s comment was met with a nod from Twilight.
“Though that term won’t be used for another 70 years; these days, they just call the event the ‘Destruction of the Tea’.” Twilight explained. “Either way, we won’t want to miss it.” Outside, they heard Applejack whistle from the wagon. “Let’s get moving.” Quickly, they closed the shop and piled into the wagon, which was quickly sent roaring up the coast toward Boston.
It was another long and dreary four-day’s ride, but when they finally arrived, they found a great commotion inside a large building on the south side of town. “That’s the Old South Meeting House. That’s where it’ll all start.” Twilight noted.
Quickly, Applejack stopped the wagon and they all piled out grateful the ride was over. “Ugh. Finally; my joints are killing me.” Rainbow groaned as she stretched. “What happened to these roads in the last three years?”
“Nothin’s wrong with the roads, Dash.” Applejack assured as she peeked under the wagon. “Axle’s breakin’. We’ll have to get it fixed if we wanna make it back to Philadelphia.”
“Can’t we just jump back with the time machine?” asked Rainbow.
“And leave the horse and wagon stranded in Boston in the winter?” Twilight argued soundly, shutting Rainbow up. “Look, let’s just cover the story here; we can worry about getting home later.”
And that’s just what they did, slipping into the crowd of thousands of people with one man at the front of it all; a well-dressed man in dark clothes. “People of Boston, I speak for us all when I say we have had enough.” The crowd erupted in agreement which filled the air. “Please, please!”
Rainbow smirked as she glanced over to Twilight. “Shot in the dark?” Twilight just nodded.
“Citizens, you know me as Samuel Adams; neighbor and friend.” the man remarked, affirming Rainbow’s suspicions. “Hear me now; Parliament continues to treat us with ill will.” This was met with a chorus of jeers and hissing. “First, the infamous Sugar Act raised our taxes; did we have a say? The answer is Nay! Then, the horrid Stamp Act nearly drove us to ruin! And of course, who can forget our brothers who lost their lives… in the Boston Massacre?!” He pointed to a picture of the incident, though it looked nothing at all like what the girls witnessed; it showed a group of unarmed people fired on in an organized volley from the British.
When that original engraving from Henry Pelham, John Copley, and Paul Revere first went public, the girls had sworn up and down to Dr. Franklin that its portrayal was ludicrously inaccurate, but it didn’t matter to the people of Boston; any excuse to vent their anger against the British, as the picture provoked another round of angry shouts and hisses. “And now, I’ve heard Governor Hutchinson has once again refused to let the tea ships in our harbor leave, thus insisting on collecting Parliament’s tea tax! But did we have a vote?!”
“NO!” the people jeered in rage, nearly deafening the girls as they moved back.
“Sheesh. Man, those people’s voices carry.” Rainbow noted.
“You’re tellin’ me,” Spike grumbled, scratching his ears.
“This meeting can do nothing further to save this country.” Adams continued, apparently leaving many in the area disgruntled and angry. “But rest assured, I shall appeal to both the captains of the ships and Governor Hutchinson myself to try and arrange some sort of compromise.” This speech continued for another ten minutes as the girls watched on, only for several in the crowd to leave, which seemed to frighten Adams. “Wait, what’re you doing? I haven’t finished; come back here immediately!” But they didn’t listen; they just took off for the harbor, jamming feathers in their hair and painting their faces with ash.
“What’re they doing?” asked Rarity.
“They’re disguising themselves as Mohawk natives.” Twilight explained as the people donned elaborate costumes. “It’s to stay undercover and to show they don’t accept the crown anymore; they’re Americans, not British.”
“Forget that; what about Adams?” asked Rainbow. “I thought he was in on the whole thing.”
“It’s disputed whether or not he was, but he will support it after the fact. Anyway, I don’t think now’s the right time to figure that out.” Twilight insisted. “Cmon, let’s get to the harbor.” Quickly, the girls jumped in the wagon and dashed down the empty streets after the mob until they reached the harbor at the end of Hutchinson Street, seeing three large cargo ships moored at the docks. “Thar they blow; Eleanor, Beaver, and Dartmouth. East India Company ships, all loaded with tea that’s about to be destroyed.”
And sure enough, the mob from the Meeting House arrived and started climbing aboard the ships, bashing open crates. “Just the tea, boys!” one of them yelled. “We don’t want anything else; just the tea!” The men cheered at this and started tossing tea chests overboard into the harbor waters, roaring the “no taxation without representation” call with every blow of an ax or crate thrown overboard.
This went on for almost three hours until finally, Rainbow couldn’t take it. “Okay, time to go be a reporter,” she smirked and quickly dashed aboard, finding a ringleader of this gang on the wheel-deck. “What’s goin’ on here?”
“What does it look like, girl? We’re protesting unfair taxes!” he growled. “Parliament raised the colonies’ tea taxes over our objections! Maybe next time, they’ll listen.”
Rainbow smirked as she looked overboard, seeing another procession approaching from the street. “Looks like someone’s listening.”
The man looked off the stern of the ship and saw exactly who she was talking about. “Redcoats!” he called to his men as the British soldiers charged up the gangplanks of the ships. “Abandon ship! Abandon ship!”
Quickly, the man all listened to him as they jumped overboard. Rainbow was swift to follow their lead as she climbed onto the railing, just as an officer charged toward her. “Better luck next time!” she taunted as she looked over her shoulder, swiftly jumping in. “Cannonball!” One loud splash later and Rainbow was down in the briny, swimming for her life to shore.
When she surfaced near the docks, she was pleased to see Applejack throw her down a rope. “Grab on!” No need to tell her twice; Rainbow Dash grabbed the rope and held on for all she was worth as her friends pulled her back to dry land, where they swiftly took cover behind some cargo on the docks. “Ladies, I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve had just about enough of Boston for one night.”
“Agreed. We need to leave town at once.” Rarity nodded.
“We’re not going anywhere on that axle.” Sunset reminded, pointing to the wagon. “We’re gonna need somewhere to lie low.”
“I think I can help with that.” Twilight smiled. “I know the people of this place and time. Let’s move.” Quickly, they all loaded up into the wagon with Twilight driving, all the others hiding under blankets on Twilight’s orders.
Suddenly she spotted a constable on the side of the road. “Halt!” he ordered as Twilight stopped the wagon.
“Good evening, sir.” she smiled. “Lovely night, isn’t it?”
“Lovely night for troublemakers.” the constable noted. “State your business, young lady.”
“Nothing criminal; just bringing some freshly quartered hogs to the Wheatley residence.” Twilight lied through her teeth.
“‘Wheatley’?” Rainbow whispered, only to be quickly shushed by Sunset.
“Hogs, you say? At this time of night?” the constable asked in suspicion. “I think I’ll have a look for myself.”
“I wouldn’t if I were you; it’s a gory mess back there,” Twilight assured. “These are some big, ugly hogs. Nasty to look at and boy, do they reek.” She felt Rarity kick her in the back of the leg for that little remark, but she kept a straight face as the constable looked at the blanket, sniffing.
“Whew! You’re right; they do stink,” he noted, pointing down the street. “The Wheatley home is right around the corner. Hurry along now; the redcoats have Boston under curfew. Nobody allowed on the streets after dark.”
“Won’t happen again, sir. And thanks again.” Twilight assured as she rolled around the corner and down the street to the servant’s door of a large house. “Okay, the coast is clear; we’re here.” The girls all piled out of the wagon and stretched… before Rarity slapped Twilight across the face. “Alright, I deserve that. But I had to tell him something; he was getting suspicious.”
“That doesn’t mean you get to insult me.” reminded Rarity.
“I think we’ve got more important things to worry about.” Rainbow reminded. “Like, what’re we doing here? Who are these Wheatleys?”
“We’re not here for the family; we’re here for their servant Phillis.” Twilight explained quickly.
Rarity’s eyes popped when she said that. “Phillis Wheatley… you mean the poet?”
“The very same.” Twilight nodded. “Anyone who can write stuff like hers wouldn’t dare turn away those who need help.”
“Well, we don’t have a lot of options.” Sunset shrugged. “Let’s do it.”
Twilight nodded and knocked on the door, which was soon answered by a young African woman. “Yes?”
“Ms. Wheatley, I presume?” Twilight’s question was answered with a nod. “We need your help.”
Ms. Wheatley looked up and down the street before she looked hard at the girls. “Did Mr. Adams send you?”
“Uh… yeah?” Rainbow answered unsurely.
“There’s a stable around back.” Phillis indicated. “The hinge squeaks so be careful; we can’t wake the master. I’ll bring vittles once you’ve settled.”
“Understood.” Applejack noted and carefully brought the wagon around to the back of the house. Phillis wasn’t kidding about the squeaky hinge, so she had to be extra careful as she let the wagon in.
Soon enough, everyone was situated in the stable eating while Applejack examined the broken axle. “Whew. Lucky we didn’t try to get home with this thing; we’d have never made it. We’ll have to get it replaced.”
“How long’ll that take?” asked Sunset.
“Not sure. Couple of weeks, maybe.” Applejack guessed.
“Fine by me.” Rainbow smiled. “We haven’t seen action like this in years.”
“Yeah, this place is really fun!” Pinkie smiled.
“It won’t be for much longer,” Twilight remarked. “We’re in the thick of it now; a few months and the Revolution will really start to pick up steam.”
“Yer the one who wanted a front-row seat.” Applejack reminded. “Now let’s hit the hay; long ride ahead of us.” Applejack blew out the lantern and the girls all laid down for bed, not knowing exactly how right she would be.
It had been a long three months since the girls had barely escaped punishment for being at the Boston Tea Party, and they were still hiding out at the Wheatly residence. With the British army essentially holding the city of Boston hostage, Applejack had been unable to find a new axle for their wagon, so they were forced to hide out and do their best to blend in in the harbor-city… especially when Sunset and Rainbow saw something happening at the harbor itself.
Quickly, they ducked down behind a large stack of crates nearby and watched as large ships all moored and allowed company after company of British soldiers onto the docks. “Man. That’s gotta be the entire British army.” Rainbow remarked. “But what’re they doing?”
Sunset wasn’t sure until she saw some of the soldiers setting up a sign. “I think I know.” And sure enough, the sign said, “Boston Harbor Closed by the order of Parliament!”, which made Sunset scowl. “I don’t believe this. Punishing an entire town for the actions of a small mob?”
“It wasn’t exactly small.” Rainbow corrected.
“Still though.” Sunset shrugged. “Cmon, we’ve gotta get back to the stable and write this down; the Gazette’s gonna catch fire with news like this.” No argument given; the two friends dashed back to their new hideout.
When they arrived, they found the others waiting for them. “What took you guys so long? And where’re those groceries?”
“No time for that; listen, the entire British army just landed at the harbor, and it’s closing down,” Sunset explained.
Twilight was astounded. “Oh, of course! I totally forgot about this,” she remarked. “We’ve gotta get to the Gazette.”
“Well then, today’s our lucky day.” Applejack smiled as she finished attending to the wagon. “I’ve got the axle replaced; let’s get a move-on.”
“Don’t need to tell us twice. Everyone load up.” Sunset ordered as the girls all barreled into the wagon.
Phillis opened the gate and allowed the girls out to the streets as they slowly made their way out. “Many thanks again, Ms. Wheatly, for letting us stay here. And for allowing me to read your poetry; it was magnificent.” Rarity assured.
“Think nothing of it, ma’am.” Ms. Wheatly assured. “Just make sure you aren’t caught.”
“No need to worry about that.” Applejack smiled. “Hope to see ya again soon. Yah!” With a crack of the reins, the wagon was sent thundering out of Boston.
Another long ride later, they arrived in Philadelphia and immediately started printing, telling the people of Pennsylvania exactly what was happening in Boston, telling of armed platoons marching the streets and the entire harbor shut down, even using the name they’d recently learned it was going by in Parliament; the Boston Port Act.
As a result, the outrage Sunset felt at the sight of the harbor closing and the city under siege was echoed across the colonies. But what caused even more outrage was when the girls heard in late May that another two acts had been passed. “The Massachusetts Government Act?” Rarity asked when Twilight brought the message about them back to the office.
“It just went public down here; Massachusetts’ municipal charter has been revoked and all offices are filled by the British government. And limits the number of state meetings to one every year, unless the governor calls otherwise.” Twilight explained, resulting in a mountain of outrage from the girls.
“That’s ridiculous!” Sunset balked. “How could they allow something like that?”
“How couldn’t they?” asked Applejack. “They’re the government.”
“And to be fair, from their perspective, we are criminals now.” Rarity reminded.
“Don’t start defending them, Rachel; they almost shot me off that boat, remember?” Rainbow reminded.
“Well, I’m afraid that’s not the worst of it.” Twilight brought up. “Another act was passed the other day; the Administration of Justice Act.”
“Lemme guess; officers get off scot-free?” asked Sunset.
“Worse; if the governor doesn’t think they’ll get a fair trial in Massachusetts, they can be sent somewhere else in the Empire.” Twilight explained. “And witnesses don’t get reimbursed for their travel expenses.” Another mountain of great outrage was prompted by this statement.
“Oh, this is absolutely intolerable!” Rarity scowled.
“That’s why the colonies are calling them the Intolerable Acts.” Twilight explained. “Either way, I say we should try to get some quotes on these acts from people around the colonies.”
“Good call. Let’s split up and start asking.” Rainbow smiled as they moved across the nation.
Rarity endeavored to move as far from town as Virginia, where she knew she could find a good quote… at a large familiar estate. She’d made an appointment with the owner on the way down and was gladly welcomed by a doorman when she arrived. “Rachel Belle; Pennsylvania Gazette. I believe the colonel is expecting me.”
“Certainly.” the doorman nodded as he just saw the man in question walking to the back. “Sir, the reporter from the Gazette is here to see you.”
“Ah, thank you Jones.” the man smiled as he stepped forward. “Ms., uh… Belle, wasn’t it?”
“The same.” Rarity smiled as she gave a respectful curtsy. “Great pleasure to meet you, Colonel Washington.”
And sure enough, this subject of her interview was none other than Lt. Colonel George Washington; hero of the French and Indian War and soon-to-be general and president. “The pleasure’s all mine, I assure you. Please, come in; we can speak in the parlor.” Nothing more was said on the matter as they made their way to the parlor. “Can I offer you a drink?”
“Thank you, no; I would prefer to get straight to the interview.” Rarity shrugged.
The colonel waved his servant out as he sat down. “Ah yes, these newly passed ‘Intolerable Acts’. A very apropos name for them, I must say; very well-coined.” he assured. “In fact, if I may say so, this- what was it; ‘Administration of Justice Act’? Ought to be called the Murder Act; it’s far more accurate.”
“How do you mean?” asked Rarity.
“I mean, Ms. Belle, that this act allows British soldiers in Massachusetts to get away with anything – even murder – and escape justice scot-free,” George explained.
“My friends and I have heard other citizens say it’s unnecessary considering that trial after the Boston Massacre.” Rarity noted.
“Well then, my dear, your friends are speaking with some very intelligent people.” the colonel noted. “I understand several friends of your master Dr. Franklin are calling for some manner of reprisal for this madness.”
“Yes, but so far, none of them have really gotten much in the way of support.” Rarity noted. “Though I understand a certain attorney from Virginia is garnering some support. A Mr. Henry?”
“Yes, Patrick Henry; I’ve heard several of his speeches on the matter,” George noted. “And to be perfectly honest, some of his rhetoric is starting to make a semblance of sense to me.”
“I see. Well, thank you very much, Colonel. I believe that answers everything I needed to know.” Rarity smiled.
“Are you quite certain?” the colonel asked as the two stood. “I haven't given many interviews, but I must say this was fairly short in terms of them.”
“Well, I will be asking several other people in Virginia, but yes sir; that’s all I needed from you.” Rarity smiled. “Though I must say, you’ve been a wonderful host, and quite a pleasant interview.”
“Well, in that case, I suppose I’ll just say thank you and that I hope we meet again,” George noted.
“A feeling which I assure you is mutual, colonel. Good day and farewell.” Rarity smiled as she left, pleased to have gotten an interview and quote from a man like Washington.
The next month, yet two more acts had been passed, one forcing colonists to allow soldiers into their homes to sleep, eat, and have their clothes cleaned without a single coin paid to the homeowners, and another expanding the northern Province of Quebec into much of the continental midwest, both of which the girls published without fail. All these Intolerable Acts, as the girls had ensured they came to be known as, only strengthened the colonists’ resolve to do something about the invading British soldiers, regardless of risk.
Three more months had come and gone, with the entire nation now seething in rage over the news of the Intolerable Acts. The girls had still been reporting news across Philadelphia and even across other colonies, especially after the success of Rarity’s quote from Colonel Washington.
Soon enough, the news reached their ears as Sunset returned to the print shop. “Hey girls, have you heard? Representatives are coming down for something big.”
“Yeah, we heard.” Rainbow nodded. “Mr. Galloway’s heading over to Carpenter’s Hall for it tomorrow.”
“Carpenter’s Hall?” Twilight asked in surprise. “That’s the First Continental Congress. We’ve gotta be in on it.”
“I already am, and I thought some of you might be happy to join me,” said Sunset.
“Count me in.” Rainbow smiled.
“Oh, me too. Um, if it’s okay.” Fluttershy asked.
“Eh, I dunno.” Applejack shrugged. “We’re kinda swamped here with that business from the Adams fellas.” The others nodded; they had recently received an order from the visiting Samuel Adams and his second cousin John to print a pamphlet for them, apparently written by an anonymous friend of theirs.
“Speaking of whom, aren’t they visiting sometime today?” asked Rarity.
“I think so.” Twilight shrugged before she heard something outside.
“-and I consider myself an expert at stirring the pot,”
"Speak of the devils," Twilight smirked; she recognized that voice easily as she moved to the door.
“You’re right, of course; it’s… too much.” another voice nodded. “But even so, we must get these pamphlets into Boston. We must.”
Twilight smiled as she opened the door, to see Samuel and John Adams themselves. “Has anyone ever told you gentlemen that you have a way of agreeing that sounds like an argument?”
The two men just chuckled as they stepped forward. “Good day, Ms. Spencer. Is everything ready?”
“Your pamphlets are almost done; please come in.” Twilight smiled as she led them in.
When Rarity saw them come in, she smiled. “Ah, the two Mr. Adams’s.” she smiled, handing Samuel a pamphlet she had just finished proofreading. “Here you are; A Government of Laws and Not of Men, by Novanglus.”
“Ah, let’s see.” Samuel smiled as he looked it over. John smiled until he locked eyes with Rainbow; the two hadn’t exactly gotten along since she heard about him defending Captain Preston and his men from the Boston Massacre. She may have understood that it was a mob and not a real formal protest, but that didn’t make it any better. “Excellent. The pamphlet looks wonderful, ladies.”
“We do our best, Mr. Adams.” Sunset smiled. “But I am still confused about one thing; how are you going to get them into Boston?”
“My wife Abigail and I have already arranged for her to pick them up and disperse them throughout the city,” John explained. “I don’t suppose any of you would like to volunteer to take them to her?”
“I’d like to, but Ronnie, Florence, and I have already agreed to assist Mr. Thomson in the Congress.” Sunset shrugged.
“And since the harbor’s closed, British troops are patrolling the roadways, stopping and searching every carriage,” Samuel noted. “The danger will be ever-present.”
“Don’t worry; Abigail will meet the convoy well outside of town,” John assured. “The danger will be minimal.”
“I’d be delighted to go.” Rarity smiled. “Though I may need some help.”
Applejack smirked as she pushed up her hat and placed a hand on Pinkie’s shoulder. “You’ve got it,” she assured.
“Excellent. Then it’s settled; I’ll send a courier to notify Abigail immediately.” John smiled as he and Samuel left.
Later on that evening, the girls were moving the pamphlets to a warehouse near the harbor where they loaded food and pamphlets to Boston. “You know, it’s rather odd.” Rarity noted. “I always believed the colonies considered themselves separate countries in this time.”
“That was before Parliament closed Boston Harbor,” Twilight assured. “You remember what got everyone so worried when we published that story; if they can do it to Boston, they can do it to anyone.”
“We’re all set to go,” Applejack called. “Let’s ride.”
“Ah, excellent.” Rarity smiled. “Enjoy the Congress, ladies.”
“And you enjoy your job.” Twilight smiled back as the wagons rumbled out of town.
Along the ride, the group got a true view of the countryside as the sun rose over the green glens and forests of the road through the New England Countryside, where they were pleasantly surprised by people from all walks of life in small villages along the way giving food, clothes, and other such necessities to the carriage train as it trundled along its way.
The next day, the convoy stopped at a small farm where Applejack saw an old man with a shepherd’s stick approaching with a small herd of sheep. “Mornin’, sir. What can we do ya for?”
“I’ve come to ask a favor.” the old man smiled. “I’m afraid I’ve grown too old to continue the life of a shepherd. My daughter has most of the flock now, but I’d like to give the rest to Boston.”
“Well, that’s very generous of you sir, but I’m afraid we can’t accept.” the wagon-driver shrugged. “Sheep are slow animals, and we’re on a rather tight schedule.”
“No need to worry there, sir.” Applejack assured as she jumped down. “I’m a farmer myself; I can handle a few sheep.”
“Well, if you’re sure.” the wagon-driver shrugged.
“Thank you, young lady.” the shepherd smiled. “Please, accept my dog to help keep them under control as well.”
“Much appreciated, sir.” Applejack smiled as she accepted his stick and the dog.
“Yes indeed; thank you.” Rarity smiled as the herd quickly joined the convoy. “Come along, gentlemen.” The wagon-driver smiled as he goaded the horse onward down the road, the herd following slowly behind.
As this was happening, back in Boston, the other group had arrived at the Congress which Twilight had allowed them to write about as long as they listened and studied the issues. When they arrived at Carpenter’s Hall, they were greeted by a smartly dressed older gentleman. “Ah, Ms. Stokes. I was wondering when you would arrive.”
“Sorry we’re late, Mr. Thomson,” Sunset assured. “We had to bring a bit more paper than we expected. Anyway, introductions; Veronica Dancer and Florence Sheppard, meet Charles Thomson; secretary of the Continental Congress.”
“At your service, ladies.” Mr. Thomson assured. “Now, let’s get to work. We’re about to begin.” With that, they brought the paper into the house and started meeting the delegates from the various colonies, before they assisted Mr. Thomson in writing down all that was said, including the main argument as to whether to stand against the British further or seek resolution.
It was then that John Adams stood to say something. “Gentlemen, come to order,” he called. “I have just received a message by courier that British warships have fired cannon upon the city of Boston.” This stunned the room. “Church steeples have fallen, spreading panic through the streets. And some number are dead.”
Finally, after a long ride which the girls had somewhat grown accustomed to, they were met by another coach with a young woman on board. “That must be our meet-up.” Applejack smiled.
“No doubt.” Rarity smiled as the wagons stopped next to each other. “Mrs. Abigail Adams, I presume?”
“You presume correctly, Ms. Belle.” Mrs. Adams smiled. “I wish you welcome from all the good people of Boston. You must forgive my brazen husband; that Mr. Adams, sending young girls on such an errand.”
“Hardly his fault, ma’am.” Applejack assured. “We volunteered.”
“And it’s been great.” Pinkie smiled. “We’ve been up this road a few times, but never on such an important mission.”
“Indeed. And it’s been a wonderful adventure.” Rarity smiled before it petered out. “But if I may, I must ask; we heard along the road that Boston has been fired upon. Please tell me this isn’t true.”
“Heavens no,” Abigail assured. “General Gage sent troops to Cambridge and took arms and powder stored there. Patrols on the road stop supplies from entering the city, but actual warfare? God save us from that.”
“Anything new from the king or Parliament that might provoke violence?” asked Rarity.
“Nothing; General Gage can act under his own authority.” Mrs. Adams explained. “He claims he seized the weapons to prevent violence. However, if he were to find these pamphlets, it would be sedition, and that could land us all in prison.”
“I don’t think we need to worry about that, ma’am.” Applejack smiled. “We can take care of ourselves.”
“I’m sure you can. Please, put everything into my coach.” Mrs. Adams assured.
“I think I’ve got a better idea.” Pinkie smiled, glancing between the pamphlets and Applejack’s herd of sheep.
Rarity smiled. “Ah, following in the footsteps of Odysseus.”
“Not a bad idea.” Applejack smiled. “If we take the ol’ marsh-road, no one’ll think twice.”
“My dear, that’s brilliant!” Mrs. Adams smiled. “But we’d best work quickly.” And so they did, loading the food and clothes into Mrs. Adams’ carriage and strapping the pamphlets to the sheep.
Back in Philadelphia, the Congress had called a recess for the day as the girls returned to the print shop. “Hey, how was Congress?” asked Twilight.
“It was actually a lot more interesting than I expected it to be.” Rainbow shrugged, placing her notes on the table.
“Yeah; see one side wants to demand the Intolerable Acts be repealed, but the other wants to ask the king for his opinion,” Sunset remembered.
“That’s Galloway’s idea, but I doubt it’s gonna go anywhere,” Rainbow smirked.
“Oh, I- I don’t know; a nice peaceful solution would be nice.” Fluttershy smiled.
“Did you not hear the Adams’ argument?” asked Sunset. “There’s no way Galloway's plan’s gonna work.”
“Well, they won today.” Fluttershy shrugged.
“This was just Day One,” Rainbow assured. “Congress isn’t gonna officially end until the end of next month, and a lot can happen in that time.”
“You have no idea how right you are.” Twilight smiled, knowing exactly how this would end up.
That same evening, up in the outskirts of Boston, Applejack and Pinkie had disappeared as Rarity and Mrs. Adams stopped at a small farmhouse for dinner… when a group of soldiers arrived. “These wagons headed toward Boston?” one of them asked.
“Indeed they are.” Rarity assured. “Loaded in accordance with His Majesty’s law.”
“By the sounds of that accent, you’re a ways from home here, Missy.” the soldier smirked condescendingly as his men seemed to plunder the wagons, with two holding guns at the ready, talking about who would ride in which wagon, with intent to sell the cargo and take the money themselves.
Rarity smiled as she devised a cunning plan, which she passed to Mrs. Adams, who gladly agreed to it as she retrieved a small bill of sale. “So which one of you gentlemen would like to sign for the wagons? I’m sure General Gage will want to know who took the supplies.”
“General Gage?” the soldier asked, quickly devising a story. “Uh see, we didn’t know these goods were-” He pointed to Rarity. “And she’s not-”
Rarity was confused by that, but Mrs. Adams took the lead. “We needn’t make an issue over who she is or isn’t. Just sign and the wagons are yours.”
“Eh, no time to take ‘em now.” the soldier assured. “No newspapers or pamphlets aboard, right?”
“None whatsoever; I swear it upon the king’s health.” Rarity assured.
“Move on then.” the soldier ordered as he and his men left in a hurry… leaving two very satisfied young women behind.
Elsewhere, along the marsh-road, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were leading the sheep into town, uninterrupted by British soldiers as Pinkie spun a preposterous story about Native spies hiding in the grass… which any soldiers in the area bought wholesale before they finally arrived in the outskirts of Boston.
Not long after the delivery was made, Applejack returned the sheepdog to the old man who had loaned it as the group rode to Philadelphia on horses Mrs. Adams provided.
Back in Philadelphia, Rarity smiled as she found John Adams at Carpenter’s Hall. “Hello sir, I’m pleased to say that our delivery went perfectly. And I have something here from your wife.”
John smiled as he happily accepted the letter from the young lady. “Thank you very much. You know, I worry about her there in harm’s way.”
“As only a husband would, but you needn’t worry.” Rarity assured. “She’s quite fine, and asks that you write more often.”
“And indeed I must.” John nodded. “I understand you are in contact with Dr. Franklin in London.”
“At least until he returns, yes.” Rarity smiled, as Pinkie picked up a quill. “Would you like us to include a message to him for you?”
“Please. Tell him that I am as heartstrong as I am headstrong.” John smiled, as Pinkie wrote it down. “I am convinced by this Congress that America will support Massachusetts or perish with her.”
“And tell him that we shall.” Rarity smiled. “And speaking of the Congress, shall we return to it? I’m sure you are needed.”
“Ladies first.” John smiled as he allowed her and her friends in.
Once inside, Rarity was fairly surprised to see a familiar face amongst the delegates. “Colonel Washington, lovely to see you again.”
And sure enough, the colonel was there with the rest of the delegation from his home colony of Virginia. “Ah, Ms. Belle. I suppose you didn’t expect our reunion to be so soon?”
“Quite right, sir.” Rarity smiled, curtsying to the soldier. “Though this is a pleasant surprise.”
“I hope this will be equally pleasant.” the colonel smiled as he led her to someone else. “You mentioned him in our interview, and now I introduce you. Rachel Belle, allow me to present Mr. Patrick Henry.”
“A pleasure.” Rarity smiled.
Mr. Henry was a very pleasant-looking man who smiled as he met the young woman. “All mine, miss; I assure you.”
“Now, I believe Mr. Adams has more for us to hear.” the colonel smiled as the three sat together, watching John Adams take the podium.
“The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are obsolete,” he assured. “I am not a New England man. I am an American! We are Americans!” The entire Congress hall cheered at this statement, and the sentiment was present throughout the entirety of the rest of Congress, until at last, on the evening of October 26th, 1774, they had agreed to boycott all British goods, disregard Galloway’s proposal of a colonial equivalent of Parliament to cooperate with the official one, and petition the King for his assistance in the matters the colonies were now troubled by.
Fluttershy was pleased by the success of the petition plan, but this pleased mood would soon be dampened by future events.
March 1775 rolled around in short order, as the Gazette worked overtime to make sure the colonies were supplied with their news, local and minor or national and major.
Unfortunately, all this work soon came back to haunt them as the shop’s press, old and damaged, broke down more and more until it finally gave out. “Ah, great. No press, no news.” Rainbow groaned. “Guess it’s back to the really old-fashioned way.”
“Let’s not subject the people of the colonies to your dreadful handwriting, Rainbow Dash.” Rarity smiled. “Whatever news you put out would be incomprehensible.”
“She’s right though; this ol’ press is ready for junkin’.” Applejack smiled.
“No need to worry too much.” Twilight smiled. “Just get the wagon ready. I made an offer on a new press earlier this week; we just need to go pick it up.”
“Great to hear, sugarcube. Where to; Market Street?” asked Applejack.
“Nope; Williamsburg.” Twilight shrugged.
“Wait, isn’t that in Virginia?” asked Spike.
“Yep. We’ll have to leave at dawn if we want to make it in time.” Twilight smiled. “Besides, you never know what news you’ll find in another colony.”
“She’s not wrong.” Rarity smiled. “How else do you think I became acquainted with Colonel Washington?”
“Yeah, still kinda jealous about that.” Rainbow shrugged. “But okay; we’d better get some sleep if we’re leaving at dawn.” And sleep they did indeed get, in short order.
And they needed it, as nearly four days later, outside Williamsburg, Applejack had to help the horses move the large wagon over a steep slope. “This new press had better be worth it, Tara.” she sighed as she climbed into the wagon once it was moving.
“Don’t worry, it will be; ‘A penny saved is a penny earned’,” Twilight assured. “And believe me, this new press will save us more than a few pennies.”
“How much further? I’m hungry!” Pinkie asked.
“When aren’t you?” asked Rainbow.
“I just hope we make it in time for the session at the House of Burgesses.” Sunset smiled. “I heard Patrick Henry has a big speech planned.”
“I think I know what it is.” Fluttershy smiled; even she knew about this famous speech.
“Hello there. There’s a farm up ahead; perhaps we can ask for directions.” Rarity smiled.
Applejack looked out over the side of the wagon at the field and scowled. “No need; my family made trips down to Williamsburg every now and then. Even in this time, I know the way like the back of my hand.”
“What’s the problem?” asked Rarity.
“I think that is,” Twilight noted, pointing to the fields… filled with cotton and slaves.
“Ah, point taken.” Rarity nodded, handing Applejack the reins. “You can drive from here, dear. I need some more rest.” Applejack easily took the reins as they rode onward to the town.
As the cowgirl assured, the ride to Williamsburg was a short one as they found the local newspaper office… right across from an auction block. The girls did their best not to pay any attention to this barbarism as Applejack and Rainbow Dash loaded the printing press into the wagon.
While they were doing that, Sunset and Rarity had made their way to the House of Burgesses to find the gates locked. “Guess we’re gonna have to do this the hard way. Rarity?”
“Gladly.” Rarity smiled, using her powers to swiftly create a key for the gates, allowing them to slip into the courtyard relatively undetected. But when they entered, they found it empty aside from a few cleaners. “Where is everyone?”
“Gone.” said one of the cleaners. “The House of Burgesses has been shut down, by order of the Earl of Dunmore.”
“The royal governor?” asked Sunset.
“He got mighty mad at the assembly, especially Mr. Henry, for saying Virginia should raise an army to fight with Boston.” the cleaner explained.
“Now this is news.” Sunset smiled. “So where’d they all go?”
“Rumor has it Mr. Henry’s going to speak to a convention at St. John’s Church in Richmond.” the cleaner answered.
“Great, thanks. Can we quote you on this?” asked Sunset.
“Oh no. I’ve said too much already.” the cleaner assured as she resumed her work.
“Well, thanks anyway; we’ll just call it an anonymous tip.” Sunset smiled as she and Rarity slipped back out. “Man, wait until the others hear about this.” With that in mind, they quickly returned to the rest of the group where they found Applejack finishing up the loading of the new press.
“Whew Nelly, you two look like ya got bit by a hyperactive rattler.” Applejack smirked. “What’s goin’ on?”
“Apparently, the Earl of Dunmore shut the House of Burgesses down.” Rarity explained. “Mr. Henry’s speech has been moved to St. John’s Church in Richmond.”
“Richmond? That’s almost six hours’ ride from here.” Rainbow noted as she closed up the wagon.
“Then we’d better get a move-on.” Applejack smiled, jumping to the reins. “Hyah!” With a crack of the reins, the wagon thundered down the road as the rest of the team quickly jumped aboard, roaring through the rain.
It was a long ride as Rainbow noted, but when they arrived, the rain had cleared and the steeple of St. John’s Church stood high and proud against the night sky. “There’s our stop,” Sunset called as the wagon stopped.
Quickly, Applejack hitched the horse as Rarity led the group into the church, which they found full to burst. Quickly, the girls found their own seats as they kept their eyes on the lectern, which, after several other speeches, was soon occupied by Mr. Henry.
He cleared his throat as he turned to a man at the side. “Mr. President, no man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony.
The girls copied down every word as he continued. “The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
“Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
“I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss.
“Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort.
“I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging.
“And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves longer.
“Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne!
“In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free—if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending—if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained—we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!
“They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?
“Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us.
“Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable—and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
“It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, ‘Peace, peace’—but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?
“Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” With those final strong words, the church erupted into cheers and agreement as Mr. Henry stepped down from the lectern.
Soon enough, after a long session of voting from the convention, the girls found him outside about to board a carriage. “Mr. Henry! Mr. Henry!’ Rarity called to him, surprising him.
“Ah, Ms. Belle, from the Congress.” Mr. Henry smiled.
“Yes sir. I must say, to call your speech moving would be a severe understatement.” Rarity smiled. “It was nearly evangelical.”
“You flatter me, Ms. Belle.” Mr. Henry smiled. “But I thank you for it. I suppose I will be reading a transcript of my speech in the Pennsylvania Gazette in a few days?”
“Well, probably not the whole thing; just the most moving parts.” Rainbow shrugged. “But yeah; you’re definitely gonna see it there. With your permission, of course.”
“Absolutely. The rest of the colonies must know that at least one man in Virginia is willing to join the fight.” Mr. Henry smiled as he climbed into his carriage. “Until we meet again, which I hope is soon.”
“As do I, good sir. As do I.” Rarity assured as Mr. Henry rattled away. Once he was gone, the girls all compared notes as they saddled up and rode out of town.
On the way out of town, however, they saw a strange sign posted on a tree by the side of the road. “Huh. ‘Freedom for slaves who take up arms against the colonists’.” Rainbow read as they passed. “Signed by Lord Dunmore, for His Majesty King George III.”
“How many slaves take him up on that offer?” Applejack asked.
“Over 20,000,” Twilight remembered. “And those were just the runaways people know of.”
“I just hope we don’t have to contend with any of them in the future.” Rarity sighed. “It’s bad enough for them to be treated the way they are on those plantations, but to be forced into the military all for the promise of freedom?”
“If there was a chance for it, they were willing to take it.” Twilight shrugged. “But let’s not worry about that sort of thing now; let’s just get back to Philadelphia and get this story printed so the north will know the south will take up arms for their help.” No one could argue with that, so onward they rode to the Gazette’s office, ready for work as soon as they arrived.
Another month, another call of rebellion across the colonies; this one coming late at night. The girls were still sleeping in their apartment above the print shop when Sunset jerked awake, at the sound of noise below. The noise came again, sparking concern from the young woman as she grabbed up a small poker from the fireplace in their room and snuck downstairs.
Downstairs, she saw two men in the print shop looking through papers. She slipped down the stairs carefully as to not attract their attention and pointed the poker into one of the men’s backs. “I think you have some explaining to do,” she noted intimidatingly.
The other man, unfortunately, wouldn’t listen as he knocked her to the ground and ran, his companion quickly following him. Sunset groaned as she got up and stretched her head out the door after them. “And don’t come back!” she yelled before she returned to the shop to clean up.
She was just starting when she noticed something on the ground, near where the other shadowy figure had stumbled running out the door. “Huh. Must’ve dropped it.”
It was just then that the other girls all joined her. “What just happened?” asked Rainbow.
“Thieves, at a guess.” Sunset shrugged. “I managed to scare them off, and I think I found what they were here after.”
Twilight looked over the papers Sunset handed her and was stunned. “Sunset, those weren’t thieves. They were Mechanics.”
Rainbow was confused. “I think we’d remember hiring late-night mechanics to come in to work on the press tonight.” she pointed out.
“Not that kind of mechanics.” Twilight explained. “The Mechanics are a gang of patriots concerned about how the British are treating the colonies.”
“I thought that was the Sons of Liberty?” asked Rarity.
“Different group, reserved for men of commerce like Mr. Henry.” Twilight explained. “Craftsmen didn’t have a group, so they formed one and they’re called the Mechanics.”
“Never heard of ‘em.” Applejack shrugged.
“That’s the point.” Twilight pointed out. “Just knowing about secret societies like this can land people in hot water.” She then handed the papers back to Sunset. “And thanks to your defense of the shop, those guys’ mission is in danger. At a guess, they were supposed to deliver these notes to Dr. Joseph Warren in Boston, to warn the Mechanics that the British are moving out of Boston.”
“And if the colonists along the way think that’s what’s going to happen, they’ll react violently.” Sunset understood. “And now, those guys can’t warn Dr. Warren. So then I guess that makes it my job.”
“Our job, I think you mean.” Rarity noted. “Two people have a better chance of getting to Dr. Warren than one.”
“Alright. If I’m right, there should be a ship leaving for Boston with emergency supplies at dawn.” Twilight theorized. “Be on it.”
“We will be.” Sunset nodded. “Until then, we’d better get some sleep.”
And as they promised, Sunset and Rarity were on the ship, which had made its way up the coast to Boston two weeks later. Sunset would be lying if she wasn’t excited; she’d been on plenty of ships back in Equestria, but never on such an important journey. Rarity however was still feeling a small bit seasick, even after all this time. “Stay down and hold on!” the captain yelled. “There be trouble ahead!”
Sunset looked and saw what he was talking about. “A British frigate. If we’re caught with contraband…” She didn’t have to worry about that for long as the ship started firing. “Incoming!” Quickly everyone dropped to the deck as the cannonballs sailed into the sea, splashing along the sides of their ship.
“Just warning us off.” the captain surmised. “The harbor’s still closed, so we’ll have to stay in the shallows close to the coast; that’ll lose ‘em. But I’m afraid we’ll have to put you two ashore several miles south of Boston; you’ll have to walk the rest of the way.”
“We can manage.” Sunset smiled, though she wasn’t sure how strongly she believed that.
Even so, the crew did as they had said they would and let the girls off in the marsh south of Boston. “We have to walk through that?” Rarity asked in disgust.
“Unless you can keep us concealed while we fly to Boston on one of your shields.” Sunset was right; there was no way they could stay hidden for long flying on one of Rarity’s gem shields. “Relax, we’re only two hours’ hike away from Boston.”
Even so, they were the longest of Rarity’s life as they slogged through the marsh until they found a road, their clothes drenched in marsh water and mud. “Alright, straight shot to Boston from here.” Sunset smiled.
“Ugh, that was quite possibly the most disgusting thing I’ve ever had to endure.” Rarity groaned.
“We can dry off and clean up in Boston.” Sunset shrugged, digging some bread and cheese out of her bag. “Let’s eat and run; I’m starving.” Rarity couldn’t argue with that, so they ate as they walked along the road…
For a few moments, before they heard a horse whinny behind them. “Company!” Rarity called.
“Hide!” Sunset ordered as the two dropped their food and dove back into the marsh, just in time to see British redcoats marching along the road.
“Hold!” the officer ordered, stopping his troop. “I spy something on the ground there. Sergeant, have a look.”
“Yes sir.” the sergeant nodded as he drew his sword, stabbing up the food. “Bread and cheese, sir. Dropped here sometime within the last few minutes, I’d wager; not an ant in sight.”
“Have a look around, but be quick about it.” the officer ordered. “We must join the others in Boston tonight, for tomorrow’s journey to Lexington and Concord.”
That sparked interest in the two girls’ eyes; they knew what that might’ve meant. But they couldn’t dwell on it too much as they slipped deeper into the marsh before the sergeant began poking around at the brush with his sword.
“No, nothing here, sir.” the sergeant reported. “And nowhere else to hide. Perhaps there’s someone on the road ahead of us.”
“If that be so, we’ll catch up with them shortly. Come along.” the officer ordered as the troops marched double-time down the road.
Once they were gone, the girls pulled themselves from the marsh. “Whew. That was way too close.” Sunset sighed in relief.
“I just hope Dr. Warren has a change of clothes I can borrow.” Rarity groaned.
“Never mind that; we’ve gotta get to Boston and tell Dr. Warren, fast,” Sunset assured, as they moved onward.
The run to Boston was a quick one, and it only took a moment to find Dr. Warren’s office in the night where Sunset knocked. The door was opened a few moments later by a kind-looking older man. “Dear heavens, what happened to you?”
“Dr. Warren?” asked Sunset.
“The same. Was there an accident?” he asked.
“None, sir. Though that’s certainly not to say we look this way on purpose.” Rarity assured.
“I’ll get straight to the point, sir.” Sunset shrugged. “We came here from Philadelphia with an urgent message from the Mechanics. But more importantly, we-”
“Hold on.” Dr. Warren ordered, closing the doors a bit. “I know of no mechanics who send child messengers. What sort of mechanic; cobbler, wainwright?”
It was just then that Rarity saw some soldiers approaching from down the street, so she quickly took the lead. “Printers, sir.”
“Ah. And the printer’s wife; how is she?” the doctor asked.
“Dearly departed, sir; as I’m sure we both know.” Rarity assured; she’d remembered exactly when she sent word to Dr. Franklin that his wife Deborah had passed away last December.
And apparently, that was all Dr. Warren had to hear before he opened the door. “Come in, quickly.” No need to tell them twice; the girls quickly retreated into Dr. Warren’s office before he closed the door. “My apologies for my interrogation, but with all the spies about, one can never be too careful. Now, all I know is you’ve come from Dr. Franklin’s shop, so it appears you have the advantage of me.”
“Samantha Stokes and Rachel Belle, sir.” Sunset introduced.
“You must excuse the way we look.” Rarity bowed. “We’ve been on a ship for two weeks and had to slog through the swamp to get here.”
“All the way from Philadelphia?” asked Dr. Warren.
“Our contact said our message was urgent,” Sunset assured as she handed over the papers. “But what we’ve learned is even more urgent.”
“I’m sure it is, but before you tell me, there are some gentlemen here who should hear this.” Dr. Warren assured.
“We figured there would be,” Sunset muttered as Dr. Warren dipped into a small medical theater and led two well-dressed men out.
“Samantha Stokes and Rachel Belle, allow me to introduce Mr. William Dawes and Mr. Paul Revere.” the doctor smiled.
“You can call me Billy.” Dawes smiled.
“Pleased, I’m sure.” Revere nodded to the ladies.
“Likewise.” Rarity nodded in return.
“These two ladies have brought urgent news from their trip from Philadelphia.” Dr. Warren explained.
“What we saw on our way in is more important, sir,” Sunset assured. “The harbor is still blockaded and the British are on the move, toward Lexington and Concord.”
“Not to New York?” asked Dr. Warren as he took the papers from the young lady.
“We know what we heard.” Rarity assured. “We saw boats bound for Cambridge as well.”
“Well, that confirms everything we know.” Mr. Revere nodded. “Tonight is definitely the night.”
“Indeed. Our rumors from the British groom are perfectly true.” Dr. Warren nodded. “The British march on Lexington and Concord. Which means, if my contacts are correct, they’ll be going after John Hancock and Samuel Adams, not to mention the militia’s stores of weapons and ammunition.”
“I thought the store at Concord was safe?” asked Sunset.
“It is; the regulars won’t bother with it. It’s Hancock and Adams I’m worried about.” Warren countered. “They may be unaware of their danger.”
“They will be when we get there first,” Dawes smirked.
“Then there’s no time to waste.” Dr. Warren noted, swiftly igniting the note the girls had given him on a candle before he tossed it into the fireplace. “Lives are at stake, and you must ride.”
It only took a few moments for the two gentlemen to arrange the horses. “Warn every militiaman between here and Concord. Break every door down if need be; just get them woken up and ready to fight.”
“I’ll go out through the Boston Neck.” Dawes nodded as he saddled up.
“Then after I set the signal at Christ Church to warn the people of Charlestown, I’ll cross the river and arrange for a horse.” Revere agreed.
“It will be dangerous, but if one of us meets with trouble, perhaps the other will get through.” Dawes smiled.
“We have to be in on this,” Sunset whispered to Rarity. “We’re living one of the most important moments of the Revolution, and we need to observe it.”
“Absolutely. The truth must be told, and tell it we shall.” Rarity nodded as she turned to the two riders. “We’d like to join you, to describe the events for the newspaper. All of the world must know what happened here tonight.”
“And we can help raise the alarm; you’d be amazed at how loud Rachel can be.” Sunset smiled, ignoring the sidelong glare Rarity gave her.
“Hmm. Well, they would make for a good cover.” Revere shrugged. “Alright then. Come along, ladies.”
“Whoa, hold on there. I don’t know if Dr. Franklin would consent to my putting you two in danger.” Dr. Warren reminded.
“With all due respect, Dr. Warren, this isn’t your doing. It’s our own.” Rarity assured as she climbed up behind Dawes on his saddle.
“And either way, Dr. Franklin is behind us 100%.” Sunset smiled as she climbed onto Revere’s carriage. “After all, Philadelphia to here in just short of 13 days?”
“I still find that nearly impossible,” Dawes noted honestly.
“With all due respect, Mr. Dawes, I believe the operative word there is ‘nearly’.” Rarity smiled.
“And if we don’t cover this story, no one will know who you are or what you did.” Sunset smiled.
“Very well then. Godspeed, and write well.” Dr. Warren smiled. “Tell the world of our gallant boys Dawes and Revere, and their midnight ride to stop the bloodshed.”
“Yee-hah!” Dawes laughed as he rode toward Boston Neck at a full clip, Rarity clinging on behind while, with much less fanfare, Revere simply whistled to goad his carriage horse onward to the church.
When they arrived, Paul and Sunset found the church’s sexton Robert Newman, who quickly led them up the bell tower. “Sorry again to disturb you Mr. Newman, but the British regulars are definitely on the move and they are preparing to cross the Charles River.”
“Two lanterns then, Mr. Revere?” asked Newman.
“Yes, just as we agreed some days ago; ‘One if by land, two if by sea’,” Revere noted, not noticing the smile on Sunset’s face. “The whole city and Charlestown will see them from the belfry.”
“Well, we’d best get to work then,” Newman noted as he handed Paul a lantern.
Sunset was just grabbing a book of matches from a nearby table when she heard a horse below. “Did you hear that?” she asked.
“Sounds like soldiers.” Newman was right; the sound of marching was heard from the streets below.
Revere carefully opened a window and looked below to see a small patrol on the street. “We don’t have much time. Let’s get the lanterns lit and get to Charlestown as quickly as we can.”
Sunset didn’t waste any time, quickly striking a match and lighting the candles in both the lanterns before Newman and Revere hung them up. With the signal set, the two dashed back down to the streets and rode for all they were worth toward the harbor, the lanterns in the belfry gleaming in the night.
It didn’t take long before they were in the Charles River in a small rowboat, rowing across the river. Crossings at this hour were banned, so their boatman devised something remarkably simple; he wrapped petticoats around the oars to muffle them in the water as they rowed past the large ship-of-the-line HMS Somerset, anchored in the river midway across.
It wasn’t long before they had crossed the river to see a man on the bank. “Paul! Over here!” he called quietly.
“John Larkin, Deacon of Charlestown.” Paul smiled as he pulled the boat ashore. “Reliable as ever. I suppose you saw the lanterns?”
“Quite correct, Paul.” Larkin nodded as he led Paul and Sunset to a horse staked near the street. “My father’s horse, as we agreed.”
“She’d better be fast.” Sunset smiled as Paul saddled the horse.
“Won many a race for me,” Larkin assured as he handed Paul the reins, Sunset climbing on behind him.
“Thank you, John, we’ll need every edge.” Revere nodded as the two rode onward.
“Watch out for the red-bellies! The roads are crawlin’ with ‘em!” Larkin called after them.
“We can handle ‘em, but thanks!” Sunset called back as they rode onward.
In the opposite direction, Rarity and Dawes were still riding hard having passed Roxbury and Brookline to nearly reach Cambridge, rousting a great many people to stand and fight, and also to ride and assist. As they rode, Rarity spotted something on the river. “Mr. Dawes, look.”
Dawes looked and smiled. “Yes, the regulars.” he smiled as he stopped the horse. “Good eyes, Belle. Looks like they’re crossing to Cambridge. No time to lose; we’ll beat them. Hyah!” With that, they rode onward, ever later into the night.
They weren’t the only ones facing trouble as Revere suddenly stopped his horse. “What’s wrong?” asked Sunset.
“Riders coming. Looks like a British patrol.” Revere noted. “Perfect stopping place for them.” But it didn’t look like the patrol was stopping; as soon as they saw Revere, they rode toward them, forcing Revere to ride with all his might to escape.
Dawes and Rarity had arrived in Cambridge right on time before the British and started yelling the famous call of this historic ride; “The Regulars are on the march!” Dawes yelled.
“The Regulars are coming! The Regulars are coming!” Rarity yelled before Dawes stopped in front of a storefront with a bell. Rarity got the message and quickly jumped off the horse to start ringing the bell, rousting the entire town.
Revere and Sunset yelled the same call as they rode through the town of Medford, the cry echoing from both groups as the clock struck midnight when Revere and Sunset reached a small house outside Lexington. Revere let out a sharp loud whistle. “John Hancock, Sam Adams; bestir yourselves!” he called before he and Sunset jumped from the saddle. “Welcome to Clarke House, Ms. Stokes; home of some relatives of Mr. John Hancock, and known for its peace and quiet.”
“Well, I’m sure we can fix that,” Sunset smirked.
“My thoughts precisely.” Paul smiled. “Sound the alarm!” he yelled, prompting a portly soldier to step out from behind the house.
“Ho, people are sleepin’ here! Keep the noise down!” he ordered.
“Noise? You’ll have noise enough before long, my friend.” Paul assured. “The regulars are on their way here; help me wake the house.” The soldier shrugged and rang the bell as Paul banged on the door.
“Alright, we’re coming; don’t break it down!” a voice came from within. The door opened and there stood Samuel Adams, as well as a sharply dressed older man. “Paul? What’re you doing here; what’s going on?”
“John, Sam, the regulars are on the move and they mean to capture you two, as well as all the munitions they can find,” Paul explained quickly.
Hancock and Adams looked at each other for a moment, quickly coming to a quiet consensus. “Say no more, Paul; we’ll gather our things and repair to Buckman Tavern to plan our escape.” Hancock nodded as the two left to do just that.
It was just then that Dawes and Rarity arrived. “Ah, Samantha. How was your ride?”
“Incredible,” Sunset smirked.
“Ms. Stokes, tend to the horses for me, would you?” asked Paul.
“Certainly, sir.” Sunset smiled as she and Rarity led the horses to a water trough. “I’ve gotta tell you Rarity, I’ve read that poem about a thousand times since I arrived in this world, but I never thought I’d get the opportunity to ride along with him. When we get the story written down, he’ll be a legend.”
“Yes, but his is only half the story.” Rarity brought up. “A shame that Mr. Dawes isn’t as well remembered.”
“Well, we still get to write about him. And hey, we just experienced one of the greatest rides in American history.” Sunset reminded. “That’s gotta be worth something.”
It was just then that Revere and Dawes arrived. “Mr. Dawes and I are riding on to Concord. We’ll understand if you don’t want to come.” Revere assured.
“We prefer not to do things halfway.” Sunset smiled. “We’re coming with you to get the whole story.”
“Alright then. We ride on.” Revere nodded as he and Dawes saddled up again.
By one in the morning, the cavalcade was nearly to Concord, but trouble was brewing. “My horse is tired. He’s had a long night.” Dawes noted.
“We all have,” Revere assured. “Hopefully we can get some rest when we're done.”
“Hold, there’s a rider coming.” Rarity noted, looking behind them.
But when they turned to see who it was, they were surprised to see no red on his coat or anywhere else. “Revere? Dawes?”
Revere recognized that voice and smiled. “Dr. Prescott.” he smiled. “Quite the patriot, I hear.”
“Please, call me Samuel.” the doctor assured. “I happened to be in Lexington returning from a lady friend's house when I heard about your ride, and I thought I’d join you.”
“The more the merrier, I say.” Sunset smiled.
“My thoughts exactly. Welcome aboard, Samuel.” Paul nodded before they heard more horses behind them.
“You there! Halt!” From the accent, it was easy to tell these new approaching forms were those of British regulars.
“Split up!” Revere ordered.
“See you in Concord!” Dr. Prescott smiled as he rode onward to the city.
“My horse’ll never make it,” Dawes noted.
“It will without me.” Rarity nodded and jumped from the saddle. “Go. They won’t do anything to me when they hear my accent; they’ll think I’m a loyal British citizen.”
“You’re also a brave girl.” Dawes nodded and rode away into the darkness toward Lexington.
“Well, if you’re staying, then so am I.” Sunset smiled. “Go on, Revere. And Godspeed.”
“I’m sorry, but you’re in my charge; Dawes and Prescott will get the message through,” Revere assured before the soldiers rode up and stopped.
“You there; what’s your name?” the officer asked.
“Revere, sir. Paul Revere.” the rider answered honestly.
“Boston’s famed express-rider.” the officer noted. “And what brings you out here tonight?”
“Work,” Revere noted vaguely.
“Well, judging by your horse, I’d say you’ve been riding hard.” the officer noted. “Alerting the countryside of our regiments headed this way?”
“I won’t deny it.” Sunset was stunned by this; she never thought Paul would give up so easily.
“Dismount, sir.” But the rider obeyed the officer’s order without question. “Sergeant, take his horse. Mr. Revere, if you attempt to run or we are insulted, you will pay the price.”
“You may do as you please.” Revere shrugged as the officer moved on.
“And what are you two doing out here?” he asked Sunset and Rarity. “Shouldn’t you be in bed, leaving such treasonous activity to your elders?”
“I’ve committed no treason, sir.” Rarity assured. “I’m a loyal British subject, from a respectable English family, thank you very much.”
“Oh, but of course.” the officer nodded. “Pardon me for not recognizing you immediately, your ladyship.” He chuckled sarcastically as he took his hat off. “It was of course the muddy face and dirty hair that had me fooled.”
“With all due respect, sir, sarcasm is unbecoming of an officer such as yourself.” Rarity noted honestly.
“Of course, you’re right.” the officer noted. “Sergeant, round up these urchins. We’ll need someone to clean up after the horses.”
Sunset just shook her head, knowing exactly what was going through Rarity’s head from that statement. Rarity gave a low growl but stayed quiet otherwise as the soldiers laughed.
By two, the cavalcade was drawing ever-nearer to Lexington when they heard gunfire in the distance. “A skirmish ahead.” the officer noted. “Sergeant, prepare the men to engage.”
“What about the prisoners, sir?” asked the sergeant.
“They’re traitors. We shall deliver them to the civil authorities.” the officer answered.
“But they’ll slow us down, sir.” the sergeant pointed out.
“Oh, you’re right.” the officer groaned. “Alright Sergeant, release them. But keep the horse; it’s fresher than ours.”
“Yes sir.” the sergeant nodded and rode up to the prisoners. “You’re free to go. I strongly suggest you go home. Don’t let our patrols catch you on these roads again.”
“Company, forward!” the officer ordered as his regiment rode onward toward Lexington.
“Come; we’d best get moving,” Revere noted as he led the girls onward.
“Where’re we going?” asked Sunset.
“Back to Lexington.” Revere answered. “We have to help Hancock and Adams escape.”
“Do you think Dr. Prescott made it through?” asked Rarity.
“We can only pray so,” Revere noted as they moved on.
“Man, this is gonna make the others so jealous.” Sunset smiled. “This story’s gonna be huge.”
Soon enough, the trio had assisted Hancock and Adams relocate to Buckman Tavern outside Lexington. “Thank you again for your help.” Revere smiled at the girls. “You’ll be safe here.”
“Thank you for letting us come along.” Sunset smiled. “We’ll make sure the world knows about what happened here tonight.”
“My pleasure. It was nice to have company on the ride.” Revere smiled as he boarded a coach and rode away.
In the tavern, the two girls washed and garbed themselves in sleep-wear as they sat by the hearth, staying up late to write of the night’s events.
The morning came almost too quickly for Sunset and Rarity as they struggled to stay asleep in the early morning sun. Finally, Sunset awoke – still drowsy and annoyed – as she looked out the window of the tavern… to see militiamen stirring about outside. “Huh. Looks interesting.” she smiled as she dipped back into the window and tapped Rarity. “Rarity, wake up. We’ve got work to do.”
Rarity groaned as she struggled to consciousness. “Five more minutes, Darling.” she moaned sleepily.
“Suit yourself.” Sunset shrugged as she quickly got dressed and stumbled downstairs to the sergeant from the night before, happy she’d learned his name last night. “Sergeant Munroe!” The sergeant turned to the young lady in what appeared to be surprise. “Samantha Stokes, Pennsylvania Gazette. What’s going on?”
“I should expect you’d know, young lady,” Munroe noted. “You yourself rode into Lexington with Paul Revere last night and news that the Regulars were on their way.”
Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle at that memory. “So I did. Sorry, long night last night.” she shrugged. “Anyway, who’s in command of this militia?”
“Well, there are actually two separate companies here, Ms. Stokes; the local Minutemen company and the Powder Alarms,” Munroe answered, pointing across the square. “Our leader is over there at the green.”
“Who is he?” Sunset asked, her gaze following Munroe’s finger as Rarity finally leaned out the window.
“A veteran of the French and Indian Wars; Captain John Parker.” Rarity was impressed; she’d once seen a statue said to represent Parker but had no idea how close it was to life, especially considering no real portrait of him was known to exist.
Though he did look a bit pale, and while Sunset could clearly see the captain speaking to one of his men, his voice sounded… quiet and raspy. “Is he okay? I can barely hear him,” she asked Munroe.
“I’m afraid he’s got consumption; makes it very difficult for him to raise his voice,” Munroe answered simply.
“I manage now and then, Sergeant,” Parker remarked as he walked over. “But yes, today is a rather difficult day for me. May I ask your companion’s name?”
“Samantha Stokes, Captain. Pennsylvania Gazette. My associate Rachel Belle is upstairs, getting dressed.” Sunset answered quickly, pointing to where Rarity had just been. “What was that about?”
Suddenly church bells from all over the town started ringing. “That,” Parker answered, trying his best to raise his voice over the bells. “We announce to General Gage and his troop of Regulars that we know they’re approaching.”
“How dire is the situation?” Sunset asked as Rarity stumbled down the stairs.
“Quite, I should say,” Munroe noted. “If Bowman’s report this morning is to be believed, the Regulars have us outnumbered almost 10-to-1.”
“Which is why I’ll not sacrifice the men without good reason,” Parker assured. “All the munitions at Concord have been well hidden and no war has been formally declared. I know full well that the Regulars have gone hunting for colonial munitions outside Boston before, but they’ve found nothing. I expect much the same here; Gage and his men will march on Concord, find nothing, and return to Boston exhausted and empty-handed. And I intend to assure that they are, in fact, empty-handed.” With that, he turned to Munroe. “Sergeant, have the men prepare to move out.”
“Right away, Captain.” Munroe saluted and moved to follow his orders.
Parker did the same as he acknowledged a few of his men. “Please form into your respective companies, gentlemen.” he rasped. “We move in parade formation, but no one attack; we only act to demonstrate our might and will. There will be no act to impede the Regulars’ march.” The soldiers all nodded and moved to follow their orders, as Parker was suddenly taken by a coughing fit, forced to balance on his musket and cover his mouth with a small cloth.
“You alright, Captain?” Sunset asked as she and Rarity walked over.
Parker sighed as his coughing subsided. “As well as can be expected. If not a Redcoat musket ball, then this illness will surely be the death of me,” he remarked, putting the cloth back in his pocket. “Now I must ask you both to return to the tavern and take cover. The battlefield is no place for young ladies such as you.”
“Perhaps not, but the people must know what happens here. ‘The pen is mightier than the sword’, as they say.” Rarity noted as she held up her pencil. “We’ll join to tell the people of what occurs here.”
Parker couldn’t help but smile. “A writer printing the right things is worth a thousand soldiers,” he noted… before they heard a horse whinny from over the hill.
“You may wish to amend that statement, Captain.” Rarity noted as they saw the British troops marching forward.
“Sound to arms!” Parker called as best he could, suddenly overtaken by coughing again as he carefully marched to the head of the military parade-like column of his men. “Stand your ground; do not fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, then let it begin here.” With that sentiment in mind, Sunset and Rarity very wisely took cover behind a low wall nearby.
The British march was slow and firm as they approached the militiamen, a mounted officer riding to the head of the column. “Lay down your arms, you damned rebels!” he barked, waving his sword. “Disperse and you will not be harmed!”
Sunset could see Parker saying something, but there was so much yelling that she could barely hear his raspy voice. The British major turned to his men. “Soldiers, don’t fire. Keep your ranks, form and surround them!” he called.
The panicked and chaotic yelling continued as Sunset and Rarity watched this madness unfold until Rarity saw something. “Sunset, look,” she said quickly, pointing to a few men behind the tavern leap the wall with rifles, one of whom took aim at the British lines and fired, the sudden noise making the major’s horse rear up and whinny in fear. However, Sunset noticed a look of pain on its face as well, as though it had been hit by something.
None of the soldiers seemed to know where the shot came from, but it was too late; both lines of men started firing randomly with no clear sense of order to the shots. “Get down!” Sunset yelled as she pulled Rarity behind the wall, where they both hid as musket balls sailed through the air in all directions.
Sunset peeked over the wall just in time to see the Regulars charge with bayonets. “Fall back! Fall back!” Parker ordered, his men quickly dispersing… though one wasn’t so lucky as a bayonet pierced his belly. “Jonas!” Parker couldn’t worry about him as he fell back with his men, the girls quickly following him as the British officers barked for the firing to stop.
As they hiked down the streets, Parker was overcome by coughing again, though this fit was far briefer and allowed him to speak. “Does anyone know how many casualties there were?”
“I counted at least seven dead, Captain,” Sunset answered quickly. “Eleven wounded. I think I only saw one man go down from their lines.”
“That Jonas fellow was among the dead, Captain. Who was he?” Rarity asked.
“My cousin, God rest his soul,” Parker said sorrowfully. “A shame he should die like this.”
“Shame indeed.” Sunset nodded. “I’m sorry for your loss, Captain.”
“Thank you, Ms. Stokes.” Parker nodded.
“Perhaps you noticed who fired first? I could hardly tell.” Munroe noted.
“No such luck, sir. I didn’t see.” Sunset shrugged, though Rarity was surprised at this lie.
“It doesn’t matter either way.” Parker sighed mournfully. “Whomever fired that shot, it has brought us to war.”
“One that no one wanted, I should say.” Rarity agreed as she and Sunset stepped away from the column for a minute. “Why didn’t you tell him, Sunset? We both saw that militiaman fire.”
“Unprompted and without orders,” Sunset argued. “That makes him a traitor. And between you and me, I doubt we were the only ones who saw him. For now, let’s just focus on getting to Concord.”
By the time they arrived at Concord, they saw a large mass of men awaiting. “Who is in command here?” Parker asked.
“That would be my honor.” a man in a blue uniform stepped forward. “May I inquire as to who is asking the question?”
“John Parker, sir. I led the men at Lexington but gave them explicit orders not to fire unless fired upon,” he answered.
“A shame it would seem the Regulars were not under the same orders.” the officer nodded, shaking the captain’s hand. “Colonel James Barrett, at your service Captain.”
“Sir.” Parker saluted firmly. “I see the men of Concord wasted no time in preparing for action.”
“The men of Lincoln as well.” Barrett nodded. “Our only debate is to be over strategy. As far as I see things, we have three options: await reinforcements from the other towns, stand and fight, or retreat east.”
“I believe I have a suggestion, colonel.” another soldier marched over.
“My aide, Major John Buttrick.” Barrett introduced.
Sunset couldn’t help but giggle quietly at the name. “Oh, very mature, darling.” Rarity whispered with a roll of her eyes.
“What have you to suggest, Major?” Barrett asked.
“I have a column of men prepared to go forth and meet the Redcoats’ lines,” Buttrick explained. “Just give the order, Colonel.”
“How many men in this company, Major?” Barrett asked.
“Nearly 250, sir,” Buttrick answered.
“I fear that may not be enough.” Parker rasped. “No doubt the Regulars have gained reinforcements by this point and outnumber us once again.”
“If that is the case, then I expect them to turn about and return to town on the double.” Barrett pointed out. “Is that clear, Major Buttrick?”
“Explicitly, sir.” the major saluted before he left, sending his men out of town.
Barrett watched the soldiers leave before his gaze fell on the girls. “And whom might our fairer companions here be, Captain Parker?”
“Journalists, Colonel. From the Pennsylvania Gazette.” Parker answered.
“Dr. Franklin’s newspaper,” Barrett remembered.
“Yes, sir. Samantha Stokes and Rachel Belle, at your service.” Sunset introduced. “We’re here to tell the story of what happens here to all the people of the Colonies.”
“A story I’m sure the people will be eager to hear.” the colonel noted. “Very well. But I cannot, in good conscience, allow young women such as yourselves to be harmed in any way.”
“I harbor substantial doubts that the British will fire on two defenseless young girls, Colonel.” Rarity pointed out.
“That may well be, but our muskets are very inaccurate over long-range; if firing were to start again, they could hit anyone or miss everyone.” Barrett pointed out. “Therefore, if you’re to tell the story of what happens here, I want you to do it from a safe distance.”
“Believe me, Colonel; we’re in no rush to get shot,” Sunset assured. “If you want us to stay back, we’ll do it no questions asked.”
“Excellent. All we need to do now is plan our next move.” Barrett noted as he examined a map.
The officers planned for a further few minutes until the column Buttrick had sent out returned. “What have you to report, men?” the major asked.
“We’re heavily outnumbered, sir.” one man reported. “Easily 700 regulars march on the town, grenadiers among them under Colonel Francis Smith’s command.”
“Smith. I’d heard he was in the area.” Barrett noted as he rolled up the choice. “Right. No choice then. Have the men pack up and prepare to move over the North Bridge.”
“We would give them the city center, sir?” Buttrick asked.
“We’ve no choice. They have us dreadfully outnumbered.” Barrett ordered. “Prepare the men to move.”
“Yes sir.” the major saluted in defeat. With no further instruction, Sunset and Rarity gladly followed the soldiers north across the bridge to the top of the hill overlooking it. Given the sheer number of reinforcements that joined them from surrounding towns, this was clearly a fortuitous step.
As time passed, the militia watched the British forces raid the surrounding area of Concord for weapons. A small party passed by the militia’s impromptu camp and were clearly a bit put off by how many men there were now – nearly 700 riflemen. The only big matter was when a fire started in the meetinghouse began to spread, but it was out almost immediately.
Then came something truly major, as Sunset quickly saw smoke rising from down the hill. “Colonel Barrett! There’s a fire in the town square!” she called.
Barrett was at her side in an instant as he looked down the hill. “Cannon carriages. They’ve taken the munitions.” he scowled, turning to his soldiers. “Major Buttrick! Ready the men to march!”
“Yes sir!” the major saluted and rallied all the men.
“All companies, march to the North Bridge but hold your fire!” Barrett ordered. “We’ll not fire on the king’s troops unless fired upon first!” The men gladly marched down the hill as Sunset and Rarity watched from the hill. It was difficult to tell what was truly happening from their positions, but the girls could clearly see both the militia and the British yelling at each other before the British took position to fire.
Then the North Bridge opened up in musket fire, gun smoke filling the air. Faintly Sunset heard Major Buttrick yell “Fire, for God’s sake, fellow soldiers, fire!” And fire they did, taking down an impressive number of British forces before the Redcoats finally broke off their attack, abandoning their wounded and retreating back to Concord as the militiamen cheered.
The British continued to search the town before finally leaving at around noon empty-handed, just as Parker had predicted. Not long after that, Sunset and Rarity managed to find passage back south to Pennsylvania.
And their timing was quite fortuitous as they saw the familiar face on the ship coming into the harbor in town a few days later. “Dr. Franklin! Over here!” Twilight had gone to welcome the good doctor at the docks, along with Rainbow and Applejack.
“Tara, my dear. It’s good to see you again.” the good doctor called from the ship.
“How’s London, Doctor?” Applejack called up to him.
“Far away. Both geographically and politically.” Dr. Franklin smirked. He gave the girls a firm hug as he disembarked before they got to business.
“We have news for you, doctor,” Twilight noted.
“As I have for you, my friends.” Dr. Franklin nodded, clearly a bit depressed. “Tara, I used to love England. Its beauty, its culture, its people… I had hoped we could find some manner of compromise, under which the Colonies and the Crown could coexist in peace. But my dears, I – and our interests – were met with indifference, disrespect- contempt, even. And in what was supposed to be a meeting about recalling the governor of Massachusetts, my British friends tried to humiliate me.”
“With little success, I imagine.” Twilight grinned.
“Not for lack of trying on Mr. Weddebrun’s part.” Dr. Franklin agreed. “But unfortunately, my time in England has convinced me that conflict between the colonies and the crown is now inevitable.”
“Hate to say it, sir, but bein’ here would’ve convinced you of the exact same thing,” Applejack remarked.
“Oh?” Franklin asked in intrigue.
“The British fired on colonial militia forces at Lexington and Concord,” Twilight explained sadly.
Dr. Franklin was quite surprised. “The crown’s men fired upon her own subjects?” he asked in shock.
“I’m afraid so.” Twilight nodded.
Dr. Franklin rubbed his forehead in concern. “Lord on high, this is unthinkable. Please, my friends, tell me everything.”
“No need, I’m afraid.” Rainbow shrugged, handing Franklin a paper from under her arm. “Today’s edition, hot off the press.”
Dr. Franklin took the paper and looked it over. “‘The Shot Heard ‘Round the World’ by Samantha Stokes and Rachel Belle. Fine work for such a dark topic.” he noted, his gaze steeling. “And now, my friends, we must prepare for war.” And it would be a war to be remembered.
