Chapter XII | Charlestown |Part II
Massachusetts
4,293 years since initial death
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Doomsday was approaching.
After a few weeks of having a close eye on him, he was allowed to carry a weapon once more. His food rations were slightly increased and already he had started to form friendships with the other soldiers. While the atmosphere reminded him of his time back in Jamestown, he felt a different connection with the colonists. No longer were most of them leaders or council officials, rather they were civilians, young recruits and fathers that fought not for wealth or power, but only freedom.
Even Indian allies joined their side, along with Europeans from the Kingdoms of France and Spain. Honest men with honest intentions, and together they formed a Continental Army.
Additionally, Joseph Warren was appointed as major general. He approached the camp after Michael was granted his right to join the colonists. He brought forth documents, proving the worst. Specifically, he wanted to speak with Michael on the subject in front of the rest.
"This here confirms our greatest fear." He spoke loudly for everyone to hear him clearly, waving the documents around. "Our spies have witnessed the very scale of the English forces. It is unlike anything we have seen, but we cannot back away now. Breed's Hill will be our destination, we stand our ground there. We give thanks to our spies and the very man that revealed this news firsthand from his experience onboard the British fleet. Because of their bravery, we were given a chance to prepare and our time has finally come upon us."
No one had the strength to cheer, rather they were afraid. Despite how confident Warren was, they had all hoped the news of this invasion was a lie. There was no preparing for an assault this large in such little time.
Once the news had spread, everyone disbanded to brace for the worst. But Michael was signaled to stay by Warren.
"There is no certainty of our victory," Warren spoke, stopping in front of Michael, "but I'm sure you know that by now."
"I've seen worse." Michael was reminded of his past experiences with warfare. All the countless times he's been met with terrible odds only to find himself to be the victor. "There once was a city surrounded by the full might of the English. Everyone had claimed the city was lost, that it was only a matter of time before the English would overrun it and end their siege. You probably won't believe me if I told you a young virgin girl was all it took to turn the tides of war and defeat the grand English army to save her city."
Needless to say, Warren was left astonished. "Now where did you hear such a tale?"
They both shared a slight chuckle, their worries diminished in the moment. Warren looked over at the distant horizon, he was immediately reminded of the upcoming battle.
"I'm being advised not to attend Breed's Hill because of my role as major general." He said, keeping his eyes fixed away. "What they fail to understand is that I do not fear death. I was nearly met with that fate in Concord when a musket round grazed my wig and nearly put an end to my life. When my own mother discovered this, she tried to talk me out of the war."
Michael suddenly felt slightly embarrassed. Warren's description seemed to match the previous events that occurred. But, would it be wise to admit the truth? This could be their last conversation before hell arrives on Earth.
"Concord you say?" He decided to go for it. If anything, his honesty must be admired. "I was there myself alongside the British, fired only one shot in total towards a certain colonial. Watched the bullet strike the man's wig too." Furthermore, he smirked.
Warren turned to face him, his eyes widened. "To think of all people, you would be the one to nearly end my own life. I'm disappointed, I would have figured you could aim a rifle well enough to wipe a man's head off clean, not grant them an unwanted coiffure."
Michael couldn't help but laugh, it was a wholesome moment for him. Even Warren had to join in on the laughter, realizing just how remarkable this peculiar colonial is. But something still felt slightly wrong. Michael was hiding another truth, one that could cost not just his life, but the lives of his allies.
"I must confess that it was entirely by accident." His tone only saddened. "I joined this war because my curiosity was piqued. But I had no intention to kill anyone. As a British ally, I purposefully chose not to take anyone's life. Now as a proud American colonial, I still wish to pursue pacifism. I understand the risk I take by doing so, I just don't know if I'm ready to pull the trigger."
Warren stared back at him, trying to think of a response. He seemed sympathetic upon hearing it. "Michael, out there on that hill, I need someone to look out for me. Just as I have your back, I need you to have mine. Do you understand?"
"Aye general." Michael sighed, keeping his head low. "I was afraid to ask for a minor role in this war. Perhaps as a medic or a scout. I assure you, I do not fear death. It's delivering death that I wish to avoid."
"I can tell by your tone that you've killed a man before. Tell me, how many times were you forced to take a man's life away?"
Michael paused, remembering his past. "More than I could ever possibly count."
Warren placed a hand over his friend's shoulder, keeping him at ease. "Unfortunately, I cannot ask you to bear arms and fire upon the enemy. I can only order you to do so. Hear me and obey, this is no time to allow our emotions to take control. You must add a few more lives to your list of kills. I'm sorry, but there is no other alternative."
"Understood, general." Michael nodded. He was about to turn away before he was stopped. Warren grabbed his hand and gently shook it.
"I'm counting on you Michael. Don't let me down."
Once their handshake concluded, they both parted ways. The apocalypse was approaching them, and they had to prepare. This battle will finally test Michael's limit. He had no other choice.
A few days afterwards, on June 17th, the day of reckoning had come. Michael stood over the hill, looking far away. His information was correct, witnessing the massive fleet that stood before him. It was a menacing sight, as the sails from the navy fleet waved in the wind, the British flag scattered across the battalions. Cannons were readied and deployed to the field, all firearms were loaded with ammunition.
Yet the colonists stood, filled with bravery. Although the same could be said for the British troops, as they formed lines and prepared to march within the line of fire. Horses galloped steadily with their officers mounted, awaiting their signal to begin the invasion.
General Joseph Warren arrived at Bunker Hill, cleaning his musket as Michael spotted him. "General Warren, a pleasure seeing you here today." He said, trying his best to remain calm before the fight.
"I'm glad to have disregarded the advice of staying away." Warren responded, showing a slight chuckle. "Rather than staying inside a dusted old room with politicians, I get to stand alongside my own men as a private and fight for our land. Once more, you have my thanks, friend."
"I only performed my duties sir. Leave the kind remarks until the battle is won." Despite his immortality, Michael remained nervous about the fight ahead. While they already knew the size of the British forces, seeing them up close in person drove many of the colonials into a panic. Colonel William Prescott ordered for reinforcements before the battle had even begun, their concern was growing rapidly.
Even with the added reinforcements, they were still severely outnumbered by the sheer force the British had acquired. However, during this time, Michael chose not to panic. If he shows any signs of fear or cowardice, then he has already surrendered internally. These were the teachings bestowed to him by an old friend, and even now; he never forgot them.
"At arms men!" Warren rallied the garrisons before the fight, the preparations are over. "Underestimate not the soldiers you will see march before you. Now is not the time for America's children to shrink from the most hazardous duty. We either set our country free, or shed our last drop of blood to make her so!"
The rest of the colonials cheered and began aiming their muskets. Something about Warren's way of speech reassured them all and drove away their fear. Warren walked over to Michael, resting his hand on his shoulder as he stared at the British army. "Whatever may happen, you still have my thanks. I order you to accept it, as you may never receive another opportunity quite like it again."
Michael nodded. "It's a privilege to fight by your side." Just as he spoke those words, the bells began to ring and the shouting followed. The battle has started.
The swords were raised only to momentarily fall, signaling the British soldiers to march. The drummers in the back boosted their morale as they kept the pace. Colonists readied their weapons, aiming directly at the marching battalions. To preserve ammunition in case they miss, they waited until the British were fifty paces away before opening fire.
Just until they could see the whites of their eyes.
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Historical Notes:
The night prior the battle, Colonel William Prescott led about 1,200 men to set up positions on the peninsula. They dug square fortifications with ditches and walls. The walls were about six feet high and provided excellent cover. Additionally, a wooden platform was erected inside for the colonials to stand and fire above the walls.
The British noticed their fortifications and an English warship opened fire to halt their construction. 128 guns were aimed and opened fire on the colonials, but their fortifications and walls covered them. Only one American died from the early attack.
Battle formations, with a majority of the fighting taking place in the center of Breed's Hill
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