Chapter 233 Arising Concerns in the Camp

Chapter 233 Arising Concerns in the Camp

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Meanwhile, at two o'clock in the afternoon, the councilors of the New Clark City Camp convened for a secret meeting in the office of Maria Santos, a leader among the original camp residents. The air was tense with concern and unease.

"Ma'am Santos," one of the councilors began, "the presence of Blackwatch is increasingly encroaching on our way of life. Each afternoon, we're startled by the loud sounds of missiles firing from their base. General Peralta made attempts to communicate with Blackwatch, seeking explanations, but they were dismissively turned away. This lack of transparency is unsettling."

Another councilor chimed in, highlighting a more pressing issue. "There's growing discrimination within the camp. Original residents are being denied basic services. Some Blackwatch survivors openly suggest that we should dissolve our council and fully let their commander-in-chief, Richard Gonzales. It's creating a divide and fostering resentment among the people."

This two-party system within New Clark City had become a significant source of tension. On one side was Blackwatch, an organized military group with advanced weaponry and strategic capabilities, responsible for protecting civilians and maintaining order. On the other were the original camp residents, survivors who had banded together, and the original settlers of the camp, who were responsible for civil management and community welfare.

Yet even with that clear line, the Blackwatch citizens were still treating the original residents with a sense of superiority, calling for one leadership, that is Richard Gonzales.

"Could it be that it's the work of the Blackwatch themselves? Getting the people to agree on the political system where the Blackwatch governs and protects?"

"What's the matter if the Blackwatch leads the camp or not? The important thing is that we are being protected by their military. They have advanced weapons, helicopters, tanks, heck even large airplanes! This is not the old world anymore where civilians often have the final say. The new world demands strength and security, which Blackwatch provides," argued another councilor, trying to present a different perspective. "And to think about it, it's only the civilians of Blackwatch treating our people wrong, not the soldiers themselves. Is there a case of that happening?"

"But I heard that the Blackwatch have their civilian departments, those who take care of the logistics and auxiliaries. What if they assign those people to the role we are doing?"

"Then they must be a very capable individual to handle such responsibilities efficiently," Peralta continued, his tone pragmatic. "Our role here before the Blackwatch was voluntary. There's not an election or the people choosing, it's just us standing up to the role."

"You are right..." Santos concurred. "Well then, I'll go speak to the Blackwatch leadership immediately."

***

Four o'clock in the afternoon, at Blackwatch New Clark City Command Center, near the Clark International Airport. A Toyota Vios sedan was being stopped by an armed guard at the entrance of the command center.

The sedan obliged and stopped and the guard walked over to the window. "Identification and purpose?" the guard asked.

Maria Santos, sitting in the backseat, leaned forward to address the guard. "I am Maria Santos, representing the original residents of New Clark City Camp. I request a meeting with Commander-in-Chief Richard Gonzales to discuss matters concerning the well-being and representation of our residents."

The guard paused for a moment, eyeing her credentials. He then spoke into his radio, relaying the information. After a brief wait, he nodded. "You're cleared to enter. Follow the road to the main building, and you'll be directed to the waiting area. Commander Gonzales will be informed of your arrival."

Maria nodded in acknowledgment, and the sedan was waved through the checkpoint. As they drove towards the command center, Maria mentally prepared herself for the meeting.

The sedan parked in front of the imposing command center. The driver, Peralta, pulled the handbrake and glanced over his shoulder. "Good luck."