[ TT ] George Washington is crowned the first King of America

`` Oh for the love of the holy father, how could this have happened?'' 
 
 `` Do n't beat yourself up for it, Samuel. No one could have seen this coming.'' 
 
 `` What happened to the Revolution, Mr. Franklin? Freedom from that old king...'' 
 
 `` Washington merely wants the best for his nation. That's all there is to it,'' Benedict sighed, staring into a little teacup. 
 
 `` Oh, shut your mouth ex-General Arnold. If he wanted the best, why'd you turn turncoat for Mother Britain, huh?'' chuckled the aged gentleman beside him. 
 
 `` Bah. Does it really matter now? Either way, I end up on the side of *the* king, whoever that should be.'' 
 
 `` Whomever,'' Samuel pulled his cup up to his lips. 
 
 `` What?'' 
 
 `` It's whomever, Mister Arnold.'' 
 
 `` No, no it is n't. I'm quite certain it's whoever.'' 
 
 `` Whomever that should be, it's being used as an object.'' 
 
 `` Gentlemen, please!'' Old Franklin stood up. `` I do n't want to hear a word about English, I'd rather talk about America.'' 
 
 The two men beside the old man groaned at the terrible phrasing. 
 
 The air inside the manor was terribly warm for a winter's day. Snow covered each and every beaten roof in the Philadelphia township. The soldiers in regulation blue marched outside on the streets, taking refuge in the houses of the poor working-class wherever they liked. 
 
 `` No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house...'' Franklin looked out the window, gazing solemnly at the men below. 
 
 `` This is n't a time of peace though, is n't it?'' Adams shrugged, `` Did you hear about the folks down in South Carolina? Building a bit of an uprising, are n't they?'' 
 
 `` There's rebels everywhere nowadays, are n't there?'' Arnold flipped over his tea cup, noticing that he had run out. `` You've got any more of this, Mr. Franklin?'' 
 
 `` Afraid not. Taxes on tea are too high for him, right, sir?'' Adams chipped in. 
 
 `` Maybe we ought' dump the lot of it in the harbor. That'll show His Majesty,'' Franklin smirked. 
 
 There was silence for a long minute. Slander against King Washington had been forbidden after a little incident in Pennsylvania that resulted in the immediate shut down of Benjamin Franklin's newspaper company. Benedict stared with horror. 
 
 Adams, however, began laughing. Franklin followed suit. 
 
 Before Arnold could calm himself to join in with the chuckling, there came a knock at the door. 
 
 `` *Father! *'' A voice called out. `` *Are you in there? It's me! *'' 
 
 Adams dropped his teacup on the table, leaning in to whisper in Benjamin's ear, `` Would you like me to get that for you, Mr. Franklin?'' 
 
 `` No. Say nothing. He'll leave soon enough.'' 
 
 `` *Father! Please! It's an urgent matter about the affairs of the Rightful State! Let me in! *'' 
 
 ``...'' 
 
 `` *You ca n't just let Washington do this! His reign is far worse than King George's! You know that! *'' 
 
 ``...'' 
 
 `` *You were right! Is that what you wanted me to say? The colonies have gotten their independence from the monarchy! But does this really make you happy? Changing crowns from one George to another?! America must return to British control! *'' 
 
 ``...'' 
 
 `` *Just stay with Britain! We were far safer and prosperous under their reig- Get your damn hands away from me, you filthy soldier! *'' 
 
 The sound of scuffling hung about behind the door of Benjamin Franklin's estate. His son's shouts rang through the crisp winter air. Wood struck against flesh. Another man's shouts joined William's, though much gruffer and aggressive than his. 
 
 Minutes passed, than the son's voice silenced. There was only the murmur of sputtering. 
 
 Then, there was silence. 
 
 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 
 
 `` Mr. Franklin. Was that really wise?'' 
 
 `` No, not really, Samuel.'' 
 
 ``... I do n't think it's safe here anymore. Those bluecoats must have heard us.'' 
 
 `` I assume so. Do you know of any other place we may take refuge in?'' 
 
 `` South Carolina. I have some friends there who could hide us. Unless you have other suggestions.'' 
 
 `` If I had any, I would n't ask you. Mister Arnold, will you join us?'' 
 
 ``... I'll pass, I think I can do more under his Majesty than against it.'' 
 
 `` Classic Benedict Arnold,'' Samuel rolled his eyes. 
 
 `` What's that supposed to mean?'' 
 
 `` Nothing, let's get going then, Mr. Franklin. I'll call a carriage.''
