First Citizen Josiah Hazard.

= First Citizen Josiah Hazard = Posted by  Largehobbit

Posted: Apr 4, 2018, 11:11pm

Dusk - 20th August - The Steamworks, The Silken Mill - Midday

"Hold the line." Oakes called out to the surrounding constables. The crowd was growing violent with stones being thrown. Nearby a young cadet freshly signed up into the watch was sitting on the ground nursing a broken nose and a split lip. Several of the protesters were worse for wear as well with at least a few clutching broken bones delivered by watch truncheons and stun rods.

Several of the watch were blowing whistles to call in more men, but there was nobody to come. All of the watch that could be got hold of were here now and they were hard pressed. The chanting was deafening now;

"Through struggle we persevere!!! Better Pay and Safety!!!"

Over and over again the words began to resonate with the crowd and soon the watch were not only trying to deal with the strikers but also the milling crowd that had started to collect around the square.

"Through struggle we persevere!!! Better Pay and Safety!!!"

This would not end well. He was so intent on managing the chaos of the crowd that he did not register the rumbling sound for a few moments as it came closer from a nearby street. Then as the sound grew louder he turned to see what was happening. He almost swore in disbelief as he took in the sight of what approached.

Down the main avenue leading the factory gates rolled a behemoth of a machine. The great steam engine that droves its wide tracks chugged and hissed as the massive tank rolled on. The cannon fixed atop it was like nothing he had ever seen. There were rumours of such machines being built for the city militia but until now he had dismissed it as just that, a fanciful rumour.

As it grew closer now the noise was deafening and the violence and noise from the crowd died down. The steam tank rolled in slowly, Militia troops marched either side of it and behind came a smaller vehicle, flagesium driven by the looks of it, expensive. The tank rolled to a halt and the militia formed around it, rifles at the ready with bayonets fitted. The flag-fueled automobile swerved around the tank and came to park at its side.

There was silence across the courtyard as the automobile door opened and a man stepped out. There could be no doubt from his clothes and appearance.

"Holy Shit." Sergeant Oaks finally cursed, "The First Citizen."

First Citizen Josiah Hazard stepped out of his vehicle and into the courtyard.