[color=ed1c24][b]Halls of the Capitol – Bethlehem – Free Commonwealth
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Many votes had taken place in congress, almost one after the other, all debating whether to aid the keys or let them sink. The Governor’s Cabinet had narrowly voted to recommend to congress that they aid the Keys. As divided as the Cabinet had been, congress was even more so. There were shouting matches, threats and almost breakout of violence among the delegates. 

The Guild of Miners and Bethlehem Steel supported the sending of aid to the Keys. After all, they were big trading partners, partners they did not wish to lose. They were pushing their respective backed delegates to vote in favor. However, they were facing stiff resistance from Farmers United, the main body representing agrarian interests.

Lt Governor Daniel was working hard to convince delegates, but right now he faced his biggest hurdle. A large number of delegates belong to the Amish & Quaker League. They were a large voting block and worse of all they were pacifists for the most part.  Unlike the ones from the past, they sometimes do vote in favor of conflict.

 “Look, we know you are against conflict. All we ask is that you give this proposal a chance or abstain from voting. If your delegates abstain, we will be able to pass this vote through…” Daniel pleaded with an elderly gentleman dressed in black, dressed in typical Quaker fashion. 

“You are asking us to silence our voices by abstaining. You are asking us to give our right to either disagree or agree by doing this. How do you expect us to face our constituents if we do as you say?” The man replied.

Daniel took a moment to ponder, and think of a response, “Simple…You know that this is the right move for this situation. Your constituents demand that we all abstain from violence, yet at the same time demand security.  If you vote, you’ll have to go either way, if you abstain…Well, you maintain their wish for peace by not voting for the conflict, and at the same time you’ll keep them secure…”

“You say we’ll be secure, how can you guarantee that? A large number of our forces are out west, if you take another chunk and head south, we’ll be more exposed!”

“Look…Down in Maryland and tin that area, the treacherous Suttbray is raising force, and allying itself with the Cult. If we allow them to gain a foothold, we’ll open the war on two fronts regardless. This way we’ll take the fight to them…If they form in the south, your people’s lands will be the first to be attacked, let us protect you. We’ll vote for the aid and the draft.” Daniel replied placing a hand on the man’s shoulder.

“…Very well. We’ll abstain…” The quake replied with worried look on his face.