Matthew Hesh sat in the Oval Office, engrossed in a report from his Chief of Staff, Henry Collins. For weeks, rumors of unrest had been growing in the southern states, particularly in Georgia and Alabama. Local authorities were reporting a surge in violent protests and armed uprisings. At first, it seemed like scattered incidents over labor disputes and economic hardship, but now intelligence suggested something more coordinated.
"Henry, what's the full picture here?" Matthew asked, his tone calm but firm.
Henry sighed and placed another folder on the desk. "It's worse than we thought, Mr. President. We're dealing with a combination of factors. The unrest started with labor strikes, but now it's escalated into full-scale riots in several towns. Reports indicate that a militant faction—calling themselves the 'Southern Sovereignty League'—has emerged. They're using the labor movement as cover for separatist rhetoric."
