John Judge

by Michael G Franks

  ***

  It was 6 am and people were emerging from their homes to travel to their workplaces. There was no joy in the faces, no hope or anticipation of a good day at the office or factory. They had spent the last two years waiting for the new society their leaders had promised, but it had never materialised. Instead, their working hours were longer. Production targets were higher and holidays shorter and no one saw the benefit of their additional efforts, except for that section of society who controlled the means of finance and production. The gap between rich and poor was becoming visibly ever wider. The elderly who were so happy about the promises made by Garside two years ago were now not so pleased. Many of them could not afford to heat their homes or receive proper medical care. It was accepted that stopping the riots and anti-social behaviour gave them respite and for a time they believed in their Government. But now times had indeed changed. No riots, very little crime or anti-social behaviour but no hope. The realisation was upon them that they were no longer useful to the State. Their votes wouldn’t count anymore simply because there were no longer any elections. They couldn’t work even if work were available, and so most of them staggered from one day to the next beginning to believe in their uselessness.

  After the withdrawal of trade union rights and the repeal of all laws that were designed to protect workers, employers were emboldened. They really didn’t care about worker welfare and other such nonsense, as they called it. The hard-line union men, however, initially tried to whip up resistance. They held meetings in some factories and offices and tried to encourage walkouts, sit-ins or work to rule, but not many workers had the stomach to take on their employers. The State responded very quickly by sending in arrest squads and arresting the senior union men and ringleaders. They were transported to one of the many containment pens and were not seen again. Any further resistance was completely eradicated. State television announced that a number of radicals had been arrested for inciting violence and encouraging civil disobedience. Opposition from the labour force had now been eliminated.

  John arranged to meet Terry Bayliss in Jubilee Gardens overlooking the Thames to discuss current developments. The gardens were not as well kept as they used to be because there was now no official support for such ventures. Locals tidied the place up from time to time and occasionally one would see groups of elderly men and women carefully tending the few remaining plants. John approached an old lady who was having difficulty getting up off her knees, ‘can I help you?’ John said extending his hand.

  ‘That’s very kind of you’ she said holding her hand out for John to take the strain.

  He saw that her hands were gnarled and painfully swollen, her face ravaged by years of hardship and plainly she was not in good health. ‘When did you last see a doctor ma?’ John asked.

  ‘You’ve got to be kidding young man. When did any of us last see a doctor’, she said nodding towards the other gardeners. ‘Doctors will only see you now if you pay them. We make do with the old remedies, that’s all we can do and, of course, help each other.’

  John and his team were already heavily involved in providing help for people like this lady, but he knew it wasn’t enough. The limited resources he had were acquired by those in work which supported his cause. They were always willing to get their hands on anything that could help. Supporters took great risks in getting various bits and pieces out of their workplace. First aid boxes or their contents were often taken from stores in the factories. Those working in the hospitals, which were now mostly privatised, managed to walk off with as much as they could without it being too obvious.

  ‘I know a couple of nurses who will gladly help you and some of your friends; they may even be able to help with some medicines if you allow them.’

  ‘And how much will that cost? Cos I can tell you now we don’t have any money.’

  ‘It won’t cost you a penny, I promise.’

  The old woman’s eyes filled but she held back her tears, ‘Thank you so much, it’s not been very often lately that we get shown any kindness. What’s your name; I can’t keep calling you “young man” young man?’She said with a twinkle in her eye.

  ‘Just call me John, that’ll be fine.’ John took a note of the old woman’s name and address, a Mrs Bishop, and promised someone would call soon.

  Terry arrived and was introduced to the gardening group. John said farewell to them and walked towards the riverbank with his friend.

  ‘I can’t stand this anymore Terry, It’s driving me nuts watching people like Mrs Bishop live their meagre lives in a State that doesn’t give a damn. Get the guys together tonight at my place. Marie can take one of the other nurses with her to see Mrs Bishop and her friends, I’ll brief her.’

  ‘I’ll get the message out to the rest of the men John, we’ll be at your house at about 8 pm, ok?’

  ‘That’s fine, my friend. I know that you are a true friend Terry but what I am going to suggest tonight may test our friendship like never before. I want you to know that no matter what you decide after you hear what I have to say, I will always consider you to be my friend.’

  ‘I don’t know what it is you’re planning John but I can tell you now I trust you with my life so there is nothing that could break our friendship. I’ll see you tonight.’ Terry walked away leaving John leaning on the wall staring into the murky waters of the Thames.

  Marie was waiting as John arrived home from work. After leaving the garden, he had returned to work for the afternoon. ‘Hi honey, you had a good day?’She greeted him with her infectious smile as she always did.

  ‘No, not really princess, I saw more examples of how bad things are today and I really believe it’s time something was done.’ He described his conversation with Mrs Bishop and her friends at the garden. How deprived they were, not just of a decent standard of living but also of the basic human requirement of knowing you are cared for, especially when you’re old. ‘Marie, I would like you to take one of your nursing colleagues to see Mrs Bishop and some of her friends. Is that ok?’

  ‘Yes, of course, it is John, I take it they need some medical care so I’ll get some things together.’

  John gave her the address and said that his friends were coming over later, ‘we’re just going to chew the fat about a few things.’

  ‘John, my darling, I know when you are troubled and tonight isn’t about “chewing the fat” is it? You have something far more serious in mind, am I right?’

  ‘I guess you know me better than I know myself so I won’t pretend that tonight will be a turning point in our lives, Marie. I intend to initiate the plans I have had in my head for some time and it may mean that we will be in a much more dangerous place than you could ever imagine. Trust me, please honey, I promise that I will do nothing about whatever is agreed tonight until I have spoken to you.’

  ‘I believe I know what it is you will be starting tonight, my love.’ She moved closer to John and he held her tightly, ‘you will always have me by your side, no matter what, I promise.’

  John loved his wife with every fibre of his body and yet he knew the dangers he would be asking her to face. The thought tormented his every waking moment.

  Marie gathered her medical equipment and said goodbye, ‘I’ll see you later honey.’

  Just before 8 pm, Graham Johns, the first of John’s friends arrived. Over the next 20 minutes, the remainder turned up.

  John spoke briefly to Graham about the young man at the Battersea Conpen who had his hands damaged. ‘What happened to him?’

  ‘I believe he eventually received medical treatment but was then shipped out to a prison lock up, or at least that’s what I’ve been told. I’m afraid there are too many disappearing for my liking and with the prisons full to overflowing; I fear the worst. Although I am a serving police officer, I despise the people in whom the nation has put their trust. I am sorely tempted to walk away from this uniform; it shames me to wear it.’

  ‘Graham that’s the last thing you must do, tru
st me. Tonight I am going to make some proposals that I hope will encourage you to continue in your current role.’

  After the group of five had settled down John began. ‘Gentlemen, you have often heard me thump the table in disgust and frustration at what is happening in our country. We know it has also got worse in the last two years despite our initial hope that Garside and his cabinet would put things right. We now know it hasn’t turned out the way we wished and Garside has become an authoritarian bully supported by the military and the police. We have a repressive, undemocratic State, who has laid out their agenda quite plainly. That agenda is total control. What I am about to suggest to you all is likely to lead possibly to our death or a very long time in prison. I firmly believe that there is another possibility open to us and that is a fairer, more just society. You’re intelligent guys so I’m not going to beat around the bush. I want to confront this corrupt, arrogant and dictatorial State in a way only they can understand. Before I continue, you have the right to walk out now if you feel in any way uncomfortable with what I have said so far. Graham, I am particularly aware of the position you are in and will understand if you feel you have to maintain your loyalty to the organisation you signed up with. We were all soldiers and understand what it means to be loyal to our flag and a uniform.’ John waited for a response, Terry was the first to speak ‘I for one have waited for this moment and hoped and prayed that one day I would hear you say those words. I’m with you all the way.’

  Graham spoke next, ‘I understand now what you eluded to earlier and you have my full support in whatever role you decide is right for me. I meant it when I said I am ashamed to wear the uniform of a police officer and anything I can do that will make a difference I’m one hundred percent behind you.’ One after the other, without hesitation, they declared their support, Derek Farson, Mal Adams and Paul Cobb all berated the establishment and its cronies and suddenly there was an excitement in the room. They urged John to lay out his plans and were eager to start.

  John responded, ‘let me make it clear guys, it will be a long hard fight. Garside won’t stand by and just let us turn him over. He has the army and the police at his disposal. Be aware that when we start, retribution will be swift. That is why the planning and preparation will have to be meticulous and there can be no turning back once we engage with, what from now on must be considered, our enemy. You can have no doubt that is how we will be seen to them. The first thing I want to do is lay down some operating principles. We have already established leadership groups around the country whose prime aim up until now was to provide support for the local population. Their objective will now be part of the new movement that is defined here tonight. Our main objective must be to force the State back to democracy. We must also ensure that vulnerable members of our society are looked after.’ John paused to gauge responses; he needed to be sure that the group were fully aware of the gravity of what they agreed to.

  John continued ‘Firstly I must ask this, do you all agree to accept my leadership?’ He asked each in turn starting with Terry.

  ‘Absolutely John, with respect to the rest of the team, I can’t think of anyone else I would sooner follow.’

  ‘Derek?’

  ‘I agree entirely with Terry.’

  ‘Mal?’

  ‘I believe you have been planning this for a long time John and so I think you must be the right man to see it through. I’m with you all the way.’

  ‘Graham?’

  ‘I’ve known you a long time and know you have all the attributes to lead especially when the going gets tough. John, if you were not leading this venture, then I don’t think it would get started. You have my full support.’

  ‘Paul?’

  ‘What more can I say except that we are making history here tonight and I want to be part of it with you leading the group.’

  ‘Thank you, gentlemen, I appreciate your support. The first thing we should do is allocate roles. We must establish an operating base and acquire funding for the resources we will need. I’m afraid the funding issue will require our involvement in some criminal activity.’ John waited for a response.

  Paul Cobb said ‘Oh good, I’ve always wanted to rob a bank!’ Then motioning towards Graham he said, ‘sorry officer, you didn’t hear that, did you?’ They all laughed and John was glad they were able to joke with each other and especially Graham as John knew he would have the most difficult job of them all.

  John continued, ‘Terry shall be my second in command, Derek and Paul I would like you to establish our bases using the Underground network. It’s ideal now that it’s no longer used. Much of it is blocked off so you will need to re-establish entrance and exit points but make them as discreet as possible and preferably invisible to the Stapo. We should be the only ones who can use them. I’m sure that Paul will be able to blow small holes here and there without too much trouble.’

  Paul quickly announced, ‘I’ve got a stash of detonators and some explosive material from my old job at the quarry.’

  ‘Thanks, Paul, I’ll leave it you and Derek to report back with a plan of what you are going to do and how. Is one week enough time?’

  ‘Yes, it should be ok.’

  John moved on to his next point. ‘I will be visiting the towns and cities outside of London over the next 2 weeks and making contact with our group leaders there. I know most of them and I’m sure they will fully support the plan. However, as it is not absolutely certain that they will come on board with this Terry will come with me to help in trying to persuade any naysayers. Ok, Terry?’

  Terry nodded his acceptance.

  ‘Graham, in my opinion, you have the most difficult task. I would like you to be our man on the inside.’ John saw the look of disappointment on the police officer’s face. ‘I know how much you want to shed the uniform you despise but your role while wearing it will be invaluable. Our initial activities will be carried out while we are still living and working over ground and that will need all the advance knowledge we can get of where the Stapo are and their plans before we strike. Once we are forced underground, it will be even more important. I know I am asking a lot, Graham.’

  Graham paused and then spoke. ‘I know I can be a valuable member of your team working with you and fully integrated, free from the shackles of this uniform. But I also realise how much more I can contribute in doing what you ask of me, so, yes I will be your inside man. But please remember...’ Graham looked into the eyes of each of his comrades, ‘if any one of you is caught I may not be able to help. That will be the most difficult thing I will ask of myself.’

  Before John could speak, Mal Adams rose from his chair and reached across and took hold of Graham’s hand holding it firmly in both of his hands. ‘Graham, if that situation ever arises I want you to know that I will not expect you to risk your position to save my arse. What you will be doing will be too bloody valuable and cannot be exposed.’

  Graham watched as his comrades in unison applauded what Mal had said.

  ‘Thank you guys just don’t bloody well get caught eh!’

  John spoke, ‘Mal, this brings me to your role. We need an easy target that will provide us with sufficient cash to get this show on the road. We don’t want jewellery, as we don’t have the outlets to fence it so cash only, for the moment. I’ll leave the details to you Mal; let me know when you have something.’

  ‘You got it, boss.’

  I will give out sector responsibilities when Terry and I have finalised the target list. In the meantime, I promised Marie that I would not proceed with what we agreed here tonight until I have spoken to her. I assume you will want to do the same with your spouses. I have no doubt that they are as sick of what is happening in our country as we are. But as they will be seriously affected by our actions and will be dragged into them at some point, they should be fully in the loop.’

  Graham said, ‘I will not be telling Jane because it would be too dangerous. I will have to live the part, which occasionally means ente
rtaining my colleagues and sometimes senior ones, so Jane must believe that I am a dedicated police, officer. I don’t like deceiving her, but it’s safer that way.’

  ‘I fully understand that Graham and it’s a very sensible approach.’ John confirmed with the rest of the team that there were no issues regarding their spouses. ‘Let’s meet again in two days time to go to the next stage. In the meantime let’s carry on doing what we have been doing for the last few years.’

  After John’s friends had left, Marie arrived home looking quite downcast.

  ‘What on earth is the matter honey?’ John had spotted straight away that something was wrong.

  ‘I saw Mrs Bishop tonight, her apartment was freezing cold, there was little food in her cupboards and she sat there wrapped in a blanket. I gave her anti-inflammatory cream for her hands and then went to see an old gentleman next door. John, he had arrived back from the garden, sat in his armchair and died, just like that. There were no obvious signs for the cause of his death and he only had minor health problems. Mrs Bishop said she had seen a few of her friends go like this; they just gave up. Surely this cannot go on, for God sake John how can any human being allow this to happen. God knows what some children and the disabled are suffering.’

  John embraced her and let her cry before he spoke, ‘I am not going to let it go on Marie, it will stop I promise. I don’t know how long it will take, but it will stop.’ He told her everything that had taken place that evening and asked, ‘do you want to go along with me on this?’

  She looked up at him through her tear filled eyes. ‘Let’s go and give those scumbags what they deserve John, I’m proud of you and I promise I will be at your side every step of the way.’

  John Judge held his wife close and knew that their time together from now on would be fraught with danger.