by Tom Tryst
The farms had to keep producing in harmony with the alien program if the people were to be kept fed. If they, as a group, decided to withhold their produce, many would go hungry. The military was still too small to overcome an organized, nationwide boycott. They could placate the farmers with promises only for so long; for now they had to make the life of the farmers, ranchers, fishermen and other food producers no harder than any other 40-hour, five-day workweek.
Nobody had yet come up with such a solution other than to provide each farm with as many workers as needed. If a farmer attempted to withhold crops, the government would pull out all the assigned help, moving them to other farms. Rebels would lose all privileges and rations. The loss of some crops would not be missed, for they were only trying to feed half of the old population. The hope was that the ongoing threat of the return of the Peace Keepers would keep the farmers content for the duration.
Daniel has his nightly shot of whisky, now so relaxed that his eyelids are dropping.
“I miss them,” Sherry states, breaking the silence.
His eyes snap open. “What?” he asks, long having lost interest in the television program they had been watching.
“The commercials.”
“Are you kidding? That crap use to irritate the hell out of me!”
“Yeah, but some were funny,” she replies, “and better then the news flashes and public information blurbs that replace them.”
“Then quit watching the old reruns. They were geared for some 20 minutes an hour in commercials, promotions and station breaks. They have to fill those breaks with something.”
She just shrugs and sighs. Then she turns to him. “Let’s go for a walk! Get some fresh air.”
“That fresh air is pretty cold now.”
“I don’t care! We can bundle up. Let’s go to the park!”
“Really? It’s almost bedtime.”
“Come on, Stick-in-the-mud!” she teases. “We can both get some needed exercise.”
He gives her a leering grin. “I know a better way of getting that exercise.”
“That might happen - but only after our walk.”
He sits up, rubbing his face, then looks up at her, already standing and reaching down to pull him onto his feet.
They are soon walking arm in arm, bundled up against the cold night air. It is invigorating, with no chilling wind, the air barely cold enough to create occasional breaths of condensation. Even though the tavern is still open, they are the only ones on the street, easily finding their way by the dim village street lamps.
The dining hall serving line is closed, but coffee and tea are always available, along with snacks. They will stop on the way back.
“This is nice!” Sherry quietly claims as they near the park. A military jeep slowly approaches on its regular patrol. The driver taps the horn lightly in greeting as it passes.
They continue, walking slowly, in no hurry. As they enter the park, Daniel breaks the silence.
“So, how is Tabitha adjusting?”
“She’s taking over! I’m so glad to have her. I was in way over my head.”
He grins. “I was going to wait until it was official before telling you . . . ,” then lets his voice trail off, teasingly.
“Tell me what?” she asks, squeezing his arm. She knows it is something good the way he’s acting.
“Talked to The Colonel today.”
“The General. He’s been promoted, remember?” she corrects.
“You want to hear this, or not?”
“Sorry. Go ahead.”
“It’s about Dave and Janet.”
She suddenly stops and pulls him to face her. “They’re coming here?” she cries excitedly.
He smiles broadly and nods. “Put in the order today.”
“When?” she cries happily, for while her brother-in-law is OK, she is very fond of his wife. “When will they get here?”
“He couldn’t say. They’ll have to find a replacement for him. And for Debby, too. She’s working, now. They’re all coming.”
“We’ll have to find them a place!” she declares enthusiastically. “Close by.”
“How about the apartment downstairs. Right below us.”
“It’s vacant?”
“Reserved for them.”
They continued walking, her dominating the conversation with her plans for their arrival. He listens in silence, but is smiling. It will be nice to have the family together again.
Bob Baker, the old Chairman of East United States of America, or simply East America, and Jeff Ryan, the old Chairman of West United States of America, or simply West America, had little to do during the alien occupation, for their constant Peace Keeper companions ran the show. Now that they were gone and the two could now communicate freely, their first joint decision was to reestablish the United States of America and its democratic form of government.
The problem was that virtually all of the former elected officials and their appointees had been transported, as were most of the leaders of the Democratic and Republican nomination committees. For one reason or another, most of those involved in the electorate conventions were missing. There were few to surface who had any experience in politics. In a way, that was good, for they could start with a new government free of the chronic corruption of the last one. But for now, they had the problem of finding people who had been part of the government willing to take on the various offices, people who could step in and organize.
It was soon evident that few wanted to get involved in government again unless there was some financial award - a significant incentive. As one past director of a small department cited, why would people want to take on the killer obligations of government leadership when they get no more than the ditch digger? Those who were eager to get on board probably hoped it would be the gravy train government used to be. Both Baker and Ryan were determined that would not happen.
Both were now back in the White House as Co-Chairmen serving until the first national elections could be held; it would be the people who chose their national and state leaders. They would concentrate on getting all of the departments and agencies up and running, as most of the low-level administrators, supervisors and workers were still on board and running the show.
The country was now under martial law, with the military filling in for the struggling state governments. Only by enforcing the communal government system established by the aliens could the country continue to function until the new governments were up and running. The production and delivery of those products essential for human life had to continue under the communal system, but it was bewilderingly complicated. As soon as the dollar was reinstated as the means of trade, things could get even more chaotic. Greed would once again be a part of the equation. The government would have to first establish price control across the board, and have the ability to enforce them. If not, people would starve. Coordinating with the other world governments would be critical, a factor that was extremely difficult in the old world, and possibly impossible in the new.
America might have to become self-sufficient, existing without world trade.
The ‘number one’ rule for the time being was still: If you don’t work, you don’t eat. The aliens had effectively eliminated those humans who couldn’t or wouldn’t work: transporting. What they left were able-bodied workers, mostly families with children. The aliens had effectively - and without compassion - ‘thinned the herd.’ The world’s population was estimated to be half of what it was prior to the evasion, for there was yet no means of taking a worldwide census. All those with disease and afflictions had transported. It was a healthy world today - and a hungry world. There was ample housing for all. There were jobs for all. There was food for all. But all that would change dramatically if the federal government could not make a smooth transition from communal living to a monetary society; if they couldn’t get the food and other necessities of life to the people.
For beleaguered Co-chairmen Baker and Ryan, it seemed
an impossible objective.
The call was out across the nation for volunteers who would temporarily fill the various federal, state and local governments. The only incentive was that they would have a role in an historic event. That, and they would have great accommodations, catered meals and maid service for the duration of their service. And lots of perks. Plus, there was the possibility of landing a prestigious position in the new governments, and - eventually - with corresponding wages.
It would be a little over a year before the first elections would be dictated by the interim federal government. This had to be coordinated with the military. Cities would be the first to fill their elective offices. The following month, county governments would have their elections. The next month, elections for state offices. The fourth month would be the national elections, when the military would turn over control to the new government. Campaigns would be limited to the 30-day period prior to the election, limited to a series of ‘town hall’ type meetings and person-to-person campaigning. No broadcast commercials. No sign posting and limited campaign literature distribution with strict guidelines for content. And there would be no ‘mud slinging.’
In the future, the major role of national government would be in regulation rather then providing services. They would set standards. They would set prices. They would set wages. They would establish minimum standards of education for every occupation and profession. They would establish free training for those able to meet those standards. They would establish on-the-job training. The government would only provide those services which, by their very nature, the people could not provide for themselves.
The military would once again have the role of keeping peace, and participating in the defense against the perceived alien threat.
For the first time in the history of the United States, there would be minimum education and experience criteria for every elected office. And for the first time, it would actually be the people who chose their leaders rather than political entities. No elected office could be ‘bought.’
Now, all the Baker/Ryan government could due is make administrative rules that they hoped the new leaders would make official by Constitutional amendments. In the meantime, the expanded military would enforce their rulings. The present primary directive to the militia: maintain the communal distribution system at all costs.
Chapter Thirteen
Lieutenant Colonel Victor Wells made it a point to personally meet the Davies family at the train depot in San Antonio rather than send a detail, as no civilians were being allowed to leave The Compound. Neither Daniel nor Sherry could go with him. He was there as the train from Chicago pulled in, knowing that they would be tired from the long trip with its many stops. He also knew that they would be anxious to be reunited with Daniel and Sherry, for they had not had personal contact with them since before the invasion.
When the family left Kentland for the drive to Chicago, where they would leave their car for reassignment, the plains were covered with almost a foot of snow and the day was bitterly cold. A low, leaden overcast threatened more snowfall, but the highway was well plowed, the pavement bare where wheels wore paths. It was a dreary day, yet the Davies were in high spirits.
The train trip took thirty-two hours and it is late afternoon when Victor loads them into the eight-passenger military van and heads west for the one-hour drive to The Compound. It had been cloudy with a cold drizzle that morning, but the sky is now clearing and they are driving toward a beautiful sunset.
“Is The Compound like this?” asks David, waving at the rolling hills to the north.
“Pretty much,” Victor responds, “only less populated and more heavily wooded. Mostly old growth oak.”
“The lake,” asks Darrel, just turned twelve, “Is the fishing good?”
“Medina Lake,” Victor responds, “You like fishing?”
“Yeah, if I can catch something. I don’t like just drowning worms.”
Victor laughs. “I don’t fish myself, but they say it’s pretty good, specially since it’s been closed off to the general public.”
“It’s inside the compound?”
“Bordering on it. For security, we patrol it. You have to make arrangements to access it. Again, for security. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to fish it. And no license required. And no limits. What you catch goes to the mess hall for preparation.”
“Mess hall?” Debby chimes in.
Again, Victor is amused. “That’s what we call the dining hall. You’ll have all your meals there.”
“That’s what I’m looking forward to,” says Janet, “Not having to cook.”
“Or do dishes,” Debby adds.
David turns to business. “I’m really curious what I’ll be doing. Daniel didn’t tell me much, just that it was important work.”
“He couldn’t tell you much. Classified. But he’ll explain everything when we get there.”
“I’ll have something to do, won’t I? And Debby?” asks Janet. “With the no cooking and such - and with Darrel in school - we’ll both need something to do.”
“All three of you are assigned to Daniel’s detail. That’s up to him,” Victor replies and leaves it at that.
David turns to the family. “I’m sure we’ll all have duties to fulfill. He assured me it’s important work.”
“It is that,” Victor assures them.
In Castroville, he heads north for the last 17 miles of their long trip. He stops at the security gate and rolls down the window. The MP on duty recognizes him and salutes.
“The Davies family. Party of four.” They are quickly passed through the double gates. It is dusk as they enter into the gloom of the woods, but soon the lights of the village come into view.
“Oh, wow?” Janet breathes. “I see what Sherry meant by saying the village is really quaint! It’s like stepping back in time. Even more rustic than Kentland!”
“And I’ll bet as dull,” grumbles Debby.
“Oh, there’s plenty of recreation. We have a critical duty here, but we also take time to play,” advises Victor. “And there’s a lot of young men assigned here. Mostly military.”
“Oh, great!” moans Janet.
Again Victor laughs. “Relax, Mom. My men are on their best behavior - if they know what’s good for them. But there is a lot of organized recreation that all are involved in. If any one gets out of line, you just let me know.”
Debby just sits back, smiling.
Victor pulls into a parking space in front of their assigned apartment complex, the same building where Daniel and Sherry live.
Victor and his driver help them with their luggage. At the first floor landing, Victor addresses Darrel, pointing to the north. The lake is barely visible in the growing darkness. “That’s Medina Lake. You can see it from your balcony.”
As they enter the wide hallway with a welcoming rush of warm air, David asks, “Does Daniel know we’re here?”
Victor just nods, stopping at the first door to the right, opens it and motions them to enter. The room is dark, but as the four enter, the light flash on, accompanied by a chorus, “Welcome home!” Daniel and Sherry are there with the rest of the crew they will be working with.
Victor dismisses his driver and moves to Tabitha’s side. The living room is large by most apartment standards, but it seems crowded with so many people there to greet and welcome them. After the rented families have exchanged hugs, Daniel makes hasty introductions to the others, knowing they won’t remember all the names.
“Don’t worry about names,” he tells them. “These are the people you will be working with. They’ll soon be just like family.”
Daniel directs them to the sofa, emptied for them. “Sit. Relax.”
“If it’s OK with you, I’d rather stand for a while. We’ve been doing nothing but sitting.”
Drinks were being thrust into their hands.
Debby looks at her soda, then at Victor. “Do you have wine?”
“You old enough to dri
nk?” Victor asks with a smile.
“Yes!” she states.
“In Indiana,” Mom corrects. “Not here!”
“How old are you?” Victor asks.
“Almost twenty.”
“You have to be twenty-one in Texas. But it’s eighteen on base. It’s up to your parents.”
Debby frowns at her mother, knowing what she will say.
Victor again intercedes. “We limited the use of alcoholic beverages. You have to use your ration card, and the limit is two drinks. Nobody gets drunk.”
“I drank back home,” Debby challenges, “ and I never got drunk.”
Daddy came to her rescue. “Handle it responsibly and its OK. The first time you get drunk, you’re cut off.”
Debbie smiles, but looks to her mother. She knows Mom has the final word.
Janet closes her eyes, but nods.
“White wine, if you have it,” the teenager says in a dignified tone.
Knowing they are weary from almost two days of travel, soon only Daniel and Sherry remain, showing them their new three-bedroom apartment.
“We live right upstair, “ Sherry advises. You all get a good night’s sleep, We’ll give you the grand tour tomorrow after breakfast at the dining hall. It’s open 0600 to 0900 for breakfast. Say we meet here at 0800 - that’s eight o’clock - and walk over together?”
“Fine.”
Daniel adds, “You’ll have the morning to get settled. After lunch, we’ll go to the Computer Center and show you what we’re doing here.”
“Will I have to get a security clearance?” David asks with a grin.
“You already have one. Secret. I couldn’t get you in here until I arranged it.”
The sun is well up, quickly taking most of the night chill from the air. The walk to the Mess Hall is short, for their apartment complex is only a block from the hall. Once inside, Daniel briefs them on the serving line procedure, remembering how alien it was for him. Once the four are in line with their trays, he points to the menu on the wall behind the serving line.