by Nelson, Kip
That only left Power and Materials. Tillman assumed he would be voted in as Power, since he had been the one to come up with the plan to combat Khan. Of course, he subsequently had abandoned that plan without a word of warning, but he hoped people would remember his strategic planning. However, when Declan called out Simon's name Tillman's heart sank. Simon looked at Tillman smugly, and Tillman thought he may actually be in danger of not being voted in. There was only one category left, and as he looked around at everyone else he suddenly realized he was a stranger.
These people had lived together day after day. They were a part of each other’s lives. It was arrogant of Tillman to think he simply could waltz in, take control, and expect everyone to fall in line. Some of them had known him as a child, but that was a distant memory. Now for the first time he felt like a stranger in his own hometown.
“And then for Materials we have Fernando Torres,” Declan said. The color drained from Tillman's face. Rarely had he ever been as shocked as he was in that moment. He'd been so sure that his efforts would have been rewarded, that his speech would have healed the wounds he had caused. Perhaps it was just a case of too little, too late. Perhaps he wasn't as important to this community as he initially had thought.
But then Declan cleared his throat to indicate he hadn't finished speaking. He got the crowd's attention with another sharp blast of his whistle.
“There's one other matter to address. There was someone else in the crowd who received more votes than anyone else, but they all were spread across the categories. So he never actually came out on top in any category, but it was impossible to ignore the number of votes he received. Therefore, we decided this council could use this man as a consultant, who can interact with all the leaders and offer his advice to all areas of the community. That man is Tillman Torres.”
Tillman was stunned for a moment, then he smiled widely. He looked around at the admiring faces, and tears came to his eyes. The emotion he felt was overwhelming, and if he hadn't had his cane he may well have fallen to the ground. His family and friends crowded around him, congratulating him, all of them telling him that he deserved this.
Tillman's efforts hadn't gone unnoticed, and the neighborhood had forgiven his mistake. He nodded toward Declan and the others, then thanked everyone as they came up to congratulate him. He still had a part to play in this community, and now that his part was secure, his mind whirled with all the plans he had for them.
The announcement brought with it a time for celebration. Everyone was mostly happy with the choices the community had made for leaders, although Tillman held reservations about Simon being in charge of Power. He hoped the rest of the leaders would be able to keep Simon in check. Everyone was pleased the council was in place, but the celebrations didn't last for long. The council’s first meeting was called, and matters were addressed.
Tillman welcomed them all and discussed the current vision for the community, and the most pressing matters. Everyone but Simon agreed with him that developing a sustainable system of water distribution was of the utmost importance, and that became the priority. Mr. Fox already had taken the liberty of developing some plans, and after these were approved the council began to assign people to the various tasks.
Sitting on the council filled Tillman with a great sense of pride, and for once he was pleased he didn't have to fight these battles alone. A sense of togetherness rippled through the community, and this was echoed in Tillman's heart. He looked at the other council members and realized he was surrounded by friends, and that together they could build a bright future for the people in the community.
A lot of wood was needed. Then it had to be cut and shaped to build the water system. It was going to take a lot of time, and a lot of strength, but when Tillman presented the plans to the rest of the community they were in full support. So far at least the idea of the council was a roaring success, and Tillman hoped it would continue in that vein. They had made their first decision, and it was one that was going to greatly benefit the community.
“It's a pleasure to be working with you,” Mr. Fox said, still dressed in his fine suit. Tillman thanked him and looked around at the neighborhood, wondering what it was going to look like when they were finished with it.
Chapter Four
Over the following few days the community was bursting with energy as people tried to do their best building the water system. Everyone had taken to their roles and saw the importance of what they were doing. Mr. Fox was working with Penelope and Anthony to bring his designs to life. Other people had gone out to the forest to gather the lumber that was needed. When they first began, a few people thought the undertaking was too big an effort to succeed, but many others had faith. It was this faith that buoyed people's spirits.
The only difference between Tillman's initial plans and the reality was that people insisted on building more than one base for their water catchment system. They were rightly concerned about the security of the bases, and didn't want to put all their hopes in just one. So, it was decided that three bases were to be constructed. These bases would be secured to another small part that would head out to the actual water catchment portion.
It was an ambitious project, and it raised people's eyebrows. Even Tillman wondered if they were biting off more than they could chew, but when people began working he was filled with pride at the display of solidarity and strength. The neighborhood was alive with people whistling while they worked, and he could feel a good spirit buzzing around. Tillman moved between the various groups of people with Major by his side, passing along new instructions, giving encouragement and praise where it was needed, and also a little tug on the reins too.
Two of the bases were constructed fairly quickly, and by the time they were finished the community was exhausted. However, it was clear that not only had they built the bases, but they had built a sense of community and trust as well. Tillman told them they all could be proud of what they had accomplished, and they went to sleep happy.
“That went easier than expected,” Fernando said. Tillman had been rushing around so much that he hadn't seen Fernando all day.
“I know. People really are throwing themselves into this. It's good to see. I'm proud of them,” Tillman said. “And I'm glad you're on the council as well. I think we can do a lot of good here.”
“Oh, yes indeed. I have to admit I had my reservations when the day began, but to see the bases now, it's a marvel.”
The bases were a little distance away from the neighborhood, so people couldn't see them from their windows. This was a little frustrating because it meant they couldn't keep an eye on their creation, but since Khan had been dealt with, it was decided there wasn't any danger to be wary of. Tillman had visions of the community expanding into the forest, creating a new hub of civilization that would form the backbone of the new world.
The following morning Tillman awoke with a smile on his face. He stretched out his limbs and drew back the curtains, ready to meet another day. However, as he looked out at the neighborhood he saw people waving their arms in alarm. Someone was running back to the neighborhood and yelling, but Tillman was unable to hear from the vantage point of his bedroom.
He made his way outside as quickly as he could, holding his cane aloft as it only slowed him down when he was striding purposefully. Major's legs moved quickly, and his pink tongue lolled out of his mouth as he scampered along beside Tillman. A crowd had gathered, and Tillman now could hear the issue.
“The bases, they've been smashed,” Liam said, panting. His face was red and he evidently had sprinted back as fast as he could. Tillman clenched his jaw and went to investigate himself, along with a few others, including Simon. They raced out to the bases and their faces fell. The wooden structures had been smashed and splintered. The wood was wrecked, the hard day's work ruined, and all their efforts had been for nothing.
Simon cursed loudly, and he wasn't the only one. Tillman stood in silent reflection, his head bowed.
; “I told you this would happen! I told you we should have dealt with him!” Simon yelled, pulling at Tillman's shoulder.
“You think this is Khan?” Tillman asked.
“Well, who the hell else is it going to be? He's a monster. He's not going to behave just because you asked him nicely,” Simon said.
“No, it's not Khan. This isn't his style. He didn't even know about these. It was someone else, someone who knew to hit us where it hurts.”
“I've had just about enough of you defending that man,” Simon said, wanting to begin another war of words with Tillman, but Tillman simply walked away. He didn't have time to get caught up in an argument.
More people flooded in from the community as word began to spread, and a lot of panicked whispers greeted Tillman's ears. He walked forward to inspect the bases carefully, looking at how badly the wood had been smashed and splintered. Anger festered in his heart. Whoever did this showed a severe lack of respect for everything they were trying to build, and Tillman took it personally. He vowed to himself that he would find whoever did this and make them pay. It was one thing to attack the people of the community, but this was something different. Whoever did this was attacking the future.
Behind him, people were talking among themselves. Simon still was trying to convince others that it was Khan. Some believed, but most remained unconvinced. After Khan had brought the supplies to the neighborhood, opinion of him had begun to shift. People still were afraid of him, but they could see he wasn't hellbent on their destruction.
“Come on, Tabitha. You of all people have to believe me,” Simon said.
“Shut up! Stop trying to rope me into your theories. If you think about it, you'll know this isn't Khan,” Tabitha said.
Tillman turned around to look at the two arguing, ready to jump in and support Tabitha if she needed it, but she seemed to be holding her own against Simon. It was good to see her being strong again after she almost had lost herself to her need for revenge.
“What are you talking about? This is exactly the kind of destruction that Khan wanted,” Simon said.
“No, it's not,” Tabitha replied tersely.
“Khan likes attacking people, seeing the fear on their faces. He wouldn't attack this structure. If he was going to come for us, then he would come in our homes while we slept and see how terrified we became. This isn't his style,” Tabitha said, shutting up Simon completely, and shooting down the theory that Khan was responsible. Tillman agreed with Tabitha wholeheartedly, and he didn't want to waste time on this theory when the real culprit was out there, somewhere.
“It's just the kind of world we live in now. Nothing is safe. Nothing good we build will last. We just have to get used to it,” Liam said despondently.
“There has to be someone else, someone like Khan. Maybe there's another group we haven't met yet? People who want what we have?” Annabelle asked. After she spoke, people began scanning the woods fearfully, afraid they were being watched.
But no, Tillman knew it wasn't that. He didn't want to say anything at first, because he didn't want to alarm them. But the more he thought about it, the more convinced he became that this was the work of someone in the neighborhood. To a stranger this would have been just a collection of wood. Whoever attacked these bases knew this was going to hit the neighborhood where it hurt the most, and the only people who knew these things existed were the people in the neighborhood.
There was an enemy within, and the thought of it shook Tillman to his core.
But who?
Until Tillman could figure out who would do this, he had some damage control to do. He couldn't allow the community’s morale to suffer because of this incident. If people became despondent, work would suffer, and they'd never make any progress. Tillman rose and turned to face the gathered throng.
“Listen here, people. We cannot allow our heads to fall. We will find out what happened here, but until then, there is nothing we can do about it. We should focus on what we can do. Set your minds and bodies to the tasks you were doing yesterday. I know we all are tired, and this travesty has sapped our will, but do not let it defeat us. We must show whoever did this that we shall not be so easily defeated!”
“But Tillman, what happens if the same thing happens again?” Liam asked.
“It won't,” Tillman said grimly. “We'll station guards from now on through the night, in case anyone or anything is attacked again. Remain vigilant. We have to remember there are other threats around. We can't be too comfortable, even if we have been able to celebrate the last few days. Keep working hard. I know you feel disheartened, but it will be worth it when all is said and done.”
With that, Tillman moved away from the crowd and spoke to some people individually, promising them he would get to the bottom of this. The rebuilding of the destroyed bases continued sluggishly. When the bases first had been built, people had been driven by enthusiasm and hope. Now, they were weighed down by doubt. The progress was slow, and sadly the vandal's plan had succeeded. The mood was grim, and this attack cast a grim shadow over the entire community.
Tillman and a few others tried to keep the neighborhood’s spirits up, but people already were tired from working so hard. Now they had to do it all over again. Not only were their bodies aching, but their souls were too.
Tillman gathered the council for an emergency meeting.
“We need to talk about what happened,” Tillman began.
They were meeting in Jack's house, which was empty for the moment. Tillman was standing over the table with his hands on the surface. Jack leaned against the door, arms folded across his broad chest. Simon was sitting at the table, his arms crossed defiantly. Mr. Fox had his legs stretched out, looked relaxed. Annabelle was leaning forward, chewing her lower lip, and Fernando sat at the table stoically.
“It's a blow, no doubt about that. I'm sure we can find some use for the wood, but we need to go get a lot of it again. I guess it's a blessing we are where we are, for there's plenty of wood around, but it's the spirit of the people I'm worried about,” Mr. Fox said.
“That's why I called you here,” Tillman said.
“Are you ready to admit it's Khan?” Simon asked.
“No, Simon, we've been through this,” Tillman said. Jack rolled his eyes.
“We should at least go ask him. Maybe it was one of his men who acted without his authorization” Simon protested.
“I don't want to waste time on that. It's not going to get us anywhere. I think I know who did it,” Tillman said. All of them, apart from Jack, looked at him with shock. “I think it was someone in this community.”
Simon rolled his eyes and shook his head. Annabelle laughed in disbelief, only silenced when she realized Tillman wasn't joking. Fernando and Jack remained quiet for the moment.
“That's quite an accusation you're making there,” Mr. Fox said.
“I know, but I've been turning this thing over in my mind and it's the only thing that makes sense,” Tillman said.
“I agree,” Jack said, his husky voice carrying an authoritative tone.
“We've seen no evidence of another group other than Khan's, and it's doubtful they'd attack these bases. If they were going to hit us, then they'd try to get something more obviously useful, like food or clothes. And if they realized how important those bases were, then they'd steal them for their own use. Not every group is going to have the manpower to build something like that. It's definitely not a wild animal either. So, I'm inclined to agree with you, Tillman.”
“But who would do this, and why?” Fernando asked. “Surely they're just hurting themselves.”
“Some people don't think that far ahead. Some people have a grudge and they never can let go,” Tillman said, glancing toward Simon. He saw that other people’s glances drifted toward Simon as well.
“Oh, come on. You can't believe that I would do this?!” he asked. “Look, I know we've had our differences, Tillman, but that's between you and me. I've been elected to this council, and
I haven't had problems with anyone else. I'm man enough to work with someone I disagree with. I'm not going to go behind everyone's back and hurt them just to get back at you.”
“No, I don't think you would, which is why we have to try thinking about who would have the motive or desire to do this. I haven't told anyone else I suspect it’s one of us because I think we should keep it under wraps, until we know who is responsible at least. If the people of this community come to suspect that one of their own is sabotaging their efforts to make a better life, it's only going to spread paranoia and strife, and nobody is going to get any work done. Nobody is going to trust anyone else.”
“So we can't trust anyone?” Simon said.
“I didn't say that. I just don't want word getting out,” Tillman said. “Be careful with who you tell, because we don't want to let this person know we're onto them.”
“It's a sad day indeed. My daddy said you never can trust people when you get them in a group. There's always one bad apple trying to make the whole bunch rotten. Hell, the person who did this is a short-sighted critter, and we'll find them, Tillman. We'll make an example of them,” Mr. Fox said.
“I hope you won't be as lenient on them as you were on Khan,” Simon said. “Whoever did this knows the rules.”
“Jack's in charge of the law,” Tillman said, nodding to Jack. “I suggest we all go our separate ways and try finding out as much as we can. We can't let anything else be sabotaged. Simon, I'll leave it to you to set up a watch schedule to make sure today's hard work of rebuilding the system isn't going to be ruined.”
Simon nodded, and with that the meeting was disbanded.
