by Ryan King
*******
The meeting continued on with other mundane issues and tasks, but Reggie was hardly aware. His mind whirled with the implications for what just happened. There were so many unknowns that he felt as if he were falling over a cliff. Suddenly his mind caught hold of the discussion going on about the electrical problem.
They were talking about how their electrical needs were just barely being met, though cutting off areas outside the JP helped somewhat. The last area still receiving power outside the JP was General Sampson’s West Tennessee Republic to the south. They had tentatively reached a deal in principle where the WTR gave them compensation in corn and other hard-to-find items. After months of waiting, the JP still had not actually received anything from the WTR in return for the electricity. This was despite many assurances from Sampson.
“I spoke to General Sampson last month,” said Anderson, “and he just stalled for more time. It may be harder for them hemmed in by so many irradiated areas.”
“But that’s not the issue,” said Leslie Mitchell, the Paducah mayor. “We’ve come to realize, we need the extra electricity more than we need anything they can give us in return. We’re trying to rebuild, and we’re on our way; but we’re being held back by the electricity rationing.”
“What it sounds like to me,” said another, “is that we should use the excuse of them not paying the agreed upon rate as a pretext for cutting them off for good.”
“That could be dangerous,” said Anderson ominously. “That would make them desperate and desperate people can be unpredictable. They also have a larger population, more military resources, and are essentially a dictatorship under Sampson. I don’t think we’re ready to take on the WTR.”
The room erupted in a confusion of voices with several proclaiming that they felt the JP was ready for anything Sampson’s forces could throw against them. Reggie sensed the conversation was getting close to heated topics he’d rather not have discussed yet.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," cried Reggie, "let's table this discussion until our next meeting. This topic is obviously very serious and I believe we could make a more enlightened decision after we've all had time to carefully consider the situation."
They had grudgingly agreed, but Reggie could tell this would be a hot topic at any future meeting. The meeting covered a few more mundane matters and then adjourned.
As they were walking out, Anderson caught up to Reggie. The General’s face was deadly serious. “If we just cut the WTR off, there’s liable to be war between us and we’re not ready for that, I promise you.”
Reggie looked long at Anderson before speaking. “I know. But they’ll not submit to the WTR’s bullying…too proud. We’ll have to figure something out.”
Reggie turned to walk away and Anderson asked after him, “What do you want me to do for now about Sampson?”
“For now, simply stall him. Keep giving him the electricity, but don’t push for any compensation. We don’t really want it now and may need that pretext to cut them off eventually.”
Reggie turned back and saw that Anderson’s face appeared strained. Reggie continued, “And you say we’re not ready for a war. I hear you, but you damn well better get us ready in a hurry, because I think it’s coming, ready or not.”
President Philips walked slowly back up towards the surface, his load much heavier than it was before.
