Civilization

by Stephen Drake

  “Second, anyone with the following skillset, come over to my left. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, or anyone with any medical training,” a few started meandering over to his left. “Hunters, fishermen, outdoors men of any kind,” a few more meandered. “Butchers, woodworkers, potters,” two more started for the group that had already been called out.

  “Third, you’ll need to cajole, appoint, elect, or draft a spokesman, or spokespersons. I want to deal only with someone, or a group of no more than three, who speaks for everyone. That’s all, for now!” Murdock turned to the few that had queued up to his left and motioned them to follow him as he walked over to his campsite.

  “I want the fishermen and hunters first,” he said loud enough for the small group to hear. Three men approached. “That stream has fish in it, but there may not be enough to feed everyone fish every day. That way,” he pointed toward the river, “about twenty or twenty-five miles, is a river with more and bigger fish in it. The fish on this planet are very rich and will stretch further than you’d think. If you look around, there’s plenty of deer sign. The animals here are a lot larger than you think they should be. You don’t want to waste anything. You’re going to have to brain-tan hides for clothing and other uses. Like the fish, the venison is quite rich and will go further than you’d initially expect.” He handed a couple of them some of his smoked venison and they sniffed and tasted gingerly. Only one thought it was good. The other two handed theirs back. “You two are going to get mighty hungry!”

  “How big are the deer?” asked the one who appreciated the venison.

  “They run, roughly, the size of an elk. One of your first jobs should be to teach basic woods-craft to as many as you can. If you see any bears, go the other way. You’re not to touch, harass, hunt, shoot, or molest any bears in any way at any time. To do so will exact a swift and severe retaliation. When you unload the storage bins, make sure you get a good inventory. I want to know what you have for weapons.” He had stopped talking to them and taken a drink. They knew he was finished with them.

  “Medical personnel?” he asked and three people came forward. “What kind of practice did you have?” he asked the first man.

  “Paramedic,” the man said.

  “You?” Murdock went to the next person, a female.

  “G.P.” she said haughtily. His eyes widened with interest.

  “You?” he asked the last person, another female.

  “Practical Nurse,” she answered.

  “We’re sorely lacking in medical personnel and medical facilities, so you three are going to be worth your weight in gold, so to speak. I will personally see to it that you have housing and are fed well. I’ll also get the others to contribute. When I’m finished with the rest, Doctor, I want to talk to you privately. When the storage bins are emptied, you three should take charge of any and all medical equipment and drugs. Anyone gives you any grief, you tell them to take it up with me.” All three went back to the pod with a smile.

  “The rest of you need to find people familiar with certain skills. All woodworkers, farmers, and potters. Anyone with those types of skills is what you need. Ignore lawyers and politicians, they’re useless. When you get around to emptying the storage bins, make sure the craftsmen take charge of their tools, if any, and I want to be notified immediately.” The rest left when it was evident that he was finished talking to them.

  After everyone had left him, Murdock was trying to figure a way to get the Doctor to the cabin to examine Mei Lee and be available when she goes into labor. As he sat there, he heard the others having the discussion of selecting spokespersons. Murdock got that déjà vu feeling again.

  It took several hours for the others to elect three spokespersons. It shouldn’t have taken that long, he thought. It isn’t that complicated. That’s what happens when you get a bunch of people together to make a decision. I knew I should have just picked three and let the rest choose from them. Murdock had noticed that it was getting to be rather late in the day, so he invited the Doctor over to his campfire while he caught, cleaned, and cooked a couple of fish. By the time they were eating, it was already quite dark.

  In the course of their dinner conversation, he had found out that the Doctor, Irene Harris, would first talk to the practical nurse to see if her skills, experience, and judgment were what they should be. If she were found lacking, the Doctor agreed to examine his wife.

  “And how were you going to pay for my services?” she asked. They had been sitting across from each other and their faces were lit by the campfire. As soon as she spoke the words, Murdock’s pleasant expression turned cloudy.

  “What did you have in mind?” he asked cautiously.

  “Gold, silver, any precious metals, precious gems” she said in an off-hand manner as she continued to eat.

  Murdock said nothing for some time. He just sat there looking into the flames. “Will those things keep you warm in the winter? Will they fill your belly when you’re hungry?” he asked finally. She could hardly hear his questions, he spoke so softly.

  “I could buy those things with whatever passes for money here.”

  “Housing and food aren’t worth anything then?” Murdock asked.

  “They are, but they don’t come close to the remuneration my skills will require. I am the only doctor, after all!”

  Murdock sat there quietly looking at the doctor’s expression. He could tell she was serious as she was looking quite pleased with herself.

  “Well, then, Doctor, I’ll be sure to remember that before you examine any of my family. Should you run across me when you’re hungry, I’ll be glad to remind you to pay cash!” Murdock stood his anger apparent by his expression. The Doctor stood reflexively and turned to run as he grabbed her by the back of her collar. His other hand grabbed her clothing at her Gluteus Maximus. “You have officially worn out any and all welcomes!” he said sternly through clenched teeth. Murdock then tossed her about thirty feet. He stood there watching her as she landed with a satisfying thud and seeing her get up slowly before he returned to his campfire.

  After the doctor left, Murdock had some difficulty getting to sleep. I’m tired of dealing with these people, he thought. I want to head home. He had been worried about Mei Lee, as he knew she was close to delivering. He did make telepathic contact with her and maintained it until he went to sleep.

  Murdock woke up the next morning at daybreak, as he usually did. He had eaten his breakfast and was waiting for some time when the others finally got around to showing signs of life. He picked up his bow, quiver, and spear and walked, with purpose, into the shadow of the transport.

  “Those selected as representatives will come to my campfire as soon as possible,” he commanded and then walked back to his camp to wait impatiently.

  He didn’t have to wait long before the practical nurse was heading his direction. Murdock watched as she approached.

  “Excuse me, sir?” she asked as she stood in front of him.

  “Yes?” he said sternly, impatiently, looking down at her.

  “Doctor Harris told us what happened last night. I would like to apologize for her actions.”

  “Why are you apologizing for her?”

  “She is a Doctor!”

  “Is that an excuse?” Murdock asked bitingly. He saw the woman backup a step.

  “No, sir, she’s used to giving orders and having them obeyed. She’s used to being in demand and being able to call the shots,” the woman explained.

  “So?” he responded brusquely becoming more impatient.

  “I’m telling you this because there’s trouble coming your way. Doctor Harris isn’t used to being treated the way you treated her and has stirred up the others to do something about it.”

  “What do you know of her treatment?”

  “I didn’t see it, so I don’t know what happened, but she did say that you attacked her.”

  Murdock started chuckling a little. “Is that what she said?”

  “Yes, sir, she di
d.”

  “She considers getting a bum’s rush an attack? Wonder what she considers a punch in the face?” Murdock noticed that there were three people heading toward him. “I take it you aren’t part of the elected delegation.”

  “No, sir, I’m not. I just thought you should be warned.” The woman turned to leave.

  “You don’t need to leave,” Murdock said placing his hand gently on her shoulder to stop her retreat. “Stick around and enjoy the fun. Just stand behind me a little.”

  The woman moved to comply as the other three came over to him.

  “What’s she doing here?” Ben Palmer asked roughly. “She wasn’t elected!”

  Murdock stood looking at the three with a slight grin on his face. “I’d like to know who taught you your manners,” Murdock asked.

  “Nobody,” Palmer responded dourly.

  “Apparently,” Murdock quipped. “Maybe someone should have!”

  “You better watch yourself, mister. I’m in no mood to put up with you or your mouth,” Palmer warned.

  “Really?” Murdock stood there looking at Palmer with a grin. “I’m sorry if I gave you the impression that you were someone to fear or respect. That was a totally erroneous assumption on your part. I’m neither concerned with your mood or you, for that matter.” Murdock stood there with a grin and head cocked a little to the left.

  Palmer drew his fist back, having had enough, and stepped forward punching were Murdock was. Faster than Palmer, or anyone, could see, Murdock moved out of the way of the ineffectual punch and gave Palmer a quick tap to the back of his head as he passed, sending the bigger man sprawling to the ground.

  Palmer rolled over, his face red with anger. He scrambled to his feet and rushed head long toward Murdock, attempting to grab the man. Again he felt the butt of the spear on the back of his head. This time he went sprawling into the stream, face first. Palmer rolled over and backed out of the water, looking at Murdock. Murdock spun the spear several times, in a figure eight pattern, left, right, and in front of himself before stopping it and striking a fighting stance. The shocked expression on Palmer’s face made it apparent that he had finally realized he was vastly outmatched.

  “Now then, shall we begin?” Murdock asked as he stood straight, asking calmly of the others who had stood there watching with gaping mouths. It took a few ticks before the others realized they had been spoken to.

  “The people of the transport pod demand that you return them to Earth,” a woman stated with a whiny voice.

  Murdock looked at her. She appeared to be about five foot six with blonde hair and blue eyes. “And you are?” he asked politely.

  “Phylicia Cunningham,” she responded sharply, dismissively. She acted as if he should have known who she was.

  “Well, Phylicia was it? I don’t care what the others demand. You’re all mistaken if you think I’m here to do anything for any of you. I am here to suggest strongly what you should be doing and give you some direction as to how to do it. If you don’t want to follow my suggestions, that is up to you. If you want to survive, you’ll do as I suggest. If not, well, it won’t concern me too much to let you all starve, or worse. There are only a few things that are required of you by me. I’ve already stated those requirements. I called this meeting to demonstrate to you that I’m not one to be trifled with.”

  “All you’ve demonstrated is that you’re a bully,” Phylicia responded hotly.

  “You saw that I was attacked first and did little to protect myself? What would you have me do? Stand still and let Palmer hit me?”

  “We saw you attack Mister Palmer, who is unarmed, with that . . . that weapon,” Phylicia continued.

  Murdock dropped the spear. “Would you like Palmer to try again? Do you think he would fare any better?” Murdock looked to the others. He did lock his gaze on Palmer for a second. Palmer looked away as Murdock locked eyes with him. “No? Glad we got that settled. Now then, I think we should start over with introductions all round and let’s see if we can demonstrate, for those without manners. Let’s start with . . . you.” Murdock indicated the brunette practical nurse, which offended Ms. Cunningham no end, which pleased Murdock no end.

  “Annie Cooper, sir,” the brunette responded with a little curtsy. The curtsy made points with Murdock. He had thought no one knew what a curtsy was.

  “Ben Palmer,” Palmer said when Murdock had indicated him. The little brunette walked over and slapped Palmer’s upper arm. “Sir,” Palmer added.

  “Phylicia Cunningham, of the Cape Cod Cunninghams,” Phylicia responded haughtily.

  “Declan Griffen, sir,” the tallish man responded with a shallow bow. Murdock’s heart began pounding. Was he related to Rose? He tried to contain himself.

  “I am Murdock,” Murdock said indicating himself by touching his chest with his right palm and then extending his right arm and bowing slightly. “Now, isn’t that better than fighting or making demands? But, honestly, Phyl! You need to drop the arrogance. No one cares anymore for such nonsense, at least, they shouldn’t.” Murdock waited for someone to say something. “Good. We all know the restrictions. Everyone should be clear on the restrictions and I’ll hold you all responsible for anyone who doesn’t know them. I told the outdoorsmen to leave the bears alone and so should everyone. Don’t feed them. Don’t hunt them. Basically, if you see a bear, go the other way. I think that should pretty well cover everything. Do you have any questions?”

  They all started to ask something at the same time, except Griffen. Murdock held up his hands until all were quiet.

  “You have a question, Griffen?” Murdock asked. That brought several attempts to dominate the conversation by the others. “Everyone should open a can of ‘Shut the Hell Up’ and wait your turn!” He waited for quiet before indicating Griffen.

  “How many survived from the first pod?” he asked politely.

  “Two, my wife and I. Next?” Murdock saw Palmer trying to be noticed. “Mister Palmer?”

  “Who gave you the right to tell us what to do?” Palmer asked with venom.

  “Sorry, I’m a trifle deaf in that ear. Speak louder next time. Next?” Palmer was not happy with being put off. Murdock saw Phylicia and recognized her.

  “The others have demanded that you stand trial,” Phylicia stated with arrogance.

  “This is a time for questions, not demands. Next?” No one else had a question, or if they did, they kept it to themselves. “Glad we had this meeting. It would seem that we have worked out everything. Only one more thing remains. When I show up here again, only those I send for or the three that the rest have selected will be allowed to approach. You’re all dismissed.” Murdock watched as the others began leaving. He stopped Annie Cooper from leaving.

  “Phylicia wasn’t joking about having you stand trial,” she said once the others were out of earshot. “Everyone has been asking about the first pod. It was obvious that you were on it and everyone expected to be met by most of the people. To now be told that you and your wife are all that’s left,” Annie shook her head slightly, “let’s say it isn’t going to be good.”

  “Why is that? They just want to hold someone responsible for the misfortunes, or stupidity, of others. I, for one, refuse to accept responsibility for other people’s stupidity. I told them and they refused to listen. What more can be said?”

  “There is a probability that someone on this pod is related to someone on the first pod,” Annie offered. “They are going to want answers.”

  I’d say it’s a certainty, Murdock thought. “Would you be interested in helping with my wife’s delivery?” Murdock asked changing the subject.

  “Sure, but I don’t know what I can do. You should really have the doctor look at her.”

  “The doctor is more concerned with lining her own pockets than caring for patients. I have no use for someone like that.” Murdock made no effort to hide his disgust for Doctor Harris.

  “That is what she said last night. She did say that you and yours wo
uld come around to her way of thinking sooner or later.”

  “Not likely,” Murdock responded loudly. “We’ve gotten along for the last five years without a doctor, so we can get along without her!”

  “So, what do you expect from me?” she asked after a pause.

  “I expect confidentiality, professionalism, and honesty,” Murdock responded somewhat calmly. “For that, I will pay for your services with food and housing.”

  “That seems reasonable to me,” Annie said honestly.

  “It didn’t seem reasonable to Doctor Harris,” Murdock sneered. “Everyone in this transport pod needs to realize that this is not a safe place. You can die in a second, if you aren’t careful.”

  “Oh, I believe you,” Annie responded. “I feel like we have been dropped in the middle of nowhere!”

  “A word of advice, don’t get involved with the political machinations that are sure to show themselves.”

  “What do you mean?” Annie asked innocently. “Am I not to have a political opinion?”

  “You can, just keep it out of your medical practice. I’d guess that two of those three elected officials will do their best to consolidate their perceived power. Most people don’t realize that politicians only have power because the masses turn it over to them. What the masses don’t realize is that the vast majority of politicians only serve themselves.”

  “That seems to be a rather negative outlook,” Annie said with a shocked look.

  “Not negative, just realistic. If any of the others give you too much grief, just remember that they need you more than you need them. Would you ask Griffen to come talk to me?”

  “Of course,” Annie said sensing that her discussion with Murdock was at an end, for the time being. “When did you want me to look at your wife?”