THE REVELATION - Book 3 (THE EVENT)

by Marshall Huffman

  “Vladimir, Yegor is just exploring the concept of a new kind of government. The final form will probably be a work in progress until we find out what is really needed.”

  “Exactly,” Yegor said emphatically.

  “I understand. It is just so different to actually discuss how a government should be formed. They usually just seem to happen and the people have to live with it.”

  “It will be difficult for all of us to totally understand. I have considered asking Randy Boling from America to act as an advisor,” Yegor said.

  “An American? Advising Russians? What is the world coming to?” Vladimir said chuckling.

  “I know. It is surreal, to say the very least,” Yegor replied.”

  “If we do this thing, how would the economy work? I mean, we barter for everything now but at some point that will not work very well. We will get hoarders of critical materials.”

  “I agree. At the conference we decided to do away with gold as the monetary standard and use platinum-90. Each nation will base their currency on that. Each country will have its money printed in America, at least for now. We all agreed at the conference to use the same dollars to eliminate a fluctuating currency exchange like in the past. Honestly, it will be one of the Minister of Finance’s first jobs to determine how it will work. As a military man, finance is not exactly my field of expertise.”

  “Won’t that lead to crooks and gangs trying to start a black market?”

  “Possibly, but that will not be allowed to happen. People who break the law will be dealt with swiftly. Not by shooting or hanging but by banishing them to some wilderness area and they will no long be considered citizens of Russia.”

  “No trial, no recourse?” Matryona asked.

  “Oh yes, they will have a trial. It will happen quickly and they will be tried by an assembly of seven civilians and two military people. Whatever they decide will be carried out,” Yegor told her.

  “I see potential problems with that,” Captain Andreev said, speaking up for the first time.

  “I am sure we will have to adjust the process until we have one that works reasonably well. Actually, everything we do will be mostly trial and error,” Yegor said.

  “And the military?” Captain Sidorvo asked.

  “Yes. Do you have a suggestion to make?”

  “You said we won’t need as many military people as before which is good since we don’t have all that many now anyway but are you thinking of eliminating certain branches?”

  “I don’t know, what do you think?”

  “Well, by process of elimination we certainly don’t need our missile command or space programs for now. I doubt that they will be needed for some time. I don’t know about the Navy. At this point we have no ships that are operating. Airplanes are few and in poor shape so when you get down to it, the Army is the most needed branch.”

  “I don’t think we should consider eliminating the Air Force. We need to get as many planes in the air as possible,” Captain Andreev said.

  The meeting, while spirited, produced a great many ideas that they could act on. A truly free election with candidates selected by the population rather than appointed. A paired down military that would only add additional divisions if and when necessary.

  It had exceeded his expectations and for the first time Yegor felt like they were actually moving forward.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  - Colorado Springs –

  It was the first rain they had had in the past month. Everything had been covered in a tan layer of dust. While the crops seemed to be enduring quite well, the rain was a much needed relief to the citizens.

  The census was all but finished. Just the final tabulation needed to be confirmed. The news of the returning volunteer army was not being released. Major Miller wanted to give a full report first and to personally report the death of the three Americans killed. Two of the men were married and one had two children. He felt a responsibility to tell each family in person.

  The rain continued to intensify as the League members started coming in for the afternoon conference. Dan had arrived early and made sure each person had an agenda, a pencil, and a pad of paper.

  “Afternoon,” Margaret said, shaking her umbrella and setting it in the corner, “It’s really coming down.”

  “Yeah, we will probably get some flooding in some areas,” Dan replied.

  A few minutes later Angie and Kevin arrived. Everyone took their places and Dan was just about to start when Randy walked in.

  “Randy. Good to see you,” Dan said.

  “You look rested,” Margaret added.

  “Everyone. Look, I need to apologize to all of you. I know I have been...difficult, for lack of a better work. I have given a lot of thought to my actions. Angie hit it right on the head when she said it was time to get over my pity-party. We have all lost loved ones and I am acting like I’m the only one with grief. We have a colony to think about and I have been negligent in doing the job I was entrusted with and for that I apologize,” Randy said.

  No one said anything for a moment then Dan spoke up, “Randy, apology is not needed but I’m sure we all appreciate the fact that you realized the need to put the people that depend on us first again. I take it you are joining us from now on?”

  “I think I would like that very much. I know I have missed a lot but I’m ready to jump in.”

  Dan moved his belongings from the chair at the head of the table and let Randy sit down.

  “So, without putting you all behind in the agenda let’s just start and I’ll ask questions if I can’t figure out what you are talking about. Dan seems to have several important things listed,” Randy said, looking over the agenda.

  “Alright. First the census summary. Our total population is Eighty-two thousand two hundred and forty-nine. We are still growing by a few each week. Nothing like before but people still trickle in from all over. A family came in three days ago from Montana. They had been looking at old gold mines in a ghost town when The Event occurred. It took them three days to dig out when part of the roof caved in. It’s quite a story. They have been roaming around, living off the land and various cities they came across. As you know, Montana doesn’t have a plethora of cities,” Dan said.

  “Do you have a break down by diversity yet?” Margaret asked.

  “Yes we do. Sixty-three thousand four hundred and forty-nine are Caucasian. Fifteen-thousand two hundred and fifty-four are blacks. Asians make up two thousand four hundred and ninety-one. The remaining are a mixture. It is sad to note, no Native Americans are accounted for,” Dan reported.

  “And the male to female count?”

  “Uh..males account for forty-one thousand nine hundred and five. Females are forty thousand three hundred and forty-four. The ratio is closer than in the initial report. Actually it's not a bad mix considering how many military we have.”

  “That’s because of more progressive mines. More females are employed nowadays,” Randy added.

  “Good point,” Margaret said.

  “I will have a lot more details once everything is double checked and confirmed. We will have it broken down and announced on the radio as well as having it posted.”

  “Sounds like a good plan,” Kevin said.

  “Next item. Utah Freemen. Angie?”

  “Well, Laura has been my long lost buddy for the past two weeks. She pressed me to go on the inventory trip planned for Boulder. I stalled and said it wouldn’t take place until the roads were clear. They already are and I sent a few advanced people to kind of check out what we were getting into. They know to come directly to me to report their findings and to tell no one where they have been. The plan is fairly simple. We will feed the Freemen false information through Laura. We will entice them to attack from an area that will appear weak from the Intel they get. We will send a group to cut off their retreat and when they are in position, we will spring our trap,” she said.

  “And you are certain they will take the bait?”
Kevin asked.

  “I don’t know why they wouldn’t.”

  “Because nothing is ever easy, people don’t always follow the best laid plans. What happens if they don’t attack where we want them to?”

  “We are leaving them an opening they would be foolish to pass up. Why wouldn’t they?” Angie asked.

  “Like I said. In a situation like this things can, and often do, go terribly wrong. Then what would we do? We have more people but their people are almost all members of the army. They would outnumber us by a considerable amount.”

  “Not if we do this right.”

  Randy had been listening, not saying anything as they talked.

  Finally he said, “Why are we doing this?”

  “What? I don’t understand what you mean,” Angie said.

  “Well, as I understand it, they are in Red Mountain, Utah. That is way over on the Nevada border. Why do we want to entice them to come over here in the first place? Are they threating us in any way?”

  “That’s not the point. Eventually they will have to be dealt with,” Angie said.

  “So the plan is to lure them over here, trap them and kill them?”

  “Not like that exactly.”

  “Then how exactly do you intend to handle it once they get here?”

  “We would give them a chance to surrender.”

  “And then what? Suppose they do? What are you going to do with eighteen thousand rogue people? You don’t think they will stir up trouble? We can’t lock them in jail, we can’t banish them. Hell, they are already banished. So what do you do with the ones that say they will surrender? And then what about the rest? We just kill them and bury them in a big mass grave? Look, I get what you’re saying, but picking a fight seems like a risk we don’t need. We have much more important issues. This seems like a situation that we simply should walk away from,” Randy said.

  “And what about when they do decide to come?” Margaret asked.

  “Well, the census says we have eighty-two thousand people. They have around eighteen-thousand. We have a well-trained army and they are a rag-tag group. If someone didn’t lure you here would you want to attack the opposition that has five times the amount you have?”

  “Randy, this is already set in motion. They have the information. They will act on it,” Angie insisted.

  “Then tell them the truth. Let Laura know she was being given false information to lure them over here so we could destroy them.”

  “That’s crazy. Sorry...I mean, that’s not the way to do this,” Angie said.

  “It’s not too late. Hell, I’m willing to go meet with them and negotiate a peace settlement.”

  “Do you really think that is possible? They are a bunch of cut-throats and murders. They would rather kill you than negotiate with you.”

  “I don’t think so if we do it right. We can use Laura as a go between. We can tell her what our plan was and that she has been given disinformation but we have decided to see if they are willing to listen to reason first. She can set up a meeting between whoever is the Freemen’s leader and me. He can bring security with him if he wants and I will do the same. I just think before we start killing each other we should try to find some common ground.”

  “With murderers?”

  Randy didn’t answer.

  “So what are you saying Randy? I mean, we have talked about this for some time now. Are you telling us you want to change course?”

  “No, just think about it before you finally commit to this plan. Look, I realize I’ve missed some of the discussions. Maybe there is something I am missing. The only other thing I will say is that I think we should wait until our troops get back before we do anything. I just think not waiting until they are back on US soil before we attempt this will be a total mistake. Our military people are the true tacticians. We are planning to go to war with other Americans without the benefit of our best military minds.”

  “That is a valid point. I said at the last meeting that I thought waiting and hoping they could come charging in at the last minute was not the best plan. They need to be consulted before we ever start a war.”

  “It’s not a war. It’s a trap. How hard could it be? You surround them and it’s done.”

  “Angie, not to put too fine a point on it, but have you ever been in combat? Ever have anyone try to kill you? It is not simple and it never has been. A million things could go wrong,” Randy pointed out.

  “Fine. I think we should take a vote,” Angie said.

  “Don’t you think we need some time to analyze this further? We could meet tomorrow and vote. That would give us a chance to sleep on it,” Kevin said.

  “The issues are on the table right now. Why not just vote so we can move on, one way or the other,” Angie said.

  “Fine,” Dan said, “Let’s get it over with. We need to be united on this issue or it will influence some of the other items on the agenda.”

  “Let’s do it,” Margaret added.

  “Before we vote, just what are we voting on?” Kevin asked.

  “Good question,” Randy said, “We have several choices. We go forward with the plan as Angie has laid it out. We look at trying to negotiate, or we wait until the Army comes back and then decide what to do.”

  “There are only five of us. How can we come to a consensus with just us?” Angie asked.

  “We go by weighted value. You write on your paper the numbers three, two, and one. The plan you think is best you put next to the three. The second best plan goes on the number two line and the least acceptable to you goes on the number one line. We add up the score and the highest one is what we will do,” Randy said.

  “That should work,” Dan said.

  “Just so I make sure I have it. Three is my first choice and one is my last choice?” Margaret asked.

  “Correct.”

  “Got it. Let’s get this over with,” Margaret said.

  They each voted and slid the slips of paper over to Margaret. She tallied the scores. It took her several minutes to add them up and then recheck them.

  “Okay. Wait for the Army to return twelve. Negotiate has nine and go with the plan is seven. So it looks like we wait to see what we are going to do,” Margaret.

  “So what am I supposed to do with Laura?” Angie asked.

  “Stall. Getting the road open is taking a little longer than expected. The big bulldozer broke down and they are trying to fix it. Whatever you’re comfortable with,” Randy replied.

  “I don’t like it. I think this is a big mistake.”

  “And that is okay. You are certainly entitled to your opinion but we voted and waiting won out. I personally think we should negotiate but that’s not what won out so we go on.”

  Angie wasn’t satisfied with the situation and considered just telling them she didn’t want to be part of the League. Randy could sense her anger.

  She was obviously a stubborn person but he felt she offered a different perspective that benefited the League.

  “Angie, I know you’re upset. I’m a little miffed too but the one thing we have to keep in mind is exactly what you said to me. It isn’t about what we want but what is best for the entire colony. Your passion and perspective are important to us and while you may not have come out on top this time it doesn’t change the fact that you bring a lot to the table that will help us down the road.”

  Angie closed her eyes for a few seconds and said, “Okay, you’re right. I guess it’s only fair that you repeat the same thing I said to you. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

  Randy just smiled and the rest relaxed. Crisis averted.

  “Now, Dan has something about having regular holidays to give our workers a break from time to time. I couldn’t agree more. Most of our people have been putting in fifty and sixty hour work weeks for a heck of a long time. We have enough people now that we should be able to schedule differently. Let’s have the Workers Placement Office see if they can figure a way to cut down on the work s
chedule. We should have a Workers Day several times a year.”

  “Along with Event Day,” Dan added.

  “How about Christmas?” Kevin asked.

  “How about a Holy Day? All religions could celebrate at the same time. Even the non-believers would have a right to celebrate,” Margaret said.

  “Alright, now realize this is just a suggestion to get the concept down. Nothing I say is meant to be fixed in stone. Okay?” Randy said.

  The all nodded they understood.

  “We could have Workers Day in February, and September. That’s two days. June could be Holy Day. Obviously Event Day would be in April and December would be Christmas.

  They were all writing and finally Dan said, “I like it. That covers it pretty well.”

  “No Easter?”

  “Well, I thought making Holy Day in June would pretty much cover Easter. Again, don’t get hung up on the specific placement of the holidays,” Ready reiterated, “We’re talking concept, not actual months or names of holidays.”

  “We have a Jewish population that may object to the Christmas holiday,” Angie said.

  “They are welcome to believe in whatever they want but the vast majority sees December twenty-fifty as Christmas. I don’t think we should change that.”

  “We could always add additional holidays in time if necessary,” Dan said.

  “I would like to keep that to a minimum. I considered a General Webber Day but then that could get out of hand. Special interest groups are something I would want to avoid like the plague. It was a good part of what was wrong with the government before The Event.”

  “Here, here,” Margaret said.

  “I think it’s a great idea. It gives the workers something to look forward to and plan for,” Kevin said.

  “Just don’t be surprised if other groups don’t want special days off,” Angie said.

  Randy didn’t say anything but he did wonder why she was always so negative and combative. Whatever was bothering her he wished she could find a way to cope with it better but then again, he hadn’t done so well either.