“Okay. I can see that. At least for now. I know we want to get more planes up and running and another ship or two certainly would help. So I guess manpower is sort of a budget of personnel.”
“You will be the Commander of the New American Military. The only person who can override your decisions will be the President, when we get that little detail solved, Vice-President and the League until that time.”
“Wow. Didn’t see that coming.”
“In affect, you will be the third highest official in the Nation. Once the election has taken place only the President and Vice-President will be above you.”
“That’s a little dangerous don’t you think? I mean I know what’s required but what about the next guy? He may decide he doesn’t have to answer to anyone.”
“Yes, that’s true. Everything we are doing right now is a risk. You will be a part of the new President’s advisory committee. They can collectively have you removed from your position if they deem you are a threat to the country,” Randy told him.
“Still. If I control the entire military, I could easily stage a military coup. Who would stop me?”
“The citizens. That’s why we still have it in our new constitution that all citizens have the right to keep and maintain arms. It’s what keeps the government from becoming a dictatorship as well. Once the citizens are disarmed, it follows that freedom of speech and the right to assembly rights are then taken away. Every dictator has started off by taking the guns away from the people. Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, and all the others”
“Point taken. When does this all take place?”
“Effective immediately assuming you are willing to take the job and get the ball rolling.”
“I accept then.”
“Congratulations Commander. For now the League is still the ultimate authority.”
“Understood.”
* * * *
Three months later on November twenty-first, the first Presidential election was held. Seventeen people entered the race and ten informational meetings were held where each person was given a chance to explain his or her vision for the nation.
True to his word, Randy did not enter the process but two league members did: Kevin Shore and Margaret Olson. When it was all said and done. Margaret Olson won fifty-nine percent of the votes. She tried to get Randy to be her Vice-President but once again he declined.
Finally to everyone’s surprise she selected Angie Dunn. Of course Angie was stunned to be chosen. The task of helping to direct the future of the nation now fell on her shoulders.
Randy did consent to serve on her advisory board for two years, but that was all he was willing to commit to.
* * * *
Yegor Nikitin followed closely the process used in America. He too decided to let someone else take the over the direction of Russia. He would maintain control of the military for the time being but eventually he wanted to give that up as well once he was sure the new system was working.
The people for the first time actually had their vote count and Grigorii Baskov was elected in a hard fought contest between him and Sergei Matskevich.
Eugeny Sidorvo was promoted to General of the Army and appointed to represent the military in the newly formed cabinet while Captain Andreev was promoted to Colonel General and placed in charge of the day to day military operations. He would still answer to Eugeny Sidorvo and the Marshal of the Army, Yegor Nitikin.
One of the first items on Baskov’s agenda was the production of food. A massive effort was immediately implemented that eventually encompassed almost sixty percent of the population. Transportation was the next highest priority. Increasing military strength was not a priority.
* * * *
“It is going well?” Matryona asked as Yegor came back from a meeting with Baskov.
“Yes. I believe so. It may not have been what I would have done but he is now in charge and who is to say he is wrong?”
“How are Andreev and Eugeny doing in their new positions?” she asked.
“They are getting used to it. It takes a little time. And since when was it Eugeny?”
“He is so cute. I need to keep a younger man around in case something happens to you.”
“You are a terrible woman,” he said holding his heart.
“You are right. I probably should be disciplined for being such a bad wench. Of course, if you’re heart isn’t up to the task I will understand,” she teased.
“That does it woman. I am the Marshal General of the Army. I will show you who has the strongest heart. When I am done with you I may be placed under arrest for injury to a wench,” he roared, grabbing her up in his arms and carrying her to the bed.
* * * *
Things had not gone as smoothly in China. The people refused to believe that the military was not up to something sinister. Even small changes were met with suspicion.
Hording of food was a major problem. The people refused to believe the government would look after them. They were reluctant to produce more than each individual could eat. Those that did not know how to farm were clamoring for more food.
As much as Zorn wanted to step down and let someone else take charge, no one wanted to step forward. They were sure it was a trick and that whoever came forward would eventually be eliminated.
Zorn was exasperated that nothing seemed to overcome the mistrust. Feng and Zorn had talked almost nonstop about how to get the population to believe that real change was taking place but so far it had produced nothing fruitful.
“I am out of ideas,” Zorn said.
“But we cannot just give up.”
“Then tell me what I must do? What haven’t we tried? We have asked the people what they want and they hardly communicate with us. They fear we are gathering information to use against them. Nothing is working.”
“Then we must try harder.”
“Oh, now there is an outstanding suggestion. We just try harder. I have news for you in case you missed it Feng, we have tried harder. And harder still, but to no avail. If we cannot get them to want to produce more food we will have a real problem on our hands. Those without food will rise up and we will have a civil war once again.”
“We need the remaining leaders from the people’s army to convince the people that we are different.”
“How? We have talked to Chang We and Fa Zhen but they don’t believe us either. We can’t force them to help.”
“Then we must bring them in again and explain it once more,” Feng replied.
“Feng, Feng. You are such an optimist. We have talked to them three times. Each time they did nothing.”
“Then we must talk to them four times or five. We must not give up on having them believe us. If we do then China will remain a backward country and revert to the old ways once again.”
“Alright Feng. Ask them to come to talk to us once again. Maybe this time we will say just the right thing,” Zorn finally conceded.
“I will go right away,” he said shuffling for the door.
It took two more meetings before We and Zhen listened to reason. While still somewhat suspicious, they agreed to try to rally the people behind the leadership now in place. They also agreed to try to plant the idea of having an election and a governing body made up by the people.
Feng was hopeful but Zorn had many doubts. It was nearly two months later when they observed some of the population starting to farm for others. It was a small victory but it was a start at least.
* * * *
“General Zorn?” Feng called out.
He received no answer.
“General?” he said again walking over to the massive desk.
In the center of the desk was a letter addressed to him. He slowly opened it and began to read.
Feng,
It has been an honor to have known you. I have decided it was time for me to vacate leadership. I am sure I am leaving it in capable hands. When others want to quit, you persevere. You are a good countryman and I know you will do what
is right for the future of China. Look to We and Zhen for guidance when you are not sure what path to follow. Trust your instincts; they have been right more often than not.
Goodbye and good luck my friend,
Z.
Feng sat down and wept. None of this would have been possible without the risk that Zorn had taken. It was his act of courage to face Tasan that gave China a chance to start again. He would miss him many times in the upcoming years.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
- THE WORLD –
As the end of the year approached the seven major countries were all developing slowly but steadily. Spain and Italy seemed to be in the direst need of assistance from the others. The US and Russia had both sent as much food as they could to both countries but the process was long and slow.
Germany was now firmly under the control of Herr Ramsden and Herr Dossler. The military had been drastically reduced and placed under the command of Rinested who was promoted to General of the Army.
General Schenck was eventually executed when he once again tried to form a rogue army that was set on taking control.
Austria, while maintaining close ties with Germany, remained a free nation under their own government. Between the two countries they were starting to have the ability to produce more goods than they consumed. They immediately started sending additional provisions to Spain and Italy.
Russia held its first free election and was leaning toward a form of democratic republic. The military remained strong but was essentially now used as a police force. Criminals were dealt with immediately and severely. After much discussion with America, they adapted many of the same principles. Lesser infractions meant banishment and serious crimes were punishable by death.
They had not embraced free enterprise yet. It was something they were seriously considering but Sergei Matskevich, the new Commissioner of Russia did not feel the time was right yet. Vladimir became a great supporter of Matskevich and was instrumental in helping to relieve the general population's skepticism of the government.
Yegor Nitikin and Matryona faded from the public sector. Matryona was now pregnant and Yegor was a wreck. For a man who faced war on a daily basis for so many years it was amusing to Matryona to watch as he fussed over everything she did.
* * * *
China was still governed by Feng Zhijian but he had brought in We and Zhen as advisors and leaned heavily on their guidance just as General Zorn had suggested. All three agreed that the population was not ready for an election yet. They were still far too skeptical of the government’s intent.
They were fortunate in that food was now plentiful. A nation of once over one billion three hundred million, was now estimated to have no more than one hundred and sixty-two thousand. Technologically less advanced that Russia, America, and Germany, they struggled with the basic necessities to make life easier for those that had survived.
Like Russia and the other countries, the military was drastically reduced and restructured to help keep peace and order while the government struggled to gain the population’s trust. Because of this lack of trust they would take much longer to recuperate.
* * * *
The New America was showing progress in many areas. Creature comforts, lacking just two years earlier were becoming commonplace. A second radio station was added that was primarily for entertainment. Different genres were played so that everyone could enjoy the music.
President Olson immediately contacted the other nations and proposed a second conference to be held once again in Lisbon. The meeting would combine not only the leaders but their finance, infrastructure, agricultural, scientific, and military personnel. A general meeting would be held during the morning session and in the afternoon they would break out into their individual specialties.
Every nation immediately responded positively and the date was finally set for March 26, 0005AE. It was agreed that Russia would act as host for this conference.
Free enterprise was allowed on a limited basis and would only be allowed under strict criteria. All business had to be approved by the newly formed Business League. Restaurants, quick electrical recharging stations, and a few advertising agencies were among the first to apply.
Randy Boling, much like Nitikin and Zorn, retreated from the picture. Randy happened to meet Kim DeLanie, one of the survivors who had tried to walk across Death Valley. They eventually started a long term relationship.
Randy did refuse to get married believing that everyone he loved eventually died because of something he did or didn’t do. It was a dichotomy as he was the one that lectured Angie on that very subject not so long ago.
It was a time of struggle but it was also a time of peace. People got to know each other better than any time since the 1930s and 40s. Kids could play outside without fear and since no television, cell phones, or computer games existed, families became more involved in their children's daily lives. Most dinners were at home.
Churches flourished and the mention of God was no longer considered politically incorrect to reference in schools or any place else. This is one place Angie feared a backlash but it never developed. If anything it went the opposite way.
Perhaps for the first time since man was placed on earth, no wars were going on and no nation was trying to influence or take over another. Of course all things are fleeting and while relative harmony existed throughout the world every nation still faced unparalleled challenges. For now it was a time of pulling together or perishing, but would it last?
Since we have been on this earth we have killed, dominated and enslaved others. Might makes right has been the doctrine of countless countries and nations. What is it about the population of this planet that makes us want to dominate others? The Event is a potential breath of fresh air.
Man had been given a chance to restructure the world but the real question remained. Have we learned anything from the past? Will we stray once again or can we get it right this time?
Lay down your weapons
Lay down your violence
Lay down rebellion
Your heart of defiance
Love will ask of you more than truces
If you're willing to lose
Blessing far outweighs the loss when you lay it all
On the Altar of Love
Lay down your idols
Lay down your possessions
Lay down your shrines and
Your worldly obsessions
Love will ask of you more than treasure
When you're willing to trust
Blessing far outweighs the loss when you lay it all
You lay it all on the Altar of Love
Lyrics by Downhere
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Platinum 190 is a stable isotope that has a half-life of 6.5 X 10(11) years and is one of the rarest elements on earth. It’s current estimated value at the time of this book was around 1 Billion dollars per Troy ounce.
In the primitive state the world would have been in at the time of the EVENT it would have been extremely difficult to actually find Platinum-190 but is something that could be used in the future.
Marshall W. Huffman has been writing novels for several years. In 2012 his wife, Susan, finally persuaded him to e-published his first book, THE END.
Marshall’s first trilogy is THE EVENT SERIES and consists of THE END, THE BEGINNING, and THE REVELATION. He has also published a series of books entitled: THE LOGAN FILES with a central cast of characters. In addition, he has another series entitled: THE NORRIS FILES with its own set of central characters. He enjoys writing mysteries, techno-thrillers, and Si-Fi. His latest trilogy: The Second Civil War is a frightening look at what our future may well hold if the government tries to usurp the citizens’ constitutional rights.
Marshall was born in Bainbridge, Georgia and grew up in Indiana. After spending eight years in the Navy, he attended Ball State University, earning a B.S. degree in Business.
During and after college, he was involved in the restaurant bus
iness and spent the next twenty-five years in all types of venues, eventually owing his own fine dining restaurant. After years of long hours, he decided on a career change. He attended Eastern Illinois University earning a MBA.
Because of his business background, Eastern Illinois University asked him to teach in the hospitality management program.
He was recruited from Eastern to Parkland College and soon took over as the Program Director for the Hospitality Program. During his tenure there, he became a chef and had a television show called Cooking Around The World With Chef Marshall and taught a series of cooking classes for Continuing Education as well.
Professor Huffman retired from teaching along with his wife, Dr. Susan Huffman, to Tampa Bay Florida.
You can find his books under: MARSHALL HUFFMAN at Amazon.com.
THE REVELATION PART III
© 2012 M.W.Huffman
All rights reserved
WaJe Productions
The Revelation©2012
All Rights Reserved
THE REVELATION - Book 3 (THE EVENT) Page 20
