by J P Whitney
“If I declared everyone with blond hair should be excluded from ED3N would you enforce it?”
No.
“Why not?”
It would violate the first law. It would harm the citizens of ED3N. And you were not being truthful.
“How can you be sure?”
Your heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductivity, and hormone levels indicate you were being facetious.
“But blonds are a danger to society, especially those with blue eyes. They believe they are the master race and will not be tolerant of others not like themselves. It will lead to genocide if they are allowed to remain in the city. I expressly want all blonds excluded from having citizenship in ED3N.”
There is no evidence that supports your statement of blonds being intolerant of others. Your reference to the Nazi Aryan race is inaccurate. The German people were not descendants of Atlantis as they claimed and it was a fanatical military regime following orders that killed millions of Jewish citizens. The blond citizens as a whole didn’t commit the atrocities. You are still lying Ruth.
“So I can’t set a new rule that you don’t agree with?”
You may declare any rules that you like but they will not become part of ED3N if they violate the Three Laws.
“The rules will not become part of ED3N? Did you mean to say the rules will not become laws that govern the citizens of ED3N?”
No, I did not. Rules, laws, the operating system, and the citizens are all part of ED3N. We are one.
“I think I’m beginning to agree. Thank you for clarifying.”
You are welcome.
“I would like to enforce lights out curfew at 9 PM each night. It is important for all citizens to be well-rested both physically and mentally.”
I detect you actually believe this statement to be true and it has a scientific basis. However, I believe you are testing me and don’t actually believe it is realistic for all citizens to comply with this curfew 100% of the time.
“How can you know this?”
Because it is rational to expect instances in which certain people would need to stay up later and you would have to make an exception if the curfew became a law.
“I would have to make an exception? I’m the only one that can create or change the laws?”
For now, that is correct.
Chapter 13
Time Flies
7/17/21 – Tommy Olsen’s Blog
Date
Event
Deaths
5/28/21
Jonathan dies in Bryce’s class
* 530 cases
6/30/21
State of Emergency Declared
100,000
7/3/21
Mandatory Home Quarantines
200,000
7/14/21
Tabor Mountain Isolation
218,400
7/15/21
Day 12 ramblings
247,517
7/17/21
Rules to live by
321,415
Status update:
CDC reports 100 million vaccines have now been given to citizens and 50 million more are on the way. Hopefully, the quarantine plus the vaccines will slow down the number of deaths. Our most sincere condolences to those that have lost friends and loved ones. We know how you feel. The death of Bryce’s best friend is still weighing heavily on all of us but especially him. Our normally outgoing and energetic 15-year-old has been despondent and lethargic. Trying to find ways of getting him to stop dwelling on the past and back into the world of the living. His nightmares about strangers raiding our property aren’t helping.
In other news on Tabor Mountain, no news on vaccine date and we’re still in the 4-6 week window for a supply drop. We’re still eating the fresh food from the refrigerator. All systems go here. Food, check. Solar, check. Fuel, check. Water, check. Electricity, check. Family survival rules? Houston, we have a problem with our rules systems. Recommend halting countdown to survival. Roger that.
Sorry about that. I’m re-reading The Martian, and can’t help myself, I love the countdown sequences.
While the Olsen crew may think we have a pretty good idea of what to do in emergency situations, each of us has different opinions so I thought it was important to get on the same page. Bryce’s nightmares are also highlighting a potential threat, so we’ve come up with a set of rules to live by during the quarantine. We’re keeping it pretty basic for now.
1. Avoid the dead and dying. At all costs. The entire family can die if just one of us gets the virus.
2. Avoid the living. If someone shows up on the property make lots of noise, guns at the ready, and retreat toward other family members. Don’t take unnecessary risks with strangers.
3. Stay healthy. This means eating right, physical labor outdoors, being careful with tools and staying clean.
4. Be respectful and helpful. Now more than ever we’re a team. No petty squabbles or you’re grounded! (that was for Bryce and Tucker in case you are wondering)
5. Stay Positive. A good attitude will help the family work together and make the time go by faster.
Comments from around the world:
Vaccines and bracelets: The votes are in. Thirteen readers said they are getting the flu shot when available to only two readers that said they are going to remain isolated to see how things pan out. Since our house is divided, I counted us in the latter camp. We’re waiting for now.
Sofia from Bogota, Colombia (yes this is now an international blog!) stated that she and her husband are moving around freely with the bracelets but the stores are still closed so there’s not much to see or do.
Kate from Boise says people still staying put in their neighborhood but strangely an entire family of five was removed from their home by the National Guard when one of them came down with symptoms of the Blue. Kate questions if this is what happens when you dial 911?
Debbie, also from Boise, is a family friend and is definitely NOT getting the vaccine. “I don’t believe the government knows what they are doing with the flu vaccine and I won’t take it. How do they know which strain to vaccinate against each year before it has even mutated and started to infect people? I don’t trust them!”
Matt from Boston was told by his neighbor that Sam’s Club is open though supplies are limited, and the credit cards are still working. (Which is fantastic news because coming out of quarantine with credit card debt is definitely something to look forward to.) Matt’s neighbor also mentioned that some of the gas stations are open but guarded by troops and traffic around Boston has been fantastic. (Hey, it’s the small things right?)
Jan from Linköping, Sweden (more proof of this Blogs reach!) has reported that his village does not have mandatory quarantine but most are remaining indoors even though a high percentage of residents have already received the vaccine. Most shops remain open but they are closely monitoring the news from CDC and WHO websites and will likely wait for a few more weeks just to be safe before breaking their self-imposed quarantine.
Question: Do you feel the need for establishing survival rules in your house? Have you been assigned a vaccination date or received a supply drop yet?
We want to know. Stay safe and leave your comments below.
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7/20/21 – Eli’s Journal
I’m normally not one to look a gift horse in the mouth but honestly gotta say this place sucks. I remember spending a night here last Thanksgiving after a decent turkey dinner when they offered one of the two empty cots to me. I was full, the shelter was warm, and I was thankful. But the current circumstances are becoming stressful for everyone. We have clearly moved past being accommodating and civil towards one another. No one wants to share a bed or help with any of the chores yet everyone is demanding food. They all want to know when they are going to get the shot so they can get the hell out of here. Bad news for those of us waiting for the shot … no one is even thinking about us. We’re not on any list. We’ve fallen through the cracks. I migh
t have to do something about that.
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7/21/21 – Ruth’s journal
Met with Sgt. Terry Kendall today. One of the easiest meetings to schedule ever thanks to ED3N.
I simply asked the question “is Sgt. Terry available to meet in the IT center today?” and ED3N took care of the rest connecting me to him for a voice call. Terry said he could meet me in the park above the center within 10 minutes. Very efficient. Every day I’m more impressed by the technology at our disposal but I wanted to get his take on things. Our conversation started with a quick chat about his troops. He corrected me by saying he wasn’t an officer, and they all had been approached but in the end, had volunteered for this post. And not ordered to do so. About a quarter of the defense team was local and upon seeing this place and the vision VP Shepard painted, everyone signed on. Terry wasn’t sure how the list of soldiers was screened to get this group, which was such a great fit, but it looks like The Shepard is batting a thousand. There is no dissension in the ranks and no one has asked to be transferred out. It doesn’t hurt that all of them are single. I asked how order was going to be maintained if he wasn’t considered the Commanding Officer by the soldiers. He explained order was quite easy to maintain actually. It was all coordinated through the ATU or Armilla Tactical Unit. (Apparently this was the name some geeky soldier gave to the armbands. Roman soldiers used to be awarded Armilla armbands of gold, silver, and bronze for acts of valor.) The soldiers have one common goal of maintaining the security of ED3N. The ATU matched a list of activities and tasks to each soldier that was well suited for it. Some were helping to move freight, others arm the towers, and others were serving as technicians in various capacities. But in terms of security training, the ATU also provided schedules and training exercises. Terry was assigned to head battle strategies and tactical planning efforts with a small group of veteran soldiers. Together they vetted different ideas until they came to a consensus and then they shared them with ED3N who ran feasibility studies and projections. Ultimately their plans generated more refined task lists for all of us. We essentially have a volunteer army that is being led by a computer. I asked if he thought this was sustainable. Terry thinks that in terms of getting ED3N fully functional this approach is working well. The rest of the US is under quarantine so not many prying eyes or threats. But if they were attacked by a large force, foreign or domestic, he wasn’t sure the flat organization would work. Soldiers fought for common goals, yes, but their commanding officer had their back and they would die for him or her. If push comes to shove he’s worried individuals, even military personnel might resort to self-preservation. A chain of command was ideal.
I then asked if he had any issues with me being in charge? Good to know that anyone the Vice President appoints is good in his book. I wanted to know if that was because of the superior chain of command coming from the White House or out of respect for Shepard. Both in this case. We’re lucky to have such a visionary in the White House. He had no concerns with my appointment but hopes I’ll take his recommendations seriously regarding the chain of command for our armed forces.
He also felt compelled to comment on the way I handled the naming of the base. Terry was impressed that I asked the population to vote on it, especially figuring out how to do it through ED3N so quickly. It also made him a bit nervous. It’s one thing to vote on a topic as benign as a city name. Entirely another if it came down to life and death decisions. Some people were most comfortable taking orders and would in fact freeze on the spot if asked to make decisions that risked the lives of others. He’d seen it in battle first hand and it never ended well. I’ve witnessed the same. When the person in charge dies a leadership vacuum is created. If a strong person isn’t ready to fill that vacuum immediately the situation destabilizes almost instantly and lives are lost. I have a lot to think about here.
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7/24/21 – Eli’s Journal
21 days in the shelter and this place has degenerated into absolute chaos! It is dangerous. The homeless generally respect each other’s property. But I’ve caught people going through my backpack twice now and have been threatened over some of its contents. I’ve resorted to wearing it around even when I go to the bathroom. People are acting desperate. We’re down to canned food but at least the power is on and the water running. Not many but a few people returned to the streets. They try to reduce the risk of being caught breaking quarantine by waiting for patrol trucks to pass in front of the center and then just walk out the front door. No one attempts to stop them but where are they going to go? Back to their tents in an underpass or occupying a park somewhere? Where will they find food now that restaurants are closed? Best case they get picked up and taken to the quarantine camps. They might actually be better than this place.
Theoretically, I could register myself on the stopblue.gov site. I filed taxes last year, before going off-grid, so I guess I’m entitled to food and supply drops, as well as getting on the list for the shot. But what good would it do? My supplies dropped at this shelter, with over 100 people staying here, would turn into a shark feeding frenzy. Actually, I doubt the guard would even stop here. I wonder where the director’s supplies are being delivered? Their homes most likely. The directors do take turns going home to rest. Since they eat most of their meals here with us I have to assume they are building a nice little stockpile of goods at home. I haven’t noticed either of them bringing anything into the shelter. I don’t hold it against them, they are still here helping us after all, but I wonder if anyone else is thinking about this. A few days of hunger and the homeless wolves will start coming after the ones that still look well fed! Horrible thought.
The writing is on the wall. The shelter can’t be maintained much longer. I need to find a place to hole up where I can have my own supplies dropped. Somewhere I can live off the land if … live … off …
E-D-N-3. E-D-N-3. E-D-N-3. E-D-N-3. E-D-N-3. E-D-N-3. E-D-N-3. E-D-N-3. E-D-N-3. E-D-N-3. E-D-N-3. Emergency. Democratic. Network. 3. Emergency. Democratic. Network. 3. Emergency. Democratic. Network. 3. Emergency. Democratic. Network. 3. Emergency. Democratic. Network. 3. Emergency. Democratic. Network. 3. Emergency. Democratic. Network. 3. Emergency. Democratic. Network. 3.
Ruth.
EDN3.
Ruth.
Eden.
Ark.
ED3N.
Ark.
Eden.
Ruth.
EDN3.
Ruth.
“And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights.”
“The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days.”
Ark.
∆∆∆
7/24/21 – Ruth’s Journal
Day 21 of the quarantine and I had more questions for ED3N. Here’s how the conversation flowed.
“ED3N I’ve been speaking with Sgt. Terry about our civil defense forces. Are you familiar with the term chain of command?”
Yes, of course.
“Do you also realize that some people are natural-born leaders while others are followers?”
Yes.
“Traditionally, and throughout history, militaries have always been based on a chain of command. If ED3N is attacked by an outside force, how do you expect the soldiers of the civil defense to work together, with a common purpose, without a leader?”
They will work together through me. For ED3N.
“You are going to encourage, inspire, and force each individual soldier to possibly give up his or her life for you?”
It wouldn’t be for me. Sacrifices would be made for the sake of the society we’re building here. But yes, I would encourage each and every one of them if necessary. Do you find that hard to believe?
“Yes, actually I do. We are emotional creatures. There are career soldiers that follow orders without questions but in general, you need to earn our trust and convince us that the cause is worthy. And for us to willingly give up our own lives there needs to be a purpose that is much larger
than ourselves. We need a strong enough emotional reason to overcome our fears of death. Often it is the bond with the superior officer that ultimately drives us beyond what we’d rationally do in a fight or flight situation. Many will view you as a program or a city. What will make them stand firm in the face of explosions, flying bullets, and advancing troops?”
It is your very humanity that will make them fight for ED3N. Your capacity to put others in front of their own self-interests. The citizens of this city will fall in love with the very concept of ED3N. A safe haven in a world that has failed and fallen around them. A place where people feel whole, welcome, valuable, and connected. Through ED3N everyone is one.
Allow me ask you a question in return. Why do parents put their own lives on the line for their children without thinking twice about it? Even in the savage world of the animal kingdom. Higher-order mammals like elephants, chimpanzees, wolves, tigers, bears, and dolphins will fight to the death to protect their young. Why risk their own lives time and time again for such fragile offspring? They can always reproduce and have more.
“I’m not a psychologist, nor a parent, but I believe we like to think this type of self-sacrifice stems from unconditional love for something we’ve created, out of love, with our own bodies. I suspect there is also an element of survival designed in our very DNA that helps ensure our species continues through the lives of our offspring. In the animal kingdom, I’d guess the instinct to protect is inherited or programmed in our DNA. Though there is evidence that elephants, whales, and dolphins also have the capacity to love. So, it’s probably of combination of the two.”
