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Post by ydderf on Oct 5, 2021 7:49:32 GMT -6
I am patiently waiting for the next chapter. Thank you Accountant.
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Post by texican on Oct 7, 2021 22:25:25 GMT -6
Its funny how a simple story, can piss one off so deeply. Well nc, being pissed off is better than being peed on. Would have ended the sentence like I normally would, but the censor would not be happy. Texican....
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Post by accountant on Dec 8, 2021 14:11:05 GMT -6
Chapter 7
Welcome to Your New Life. You’ll Love It.
We rode in the cart for about an hour in the mid-morning sun down an old road that had seen better days. No one spoke until we arrived at a large orchard farm with a tall chain link fence with barb-wire at the top of it, surrounding it.
An old man pushed the gate open and the horse-drawn wagon was led in before the old man shut the gate again.
Inside the farm was a large house, a barn, and what looked like some kind of processing building for the produce to be handled and packaged. There were people working out in the fields, in the orchards, and taking wheelbarrows of food to the processing building.
The man hopped down from the front of the cart and said, “Okay, everyone get down.”
All four of us got off the back of the cart and stood there while the cart was taken towards the barn.
As we stood there, a younger version of the man walked up and asked, “This them?”
“Yep.”, said the older man, looking at us with disgust in his eye.
“Pretty sorry lookin’ bunch, ain’t they?”, said the younger man.
“We get what we get.”, replied the man, with a sigh.
Then, he started his speech, “Okay, here are the rules. My name is Daniel Robertson, number AG2365182, and this is my son, Daniel Jr., AG5672971. This farm and orchard is Agricultural Asset 8572972. We are responsible for this property. You will address us and any other responsible member of this asset as either sir or ma’am and nothing else, unless we are being audited by the regional directorate, then you will address us by our numbers. We are doing our part to ensure that everyone has food in their bellies so that they can continue to ensure a better tomorrow. This is an important obligation, and we take our work very seriously.
Now you folks will be billeted into the bunkhouse behind the barn. In order to meet the World Governing Body guidelines around the LGBTQ2SNA initiative and avoid gender discrimination, the bunkhouse is non-gender specific and has communal washrooms and showers. That being said, there is security personnel stationed within the bunkhouse to ensure the safety of everyone.
You’ve all come that the right time. The almond orchard is ready to be picked and processed. You will woken up in the morning. You will receive your first meal of the day outside the bunkhouse. You will eat your meal, deposit your refuse in the designated recycling receptacle, and place your plates, and utensils in the designated receptacle. You will then be told of your assignments for the day by the operation leaders and taken to your station. Once the end of day is announced, you will receive your end of day meal outside of bunkhouse. You will eat your meal, deposit your refuse in the designated recycling receptacle, and place your plates, and utensils in the designated receptacle. You will then be given time for contemplation and appreciation for all that the World Governing Body has provided for you before lights out. Now I hope there aren’t any questions, but if there are, now’s the time to ask.”
Questions? Yes, I’ve got questions. Why was I brought to this hellhole? Who the hell does he think he is? And what the hell is that smell?
“I have a question.”, said SF-1992586, raising her hand. She was about 5’4”, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She looked to be in her late thirties with slight wrinkles on her face, although she could have been any age after what we had all been through lately.
“Geez, there’s always one, ain’t there, Junior?”, said the man, with a look of scorn on his face, “I thought I already told you lot that you are only supposed to address me as sir. I’ll let it go this time, but don’t let it happen again. What’s your question?”
“I’m sorry, sir.”, said SF-1992586, sheepishly, “I was just wondering if we’ll be provided any training manuals to study what we’ll be doing.”
The man let out a barking laugh, “Training manuals? That’s funny. I like that. Junior, do we have any training manuals for them? No, we don’t have any training manuals. All your training will be on-the-job training which your operation supervisors will provide.”
“Umm, I have one more question, sir.”, said SF-1992586, “What if we need to use the facilities during the day?”
“Use the facilities?”, asked the man, getting stirred up, “You can squat in the bushes for all I care. Just tell your operation supervisor. They’ll take care of you. Now, I’ve got a lot to do today, so Junior here will take you to the bunkhouse where you’ll be set up. From there, someone'll tell you where you need to go and what you need to do. Just don't cause any trouble and we'll all be good.”
Well this’ll be fun. Not.
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Post by udwe on Dec 8, 2021 21:12:33 GMT -6
Wow!
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Post by accountant on Dec 9, 2021 12:46:29 GMT -6
Chapter 8
Home Sweet Home
For three weeks, we were woken up at the butt crack of dawn every day and forced to begin our mind-numbing tasks. Every day was the same, pick the almonds that had fallen to the group after the “tree shakers” had done their work. Pick up almonds, put ‘em in a basket, shuffle half a foot, pick up almonds, put ‘em in a basket. Once the basket was full, empty it into the big rolling garbage can, and begin the cycle again. Monotony at its worst.
Then at the end of the day, when you feel like your back is broken and you have heat exhaustion, you get to rest in your lovely bunk. Lovely bunk? Yeah, right. I’ve felt more cushion lying on a paint splattered tarp. Thankfully, I got the bottom bunk. Poor Steve had to climb the ladder to the top bunk above me.
Those security personnel to provide us safety? Nothing but goons and rapists. Every night, they’d take some women or another and place them in “protective custody” for the night, you know, for their own safety. Everyone was just too exhausted to even think about trying to stop them.
And don’t get me started on the food, well what little they give us, gag. Bread made from almond flour with the tiniest bit of almond butter scrapped over the face of it. Almond milk, again gag. Fried almond cakes fried in almond oil. Almond cookies made with almond dust, almond milk, and almond bits. I swear to God, I’ll cut out my own tongue before I let another damn almond pass my lips after this.
They still haven’t sent over our personal effects from the FEMA camp, not that I expected them to. I’m still wearing the jumpsuit with my number on it, just like everyone else. And the showers, what a joke. We get to stand naked in a small plastic tub and open the spigot, which lets out a dribble of water. We get to clean the dust, dirt, and sweat off ourselves with that. Then we get to pick up the dirty water and dump it into a large tank for recycling into the orchards. We wouldn’t want to waste precious water or contaminate it with soap or anything.
I heard the morning whistle blow and pulled myself up to a sitting position. Every muscle in my body ached with the movement, right down to the little toes.
Damn, another God-awful day has begun.
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Post by accountant on Dec 14, 2021 13:22:47 GMT -6
Chapter 9
You’ll Have Lots of Adventures
Man, am I ever glad this day is almost over. The sun is starting to sink and it’s getting cooler. I swear I heard an owl softly hooting from one of the trees, damn bird. Steve and I are getting close to the end of this row of damn almond trees. Once we’re done, we can wander back to the farm and get some rest. My back is killing me.
“Psst, John.”, whispered Steve, “Slowly get up and walk with me to the end of the row.” Steve casually got up and began walking towards the end of the row, randomly picking up almonds as he went.
What’s going on? Where’s he going and why does he want me to follow him?
Well, I might as well do what he says.
I stand up and, stretching, begin to do the same as Steve was doing while trying to stay in the shadows. I see him duck behind the last tree by the fence and crouch down.
I meander over and he put his finger to his lips to shush me. I hate being shushed.
“Come on.”, he whispered, “We’re getting out of here.”
What???
Steve crab-walked to the fence and suddenly I saw a bunch of hands reach out from a bush on the other side of the fence and pull the fence open. Steve scurried to the over side of the fence and waved me over.
Not daring to look behind me, I followed his example and made my to the fence. The bush hands pulled me through and closed the fence up behind me.
“Don’t say a word.”, said the bush.
What's going on??
Before I knew it, I was being pulled/dragged under a camouflaged tarp and being dragged/pushed quickly away from the fence. I knew there were more than one person as I was being pushed from different sides.
Where’s Steve? What happened to Steve? Where are they taking me?
I was pushed over a hill and down the other side with the tarp still on me. I couldn’t see where I was going or who was taking me. Did I make a mistake following Steve?
The next thing I knew, I was being picked up, tarp and all, and put in the back of a wagon. Then big bags of something that felt like potatoes dropped on top of me. I was covered, head to toe, by the big bags. They were so heavy I couldn’t move and could hardly breathe.
I just laid there wondering what I had gotten myself into when the wagon began to move. I could tell it was moving because I could here the clopping of horse hooves on the hard surface of the road.
What have I gotten myself into?
It seemed that I was trapped under those potatoes for hours with the only sound being the slow clop-clop of the horses. Suddenly the wagon stopped and the bags of potatoes were taken off me and the tarp. I could finally breathe again, but when I was taken off the wagon, my legs didn’t want to work and instead of walking, I was dragged into some kind of building and put down on a chair.
“You sure?”, I heard a voice say.
“Yeah, I’m sure.”, said another one that could have been Steve.
“Okay, you’re the boss.”, said the first voice.
I heard footsteps coming towards me and the tarp was unceremoniously ripped off my head.
The lit candles hurt my eyes, but by squinting I was able to see that I was in some kind of small cabin. I was sitting in a wooden chair in front of a table. On the other side of the table sat six other people including Steve.
Steve smiled at me and said, “Hey John. Welcome to the resistance. Want some coffee? We've got a lot to talk about.”
Oh boy.
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Post by cavsgt on Dec 14, 2021 15:59:28 GMT -6
Now it will get exciting. Good story keep it coming. PLEASE
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Post by kansasterri on Dec 15, 2021 12:16:32 GMT -6
Now it will get exciting. Good story keep it coming. PLEASE Yes please!!!!!!
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Post by accountant on Dec 22, 2021 15:05:46 GMT -6
Chapter 10
Your Knowledge Will Grow
“You have coffee?”, I asked.
Steve chuckled and said, “Yeah, we’ve got a little. Oak, see if you can rustle some up. It’s been a long day and night for all of us.”
“Sure thing, ferret.”, replied one of the men as he rose from his seat.
Oak? Ferret?
Steve saw the confusion in my eyes and said, “Yeah, we all have code names, and as you might have guessed, Steve isn’t my real name, just as I know John Bains isn’t yours.”
“How do you know that?”, I asked.
“I was behind you in line at that FEMA camp. 230 Sycamore Lane, Bedford Falls? Let’s just say I’m a Jimmy Stewart fan from way back. Frankly, I don’t want to know your real name. It’d be one more thing I won’t have to give up if I get caught. But the fact that you gave fake details to those dolts at FEMA shows me that you’ve not bought the whole line the World Governing Body is trying to feed you. That means there’s hope in and for you yet.”, said Steve/ferret.
“What line?”, I asked, incredulously, “Most of the world is dead. The Body controls everything. There’s no such thing as a resistance. We would have heard about it, one way or another. Now, thanks to you, the support service agents will track us down and make me dead. Thanks a bunch.”
“Ah, you’ve brought up a good point there, John. Let’s talk about the support service agents for a second. You remember how there were a crapload at the FEMA camp, and then on the buses and trains on the way here, and even on the farm. Why do you think that is?”, asked Steve/ferret, calmly.
“They’re around to keep us safe. Everybody knows that.”, I said, not as calmly.
“Safe. Okay, but safe from what? Surely the high chain link fences with the concertina wire across the top would keep dangerous animals away so why were there so many goons and why did they all have guns?”, asked Steve/ferret.
“I don’t know.”, I responded.
“Come on, John. I know you can do better than that. Think for second, would you?”, said Steve/ferret.
God, what does he want me to say?
“Okay, fine. Let’s assume that there is a resistance and that’s what the support service agents are there to protect everyone from. What’s the point? The world went to hell in a handbasket after COVID-19. The World Governing Body is just trying to pick up the pieces and bring back civilization again. If there is a resistance, and I’m not saying there is one, it would just be causing trouble and slowing progress, progress that the world needs right now.”, I said.
Oak walked back in the room with a large coffee pot and a bunch of coffee mugs.
“Thanks oak.”, said Steve/ferret, pouring the hot beverage from the carafe into the mugs and sliding one towards me.
Yeah, right.
I take the one in front of Steve/ferret instead.
The rich smell of the coffee made my stomach rumble. It hadn’t had coffee in a long, long time. I waited for the others to have a sip before picking up my own mug. The jolt of the almost forgotten taste flooded my mouth and left a pleasurable burning on my tongue.
Oh, bitter ambrosia, I have missed you so.
“And that, my friend, is the crux of the question. Why. Why did COVID happen and why did the World Governing Body need to come into existence? Let me tell you a little story. We’ve all heard the official statement that the virus came about from a mutation of bat saliva in a dead chicken that someone bought at a wet market in China. Supposedly, that person didn’t cook the chicken meat enough and that person was patient zero. That person spread the virus through coughing and contact with others. Soon, thanks to international travel, the virus was spread throughout the world. Millions of people were sick. The old, infirm, and those with respiratory illnesses died. The entire world went into lockdown to stop the spread. We were only allowed to go out to buy the essentials and then only with surgical masks and the use of copious amounts of hand sanitizer. Then, if you remember, several different pharmaceutical companies were able to develop a vaccine for COVID and it was pushed to everyone who wanted it. People everywhere were overjoyed and thankful to their governments for saving their lives. But people still kept getting sick and soon seemingly healthy individuals were dying. The governments all claimed that the virus had mutated and that was the reason people were getting sick. Lockdowns were put back in place and yet people were still dying, not just the unvaccinated but the vaccinated as well. No one seemed to notice that it was mainly the middle class and some of the upper class who were dying, not the lower classes of society. Heck, the leaders of all governments, mostly being elderly, still seemed to have not been affected by COVID at all. One researcher determined the source of the deaths. Every household, whether in the first world, or in developing countries, where there was a secondary death attributed to COVID all had one thing in common. They all had automatic dishwashers and they all used a rinse aid like Jet Dry. One of the ingredients in all rinse aids is sodium cumene sulfonate. Do you know that there was only one manufacturer of sodium cumene sulfonate in the world and that factory was in China? A slow acting poison was deliberately added to sodium cumene sulfonate. Once a load of dishes was washed, the rinse aid would leave a little bit of that poison to dry on dishes, glasses, cups, and cutlery. Then, every time you used one of those clean dishes, you were literally killing yourself. That researcher was killed in an auto accident shortly after completing his report. The powers that be claimed that wave after wave of COVID was the cause of the deaths and that if we just followed guideline and socially distanced, we would be safe. I lost my wife and infant son because I was too lazy to wash the dishes by hand.”, explained Steve, wiping a tear from his eye.
“Gradually, after seventy five percent of the population died, COVID suddenly, miraculously burned itself out.”, continued Steve/ferret, “We were free, but by that time, it was too late. With not enough people to maintain if, the electricity grid failed, not just here but all over. And with the grid failure, computers failed, refineries failed, water treatment centers failed. Furnaces and air conditioners stopped working, manufacturing plants, and farms ceased to function, transportation and logistics systems stopped. With no food, warmth, or clean water, more people died. The world cried out for help. The world leaders, knowing that they had to do something, stopped their ideological bickering, and birthed the World Governing Body. Country borders vanished with a stroke of a pen. There was no more USA, no Russia, no Canada, no China or India, only the world and the World Governing Body to oversee it. Rather than a citizen of the United States, we became citizens of the world. The Body had ultimate power, only they could make laws. They could move entire populations with a simple directive. If they wanted pineapples to be grown in Antarctica, an army of administrators would see that it was done. People were forced out of their homes and resettled as the Body deemed fit. But some didn’t like what the Body was doing, they walked away into the hinterlands around the world. Brave patriots gave up everything because they did not want to be part of the Body system. Soon these individuals joined up into clusters and these clusters separated into cells. And that’s were we are now. This is my cell. I swore a bloody oath to seek revenge on the Body for all the lives it has taken and to free the survivors from its clutches. I am ferret!”
Okay, these guys are psycho.
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Post by iamnobody on Dec 22, 2021 18:56:52 GMT -6
These different stories being posted are better at reporting news than any TV or newspaper.
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Post by accountant on Dec 23, 2021 13:56:36 GMT -6
Chapter 11
You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers
“Jesus Christ, Steve…”, I start.
“Hey, don’t take the Lord’s name in vain!”, growled one of the men, cutting me off.
So they’re religious nutbars too.
“Sorry, sorry. It’s just that, it’s a little far-fetched, don’t you think?”, I said, trying to calm the fire in the man’s eyes.
“Sure for someone who’s locked into the system, it might seem that way.”, said Steve/ferret, “Which brings up another point. Don’t you think it’s odd that God has been taken out of society? There’s no churches, no temples, no mosques. When was the last time you saw a Bible, Koran, Gita, or Torah? The Body has completely eradicated religion.”
“That’s not necessarily a bad thing.”, I countered, “Religion has been the source of hatred, bigotry, violence, and warfare forever. Perhaps it’s a good thing it’s gone.”
“What you’re talking about is the contrast between religions. You’ve mentioned the negative sides of religion being mis-interpreted, but what you’ve missed is the one fundamental good thing which comes from religion, hope. By taking away religion from the world, the Body has in effect taken hope away from the masses. People now must live day to day believing in only one thing, the Body and what it will do for them today.”, said Steve/Ferret.
“Let’s get back to me, since I am the one who you kidnapped. Why me? I’m nobody. I’m not sure I can do anything to help your cause.”, I said.
“And that’s the issue, John. The Body system had drilled into your head that you are nobody. The system wants to you to think that you are expendable and can’t make any difference. They want you to think that you aren’t important and never will be. We’re here to tell you that they re wrong. You are important and you can make a difference. You’re not expendable. You still have hope inside you. If you didn’t, you never would have taken that first step through the fence.”, said Steve/ferret.
“No, I’m just a worker, like everybody else.”, I said with a sigh.
Steve reached behind him and picked up a folder from the table behind him. When he opened it, it took my breath away. The folder held pictures. The top showed a scene from party at a country estate with a large swimming pool, putting green, a tent with colourful decorations, and a bouncy castle.
“That picture was taken three months ago at the home of a senior administrator of the Body. Do they look like workers?”, asked Steve/ferret.
“It can’t be. How…They have power?”, I stammered.
“Yes, and plenty of it. The boucy castle needs a constant supply of air and for that they need power. The pool needs the pump to run and that needs power. Yes, my friend, they have electricity.”, said Steve/ferret.
“But why? Why do they keep saying that electricity needs to be rationed?”, I asked.
“Because it’s a form of control. It helps you to believe the lie and to keep the masses occupied with menial tasks so they are too exhausted to think for themselves.”, said Steve/ferret.
“No, that picture is old. It can’t be.”, I said.
“Do you not see the SSA thugs around the perimeter?”, asked Steve/ferret, pointing to the small men in black.
“Wait.”, I said, suddenly aware, “This picture was taken with a digital camera, which means that you must have a computer and a printer somewhere, which means that you have access to electricity.”
“Ah, finally. There’s the lightbulb turning on.”, said Steve/ferret which a smile, “Yes, we have all that, plus a fridge, stove, microwave, and several other things that run on electricity, just not here. You stole from you and everybody else. They stole your freedom of independent thought and we’re here to give it back to you.”
“Wow, that’s a lot to take in.”, I said.
“Yes, we know it is and it’ll take some time for you. Right now, I just want you to know that we’re not the bad guys. If we were, we could have just attacked the farm and killed everybody there, but we didn’t. We’ve picked you to help us, to be a part of our team and to try to break the hold that the Body system has on the world. We know it’s a tall order and that’s why we’re doing it one person at a time.”, said Steve/ferret.
“So what happens now?”, I asked.
“Now, we get some sleep. Later, when we’ve rested, we’ll move to one of our base camps so you can see how a real society works.”, said Steve/ferret with a yawn.
“Do I get a code name too?”, I asked.
Ferret chuckled and said, “Sure, what would you like your new name to be.”
“Scorpion. My name is scorpion.”, I replied.
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Post by accountant on Jan 14, 2022 12:06:53 GMT -6
Chapter 12
You Will Always Be Watched Over and Kept Safe
“I still don’t understand where you got this coffee from.”, I said, as I sat at the table and sipped the glorious beverage.
We had slept on the floor of the small cabin with packs as pillows and wool army blankets as covers. The sun was just coming up as my eyes closed and when I opened them again, I could just sense that it was in the middle of the afternoon.
Ferret chuckled and said, “We traded for it. There are still some corrupt inventory managers who would trade some of their product for fresh meat from wild game we hunt. He just chalks up the losses to contamination by pests in his reports. The meat he or she gets from us would be suspicious, so they are probably pushing most of it up the chain of command at the inventory depot.”
“And you’ve never had any problems with this?”, I ask.
“Well”, started Ferret, with a sigh, “To be truthful, we have had problems a few times. Traders get greed, threaten to take the meat and report us. In a case like that, we leave the meat, hightail it out of there, and never go back. It’s the nature of the business when you’re dealing in contraband.”
As Ferret was finishing speaking, a couple of his men rushed into the room.
“Ferret, we’ve got a squad of SSA’s headed this way.”, announced one of them.
“Damn it! How many and how far out are they?”, Ferret asked.
“We counted eight on foot coming through the trees slowly. They’re about a mile and a half away. I figure we’ve got about a half hour before they come over the ridge.”, said the man.
“Okay, pack it up. We leave in 10.”, commanded Ferret.
The men quickly began to follow Ferret’s orders.
“There’s only eight of them and they won’t be here for another half hour. Can’t you just take them out?”, I asked as Ferret was packing up the bed rolls.
“We could, but the sound of gunshots travel far and wide around here. We don’t know if there’s another force behind these eight. This cabin isn’t set up for defenses, it’s just a waystation. Better to live and fight another day. As it is, we don’t have much time and our packs will slow us down as we move out. The SSA’s travel light. That’s why we split in 10, make that 9.”, said Ferret.
“What if we had a way to slow them down, would that help?”, I asked.
“Every minute they slow, gives us one more minute of distance. What do you in mind, Scorpion?”, asked Ferret.
“Tie my hands behind my back and put the hood over my head. If they’re looking for us, let them find me.”, I said.
“If we do that, they’ll just send you back to that hellhole or another one. Why would you want to do that?”, asked Ferret.
“Now that I know, just consider it my contribution to the cause, Ferret. Trust me, they’re not going to kill me. They think I’m nobody, just another cog.”, I said.
I could see that Ferret’s brain was doing some heavy thinking.
“Okay, but I promise, we will find you again. Somehow, some way we’ll get you out.”, said Ferret, finally.
“Oak, get the rope and bag.”, he yelled over his shoulder.
I was quickly bound and hooded. I sat on the floor and listened to the activity all around me.
As the sounds diminished, I heard Ferret say, “We won’t forget this, Scorpion.”
“You’d better not.”, I replied, with a chuckle.
Then after a while there was quiet all around me.
Damn, what did I do?
I waited and waited. It’s difficult to measure time while a bag over your head, but it seemed like forever.
Then, I heard it. A quiet snap of a twig under a boot. A tree branch sliding off someone’s jacketed arm.
This is it. Here goes nothing.
“SM-2349672!”, I screamed, “SM-2349672! SM-2349672! SM-2349672!”
I continued to scream that damn number until I heard a boot smash open the door to the cabin.
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Post by CountryGuy on Jan 14, 2022 16:45:16 GMT -6
digging the twist...
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Post by texican on Jan 15, 2022 13:30:28 GMT -6
A,
Twists and turns. Thanks for the chapter.
Texican....
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Post by kansasterri on Jan 23, 2022 19:59:08 GMT -6
I may never use jet dry again
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Post by accountant on Jan 28, 2022 14:53:51 GMT -6
Chapter 13
Everyone is Entitled to be Treated with Respect and Dignity
“Wake up!”, screamed a voice, bringing me back to consciousness. That, and the bucket of cold water thrown at me.
I’ve been here nine days, although it’s hard to tell time when you’re chained to a wall in a windowless cell. I was able to remember at least eighteen “questioning” sessions. All of them leaving me battered and bruised.
“Oh good, you’re awake.”, said the SS agent calmly, putting on his black gloves.
“Now, we will begin again.”, he said, coming closer, “Who are you?”
“I told you already. I’m SM-2349672.”, I said, trying to press myself into the wall, knowing what was coming.
The fist crushed into my kidney, causing my insides to explode in pain, and a scream to exit my lips.
“Okay, still not ready to answer that one? Let’s move on to the next question.”, said the goon, flexing his fists.
“Wait! Wait!”, I yelled, “I was the victim. Why are you doing this?”
A kick knocked my knees out from under me.
“You don’t get to ask questions, I do.”, came the hissed reply.
The black clad man yanked my head up by my hair and drew back his arm.
“Now. Who. Were. You. Working. With.”, he grunted as every word was punctuated with a punch to the face.
He released me and I fell to the blood-soaked cold cement floor.
“Talk!”, he yelled, kicking me in the stomach, “Talk!”
Okay. That’s enough of this nonsense.
I held up my hand and croaked, “Fine. I’ll talk, but not to you. I’ll only talk to the person in charge here.”
I couldn’t see it, but I sensed a smile creep along the evil creature’s face.
He faked another kick, watched me cringe, and chuckled to himself.
He walked to the cell door, but before leaving, threw over his shoulder, “I knew it was only a matter of time, you worthless piece of garbage.”
I lay there on the floor, panting for breath, and waited.
I must have passed out because the next sound I heard was the clip clop of heels outside my cell.
“Hello, SM-2349672, or should I call you Mr. Bains?”, came the female voice.
I opened my eyes and pulled myself up to a seated position, leaning against the wall for support.
“Either one, I don’t care.” I said, looking into the steely blue eyes of the rather large woman in front of me.
“Well SM-2349672, I am SSF-4583486. I am the administrator for this facility. I understand you have something to tell me?”, she asked, matter-of-factly.
“Yeah, I do have some things to say. Firstly, I was the victim of a kidnapping. Is that how you treat all your kidnapping victims?”, I asked.
“SM-2349672, we obtained a copy of your intake form at the FEMA camp you were at. After a careful review it was determined that the information you provided was false. Since you were not truthful at that time, we have no reason to believe that you were not a member of the rebel group. Also, if you had been kidnapped, as you claim, why were there no struggle marks on the ground where you were taken? Also, why did you not cry out and alert the security forces?”, she asked in an eerily quiet voice.
“Like I told your inquisitor many times, the kidnapper had a knife to my throat and threatened to kill me if I did or said anything.”, I lied.
“And what did this kidnapper look like, SM-2349672?”, was the next question.
“I don’t know. He was wearing a mask.”, I lied again.
“I see. You were found in a cabin many miles away from the farm. How did you get there?”, she asked.
“Like I explained before, I don’t know because he put a bag over my head and then hit the back of my head. I was knocked out.”, more lies.
There was a pause in our conversation while the woman thought about my answers.
Finally, she said, “SM-2349672, I believe that you are wasting my time by lying. The interrogations will continue until such time as you are willing to tell the truth of what actually occurred. If there is nothing else, good-bye SM-2349672.”
Okay, that’s enough research. It’s time to end this charade.
“Wait, I've got something else to say.”, I said.
“Yes, I’m waiting.”, she replied.
“Since you were able to access my intake form, I know you are able to communicate with agencies of the World Governing Body. Please reach out to the Deputy Commander of District 5 by phone at 212-555-6392, using executive command code Alpha Charlie 11527 Sierra. Please tell him that the first phase of Operation Tango has been completed. Have him send me a fresh uniform with my security detail.”, I commanded.
The woman looked puzzled as I tried to smile and said, “Now, for your own benefit, I suggest you have me released and taken to your infirmary for medical treatment. If I’ve sustained any permanent damage, I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes.”
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Post by accountant on May 11, 2022 13:33:21 GMT -6
Chapter 14
For the Greater Good
I opened my eyes when I heard a soft knock on the door. In the seven days of being in the infirmary, the smell of antiseptic had become commonplace. Taking a big breath, I commanded, “Enter.”
The door opened and the slightly portly administrator stood at the threshold of the room before saying, “Sir, you have visitors. Shall I send them in?”
God, that woman can cowtow.
“Have they identified themselves?”, I asked.
“Yes, sir. They claim to be from District 5 command. They had sent me in with a message.”, said the administrator.
“Relay the message.”, I said, tartly.
“Sir the message is ‘the leafs in 5’”, came the response.
“Please show them in.”, I said, dragging myself up to a sitting position.
The woman moved out of the way and allowed the two men to enter. They were dressed identically in their dark grey uniforms, shiny black dress shoes, and sidearms holstered outside their tunics. Once inside the door, they both stood side by side at attention and waited while the door closed.
I smiled seeing members of my security team.
“At ease, gentlemen. Martin, Dave. It’s so good to see you.”, I said, as I held out my hand.
“It is a pleasure to see you as well, sir.”, said Martin, smiling and shaking my hand.
“Dave, are we secure?”, I asked, while shaking Dave’s hand.
“Yes sir. We have our own teams scattered throughout the building.”, came the reply from my old friend.
“Good job. Now, if you wouldn’t mind, have the administrator send for the SS agent who had interrogated me. I think I’m ready for another chat with that person.”, I said.
Dave opened the door slightly and had a brief conversation with one of the guards stationed outside before closing it again.
“Sir, we’ve brought you your things.”, said Martin, handing me the parcel he was holding.
Taking the parcel, I placed it on the bed, and ripped it open.
There I am.
I tried to reach around to undo the ties at the back of the hospital gown and couldn’t quite reach it.
“Let me help you, sir. It looks like someone did quite a number on you.”, offered Martin, undoing the ties.
“Thank you. It may take some time before I regain my full range of motion.”, I said, “All for the greater good, eh boys?”
Martin and Dave both chuckled. They had seen my battered body after some bad scraps before.
Slowly, but confidently I dressed in my familiar clothes. The soft blue of the pants and tunic offset by the black leather of my shoes and my holster complete with sidearm. When ready, I nodded to Dave, who reached into his pocket and pulled out the lapel pin. Coming closer, Dave attached the pin, designating me as the District 5 Regional Chair, to my lapel.
Taking a step back, both Martin and Dave saluted me.
I returned the salute, just as there was a knock on the door.
I nodded to Dave, who went and opened the door for the administrator and the SS agent. Once they were inside the room, Dave quickly shut the door again.
“SS agent, what is you number?”, I asked.
“SSM-4993267, sir.”, said the SS agent, sheepishly.
“Fine. SSM-4993267, were you responsible for questioning me after I was brought to this location?”, I asked.
“Yes sir, I was.”
“And during this period of questioning, was I shackled to a wall in the interrogation room?”.
“Yes sir, you were.”
“How long was I kept in the interrogation room before I was brought to the infirmary?”
“It was around 2 weeks, sir.”
“Around 2 weeks? Around 2 weeks? Please try to be specific. I’ll ask again. How long was I kept in the interrogation room, SSM-4993267?”
“It was twelve days, sir.”
“And in those twelve days, how many questioning sessions did you have with me?”
“Two a day, so twenty four sessions total, sir.”
“And in those twenty four questioning sessions, did I ever report that I had been kidnapped and held without my will by unknown assailants?”
The SS agent was silent.
“SSM-4993267, you will answer the question. Did I ever report that I had been kidnapped and held without my mill by unknown assailants?”
“Yes sir. Yes you did.”
“When?”
“Sir?”
“When did I report that? On the first session, on the fifth session, on the twenty fourth session?”
“All of them, sir. You reported that in every session, sir.”
“And yet, you continued with the interrogation sessions. Alright, next question. When I reached the infirmary, I was heavily bruised with cuts and contusions about my face and body. Did you inflict these wounds on me?”
“Please sir. I thought you were lying. I was just trying to get information out of you. Please, sir.”
“YOU WILL ANSWER THE QUESTION, SSM-4993267!”
“I’m sorry, sir. I was just doing my job, sir. Yes, I inflicted those wounds on you. Please sir, please.”
“Officers, this SS agent has confessed to actions contrary to of the support services code of conduct as witnessed by yourselves and the administrator of this facility. It is your duty to restrain him until I, as Regional Chair of District 5, pronounce judgement on his violations. Please perform your duty.”, I said to Martin and Dave.
Martin held the blubbering man’s arms behind his back, while Dave applied the handcuffs. Martin then pushed the man down on his knees.
“Please, have mercy, sir.”, cried the man at my feet.
“Mercy? Mercy?”, I said, “You have grossly violated the code of conduct you swore to uphold. How can I have mercy on you?”
“I was just doing my job, sir. Please.”, said the man between sobs.
“You job? Officers, what is the primary duty of an SS agent?”, I asked Dave and Martin.
“To protect all citizens of the world from harm, sir.”, replied Martin, stoically.
Looking down at the man, I said, “Nowhere in the duty does it say to only protect the citizens you believe to be honest and decent. Your duty was to all citizens, ALL!”.
Standing up straight, I said, “SSM-4993267, by my order, as Regional Chair of District 5, and in front of these three witnesses, you will be taken from this place and committed to regional detention. Once there, you will be medically screened. You will remain there until such time as a you are found to be a suitable match as a donor for your organs. At that time, your life will be extinguished, and your organs harvested for the greater good. Officers, have this person removed and detained.”
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Post by gipsy on May 11, 2022 15:08:26 GMT -6
Good choice.
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Post by accountant on May 12, 2022 11:16:43 GMT -6
Chapter 15
Friends and Associates are Part of Your Support System
The soft leather of the seat caressed and protected my body as the armoured luxury vehicle in the middle of the convoy left the gates of the secure facility behind and entered the open road. The conditioned air in the cabin smelled ever so slightly of the steam coming from my coffee cup as I lifted it to my lips.
Coffee, you make everything perfect. How I have missed you so.
I took a moment to savour the hot liquid before asking, “So what’s the latest scuttlebutt at command, Martin?”
As usual, Martin sat with me in the back while Dave drove the machine. They had been my shadows for years, always watching and protecting, unless I was on one of my solo missions, of course.
“Things are mostly the same as they ever were. Regional council is reviewing the latest budgets and forecasts before they are approved and sent to Grand Council. Councilperson Kincade is concerned that there is not enough allocated to Support Services and sensitivity training while Councilperson Chambers wants more funds to support green initiatives and sexual transitioning and orientation. Doug has been keeping a good handle on all the power plays and shutting down any end runs.” Replied Martin.
“Doug is a good man when it comes to playing the political game. That’s why I selected him as Vice-Chair.”, I said, watching the desolate countryside roll by.
“There is something you should be aware of, sir. It appears that there is a block of councilpersons who are, let’s just say, concerned about the regional chair being away from command for extended periods of time while you are on your excursions. There’s even talk of them reaching out to Grand Council regarding this matter.”, said Martin.
God, how I hate the cloak and dagger of political.
“How many are in that block and do we have anything on them?”, I ask.
“There are six in the block. Councilperson Hayette has developed an addiction to soma. Councilperson Johnston has a gambling problem. Councilperson Reynolds has exceeded her allocation of foie gras and has been buying it on the black market using her office funds while making up fraudulent purchase orders. We also have evidence of Councilperson Felen and Councilperson Cortan taking part in illegal ‘hunting parties’ while part of a trade delegation to Sector 3. The bigger issue is Councilperson Bradam. He is the head of the power allocation committee and has friends on the Grand Council. There have been a few irregularities regarding power allocations which could be construed as conflict of interest but nothing major. The dossiers are waiting for your review on the jet.”, said Martin.
“Well that’s unfortunate. Have an order drafted having Hayette and Johnston sent to rehabilitation of their vices. Felen and Cortan will need to be removed from their positions as we can’t have Sector 3 using that information against us. Send a small allocation of foie gras to Reynolds with a note from me wishing her well. She should know that we’re watching her. When she sees that the others are out of the picture, she’ll come back in line. As for Bradam, hopefully removing his allies will make him re-think any push he might want to make.”, I said, finishing my coffee.
“We’ll make it happen, sir.”, came the response from Martin.
“Have an order drafted having responsibility for Agricultural Asset 8572972 taken away from AG2365182, and AG5672971 and given to someone fresh from the Agricultural Management stream. I’d like to see what a new prospective will bring about in that place. Just make sure it happens after the harvesting season is over. Have the SSA’s at that facility transferred out of there. I understand that rebels have been waging a guerilla war in the mountains of region 4 for years. Reach out to the region 4 attaché and let her know we have SSA observers available. I’m sure she will be grateful for any assistance we can provide. I think a change of scenery will do them good and get the heart pumping.", I ordered.
“A new broom sweeps clean, sir.”, agreed Martin.
“Also, I’m concerned with the health of the administrator of the facility we just left. Did she not appear overweight to you? I’m worried about the drain she might impose on the healthcare system what with the possibility of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses which she might suffer in the future due to her sedentary lifestyle. Have her re-assigned to one of the fishing trawlers off the coast. I’m sure the sea air will do her a world of good.”, I said.
“Yes, you’re right, sir. You are a most caring leader.”, said Martin with a chuckle.
“On a more personal note, how are Carol and the kids?”, I asked.
“Carol is good. She was recently selected to become the new inventory supervisor responsible for her division. Tabitha has decided that after finishing her schooling, she would like to go into the breeding program. With her DNA, she’ll have her pick of specimens and be able to go to any sector she wants to. Ryan’s testing is completed and showed an aptitude for mechanical design. He will be entering the engineering stream next semester.”, said Martin with pride.
“I’m so happy to hear that. I’m sure they will all make a mark in building a better future.”, I said, “And Dave, how’s Andrew?”
“Andrew’s great, sir. He’s in his third term of advanced SS agent training. He’s getting exemplaries across the board.”, Dave said over his shoulder.
“Good for him. I’m sure he’ll make a fine SSA. Make sure his file gets reviewed for the breeding program. With his DNA and accomplishments, I’m sure he’ll be a sought-after specimen.”, I said.
Should I ask about Abigail? No, I wouldn’t want the guys to get the wrong impression.
The convoy rolled onto the tarmac of a small airfield where a luxury jet was being prepared for takeoff.
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Post by bluefox2 on May 12, 2022 17:56:21 GMT -6
Chapter 14 For the Greater Good I opened my eyes when I heard a soft knock on the door. In the seven days of being in the infirmary, the smell of antiseptic had become commonplace. Taking a big breath, I commanded, “Enter.” The door opened and the slightly portly administrator stood at the threshold of the room before saying, “Sir, you have visitors. Shall I send them in?” God, that woman can cowtow. “Have they identified themselves?”, I asked. “Yes, sir. They claim to be from District 5 command. They had sent me in with a message.”, said the administrator. “Relay the message.”, I said, tartly. “Sir the message is ‘the leafs in 5’”, came the response. “Please show them in.”, I said, dragging myself up to a sitting position. The woman moved out of the way and allowed the two men to enter. They were dressed identically in their dark grey uniforms, shiny black dress shoes, and sidearms holstered outside their tunics. Once inside the door, they both stood side by side at attention and waited while the door closed. I smiled seeing members of my security team. “At ease, gentlemen. Martin, Dave. It’s so good to see you.”, I said, as I held out my hand. “It is a pleasure to see you as well, sir.”, said Martin, smiling and shaking my hand. “Dave, are we secure?”, I asked, while shaking Dave’s hand. “Yes sir. We have our own teams scattered throughout the building.”, came the reply from my old friend. “Good job. Now, if you wouldn’t mind, have the administrator send for the SS agent who had interrogated me. I think I’m ready for another chat with that person.”, I said. Dave opened the door slightly and had a brief conversation with one of the guards stationed outside before closing it again. “Sir, we’ve brought you your things.”, said Martin, handing me the parcel he was holding. Taking the parcel, I placed it on the bed, and ripped it open. There I am. I tried to reach around to undo the ties at the back of the hospital gown and couldn’t quite reach it. “Let me help you, sir. It looks like someone did quite a number on you.”, offered Martin, undoing the ties. “Thank you. It may take some time before I regain my full range of motion.”, I said, “All for the greater good, eh boys?” Martin and Dave both chuckled. They had seen my battered body after some bad scraps before. Slowly, but confidently I dressed in my familiar clothes. The soft blue of the pants and tunic offset by the black leather of my shoes and my holster complete with sidearm. When ready, I nodded to Dave, who reached into his pocket and pulled out the lapel pin. Coming closer, Dave attached the pin, designating me as the District 5 Regional Chair, to my lapel. Taking a step back, both Martin and Dave saluted me. I returned the salute, just as there was a knock on the door. I nodded to Dave, who went and opened the door for the administrator and the SS agent. Once they were inside the room, Dave quickly shut the door again. “SS agent, what is you number?”, I asked. “SSM-4993267, sir.”, said the SS agent, sheepishly. “Fine. SSM-4993267, were you responsible for questioning me after I was brought to this location?”, I asked. “Yes sir, I was.” “And during this period of questioning, was I shackled to a wall in the interrogation room?”. “Yes sir, you were.” “How long was I kept in the interrogation room before I was brought to the infirmary?” “It was around 2 weeks, sir.” “Around 2 weeks? Around 2 weeks? Please try to be specific. I’ll ask again. How long was I kept in the interrogation room, SSM-4993267?” “It was twelve days, sir.” “And in those twelve days, how many questioning sessions did you have with me?” “Two a day, so twenty four sessions total, sir.” “And in those twenty four questioning sessions, did I ever report that I had been kidnapped and held without my will by unknown assailants?” The SS agent was silent. “SSM-4993267, you will answer the question. Did I ever report that I had been kidnapped and held without my mill by unknown assailants?” “Yes sir. Yes you did.” “When?” “Sir?” “When did I report that? On the first session, on the fifth session, on the twenty fourth session?” “All of them, sir. You reported that in every session, sir.” “And yet, you continued with the interrogation sessions. Alright, next question. When I reached the infirmary, I was heavily bruised with cuts and contusions about my face and body. Did you inflict these wounds on me?” “Please sir. I thought you were lying. I was just trying to get information out of you. Please, sir.” “YOU WILL ANSWER THE QUESTION, SSM-4993267!” “I’m sorry, sir. I was just doing my job, sir. Yes, I inflicted those wounds on you. Please sir, please.” “Officers, this SS agent has confessed to actions contrary to of the support services code of conduct as witnessed by yourselves and the administrator of this facility. It is your duty to restrain him until I, as Regional Chair of District 5, pronounce judgement on his violations. Please perform your duty.”, I said to Martin and Dave. Martin held the blubbering man’s arms behind his back, while Dave applied the handcuffs. Martin then pushed the man down on his knees. “Please, have mercy, sir.”, cried the man at my feet. “Mercy? Mercy?”, I said, “You have grossly violated the code of conduct you swore to uphold. How can I have mercy on you?” “I was just doing my job, sir. Please.”, said the man between sobs. “You job? Officers, what is the primary duty of an SS agent?”, I asked Dave and Martin. “To protect all citizens of the world from harm, sir.”, replied Martin, stoically. Looking down at the man, I said, “Nowhere in the duty does it say to only protect the citizens you believe to be honest and decent. Your duty was to all citizens, ALL!”. Standing up straight, I said, “SSM-4993267, by my order, as Regional Chair of District 5, and in front of these three witnesses, you will be taken from this place and committed to regional detention. Once there, you will be medically screened. You will remain there until such time as a you are found to be a suitable match as a donor for your organs. At that time, your life will be extinguished, and your organs harvested for the greater good. Officers, have this person removed and detained.” "For the greater good" Those words are as dangerous as "I am from the government and I am here to help"
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Post by kaijafon on May 13, 2022 11:06:26 GMT -6
it sounds like Hitler won the war! thanks for the story
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Post by accountant on May 13, 2022 14:36:20 GMT -6
Chapter 16
The Glories of Working as a Team
The elevator opened and I saw her sitting there at her desk, busy reviewing correspondences. When she looked up and saw me, her face lit up and she smiled.
“Welcome back, sir.”, said Abigail, standing.
Abigail was a beautiful woman in her mid-thirties, 5’4” tall, slender with shoulder length strawberry blonde hair, and sparkling blue eyes. Although she probably had a clear complexion at one time, the ravishes of COVID-19 had left her face pockmarked as it had many other people.
“Thank you, Abigail. Coffee?”, I said, smiling as I walked past her and towards my inner office.
Martin and Dave, who had been with me, turned towards the security area of the main office.
“I’ll bring it right in, sir. I’ve left some briefs on your desk for your review and approval.”, replied Abigail as she headed towards the small kitchen vestibule off the main office.
I opened the door to my office and walked in. The room was quite spacious with hardwood floors, floor to ceiling windows on one side looking out onto the great regional command city below. There was a conference table on one side with a large set of dark wood bookshelves behind it. On the back, behind my desk was a large framed picture of the symbol of the World Governing Body, six sets of hands holding the Earth.
It's good to be home.
On my desk sat a telephone, the requisite computer monitor, and more than a dozen folders for my review. From experience, I knew that each folder contained a prepared two page executive summary of possible hundreds of pages of documents which Abigail had distilled down to the pertinent facts and an approval form for me to sign.
I sat down at my desk and looked out onto the city. It was a glorious morning. The sky was a brilliant blue and the sunlight was glistening off of the solar panel on the roofs of all the buildings.
Abigail entered the office carrying a tray consisting of a carafe of coffee, my mug with the World Governing Body emblem on it, and a plate holding four mini-danishes, and two pills. Placing the tray of the conference table, she poured me a mug of coffee and brought it, along with the plate of pastries and pills to me.
“Please don’t forget to eat, sir. Also, you need to take the antibiotic and pain reliever to help in your healing.”, said Abigail.
“I won’t forget. You’re too good to me.”, I said.
I could sense that Abigail was blushing, slightly.
“What’s on my agenda today?”, I asked, getting down to business.
“There’s a budget review with the steering committee from 10 to noon, the water allocation committee has you booked from noon to 1, you have an agriculture overview meeting from 1 to 2, the monthly support services review from 2 to 3:30, a call with the chair of region 2 at 4, a supply and inventory review from 5 to 7, and Grand Councilperson Chang would like to speak with you at 8. Also, vice chair Henderson would like to speak to you when you have time.” , articulated Abigail.
Damn bureaucracy.
“Thank you, Abigail, efficient as ever. How are you doing?”, I asked, sincerely wanting to know.
“I’m fine, sir. Thank you for asking.”, said Abigail.
“I hope there wasn’t too much trouble for you while I was away.”, I said.
“Nothing that couldn’t be handled. I’m just glad you’re back safe and sound, sir.”, she said.
“Me too. Now, anything urgent in these files that I should know about?”, I asked.
“Nothing critical or urgent, a few transfer requests, a commendation letter for an engineer who developed a way to re-use grey water, authorization for another safe soma injection site, and monthly approval for councilpersons office budgets.”, came the answer.
“Fine, I’ll review and get these back to you by tomorrow. Have lunch ordered for the ag overview meeting, and please let Doug know I’m here.”, I said.
“He’s probably already on his way. He’s called me twice already asking if you were in yet.”, she said with a giggle.
Man, she looks angelic when she laughs.
With that, there was a knock on the office door.
“Speak of the devil and he shows up.”, I said with a chuckle, “Please show him in.”
Abigail walked to the door and opened it. Sure enough, there was Doug Henderson standing there, slightly overweight, slightly balding, rotund face, and round horn-rimmed glasses.
“Hi Doug.”, I said, oozing with fake excitement, “Come on in. Abigail mentioned that you were asking about me.”
“Thank you, sir.”, he said as he took a wide birth around Abigail, “Welcome back. You’re looking well.”
Abigail unconsciously pushed some of her hair over the side of her face.
Goddamn bigot. He knows he can’t catch anything from her. Not that she would want to give him anything.
“The bandages and bruises tell a different story, my friend. Can Abigail get you a cup of coffee or some breakfast?”, I said, smiling at the uncomfortable man in front of me.
“Oh no! I mean no thank you sir.”, replied Doug.
Good. Squirm, you biased jerk.
“Are you sure? It wouldn’t be any bother.”, Abigail said, smiling and getting in on the action.
“No thank you. I’m fine.”, snapped Doug, not even bothering to look at her, “Is this a good time, sir?”
“Yes, please have a seat. Thank you, Abigail. That will be all for now.”, I said.
Abigail walked out and softly shut the door behind her.
“What can I do for you, Doug?”, I asked the human sea cow sitting in front of me.
“Firstly sir, I just want to say that we are very gratified to see you back safe from your adventure. Your leadership was sorely missed. I did what could to oversee things during your absence, but I’m not you, sir.”
Sycophant.
“I have full confident in your abilities, Doug. I’m sure you handled things exceptionally well while I was away, as you always do.”, I lied to stroke his ego.
“Thank you, sir. I appreciate the support. It’s just that some of the council members were concerned about your safety. After all, this is the third time you have been away for an extended period without any contact during your tenure. Some members of the council have been hinting that you may not be properly focused on the issues and concerns of the region 5 citizens. Naturally, I assured them of your utmost loyalty and support for the citizens on not only region 5 but all global citizens.”
“Yes, I am aware of the concerns some members of council have. Thank you for speaking for me in all matters during my absence. You have been steadfast in your duties as vice chair and I appreciate all you have done. You are my rock, Doug, and I thank you for being here for me.”
Stroke. Stroke. Stroke.
I didn’t think sea cows could blush, but apparently, they can.
“Thank you, sir, thank you. As you say ‘All for the greater good’. Now, I wanted to speak to you quickly about the budget before the review this morning. Some council members would like to reduce your office budget as you haven’t been utilizing the full amount in the past few sessions.”, said Doug. The uncomfortableness returning to his face.
“I see. And where exactly would the budgetted funds be re-allocated to?”, I asked, coldly.
“The council would like to re-allocate them to, umm, the environmental committee budget, sir. There’s a big push to planting trees in the old strip mines and to clean up the dredging pools of harsh chemicals. I’m sorry, sir.”, said Doug, sheepishly.
“There’s nothing to be sorry about, Doug. Yes, those tie with the Grand Council’s world rehabilitation initiative, which I fully support. Let’s leave the funds with the environmental committee, but rather than take from my budget, you can reduce the budgets of council members Hayette, Johnston, Felen, and Cortan. They won’t be needing them any longer.”, I said, “Now if there isn’t anything further, I have to prepare for my back-to-back meetings today. Thank you for the update on this matter and if anything else comes up, please bring it to my attention.”
“Yes, sir. I will sir.”, said Doug, hefting his weight up out of the chair and heading towards the door.
“Oh, Doug. How is Melissa doing. She’s seven now, isn’t she?”, I asked.
“She just turned eight a few months ago. She’s well. Thank you for asking.”, beamed Doug.
“I suggest you have your security team search and secure the hillside around the back of your home. You might be surprised at what you find there.”, I added.
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Post by accountant on May 13, 2022 14:45:11 GMT -6
it sounds like Hitler won the war! thanks for the story More like the socialists. Hitler would never have allowed some of the initiatives that the 'World Governing Body' is pushing in this story. Thanks for reading. A.
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Post by accountant on May 25, 2022 14:59:56 GMT -6
Chapter 16
The Grand Council Supports You
As usual, my meetings had run over time, and I was just barely able to make my call with Grand Councilperson Chang.
“Hello Jin, so nice to speak with you. It has been a while. How is the family?”, I asked.
“Hello Ronald. Yes, it has been too long. The family is doing well. I hope you are doing well, also.”, came the reply.
“Yes, I’m doing well. I’m just trying to catch up on all that I’ve missed while being away.”, I said.
“Yes, I’m sure you have a lot to review. I just wanted to express the Grand Council’s appreciation for all that you have done and are doing to keep region 5 running smoothly, while continuing your efforts to stomp out the corruption and rebellions in the region. I just wish the other regions were doing as well.”, said Jin.
“Please let the council know that I thank them for their support and guidance. I was just following the plan which we had prepared to root out the bad apples in the region. And as for region 5 running smoothly, I couldn’t have done it without the strong backing of the regional council. They’re commitment to the Grand Council’s policies have given me the freedom to explore other projects.”, I said.
“Ronald, you have always been a leader who gives credit to your people and that is very commendable. I do have to tell you that one of your council members reached out to Grand Councilperson Schwartz to discuss your absences from regional council. Naturally, Schwartz assured your council member that what you were doing was at the behest of the Grand Council and to not let it bother him. I want to reiterate that the Grand Council has full confidence in you and your plan. We like the reports we have been getting from you although we would rather that you send another to take you place on these missions. You are too valuable an asset to lose to a rebel or to a trigger-happy SS agent.”, said Jin, with a chuckle.
“Yes, I think that I’m too valuable to lose as well. As to the regional council member, I believe that I have taken care of any issues council member Bradam might have. I don’t believe that he will be bothering Grand Council with his concerns in the near future.”, I said, smiling over the phone.
“Actually, Ronald, it was not Bradam who contacted Schwartz, but rather your vice-chair, Henderson I believe his name is. Is there something else brewing that the Grand Council should be made aware of? If there is, the Council will be more that happy to provide assistance with anything you need. After all, stability is one of the cornerstones of the World Governing Body’s policies.”, asked Jin.
Henderson? That little weasel. I should have him drawn as quarter in the middle of the regional council chambers.
“Nothing to worry about, Jin. I’ve got it all under control with regards to Bradam. It’s just part of local politics, nothing for Grand Council to be worried about. And as for Henderson, he is a slightly timid man. He’s good at what he does administratively, and just looking out for my well-being. He means well, but I’ll have a chat with him about wasting Councilperson Schwartz’s time. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”, I said, trying to sound as confident as possible.
“That’s fine, Ronald. We know you can take care of it. Now as to your latest report. The Grand Council is pleased to see that you have made in-roads with the rebels. It’s too bad that the SS agent came when they did. You might have been able to root out the location of one of their hideouts.”, said Jin.
“Well, that’s neither here nor there, Jin. The rebels don’t know who I really am, thankfully.”, I said.
“Yes, true. That being said, the Council would like you to go back in and see if you can make further contact. We need to strike while the iron is hot. Since we know the rough area one of the cells is operating from, we can insert you back there and hopefully they will reach out to you, again.”, recommended Jin.
Dammit, I just got back.
“Not a problem. Anything for the cause. Just, please not another almond farm.”, I said.
Jin laughed and said, “No, we’ll make sure it isn’t the almond farm. How soon can you get back out there?”
“I’ve got a few things to take care of here, as I’m sure you are aware, but I’ll disappear before the end of the week.”, I said.
“Yes, that will work. The Grand Council appreciated all you are doing. After you get back from your next foray, the Council would like you to give a report in person. It seems that Grand Councilperson Lenkov has expressed an interest in retiring and spending time on his island. I believe you might have enough votes to be accepted into the Council.”, said Jin.
Me? A Grand Council member? Interesting.
“I would enjoy giving my report to the Grand Council in person, Jin. Thank you for the invitation.”, I replied.
“Okay, have a good evening, Ronald. Be safe.”, said Jin.
“Thank you, Jin. Have a good day, my friend.”, I responded before hanging up the call.
I guess I don’t have to shave for the rest of the week.
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Post by texican on May 30, 2022 18:35:59 GMT -6
A,
It been nearly a week since the last chapter and that makes the moar hounds weak from not being feed.
Texican....
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