American Revenant (Book 2): Settlers and Sorrow by John L. Davis IV Read Free Book Online Page A

Security.”
                Rick
laughed quietly.  “What the hell, I didn’t volunteer for anything.  But I’m
pretty sure you’re going to say something like, ‘You’re the most qualified for
the job’ and you would be right.  Doesn’t mean I was offering myself up there,
buddy.”
                Gordy
looked at Rick across the fire, could see his smile flickering in the low
flames.  “Yeah, but your also too smart to pass it off on someone less able
than yourself, buddy ,” Gordy said, smiling back.
                “Yeah,
you may be right.  Ok, so I’m chief ass-kicker.  Do I get a badge, or a
nightstick maybe?”
                “Your
badge and your nightstick are that .45 you always carry.”
                Jimmy
and Mike agreed with Gordy, thus their first council position was filled.
    ****
                Everyone
was up early and eager to begin preparations for the move to the Camp.  As the
camp became fully alive, Gordy called everyone over to the morning fire and
explained what had been discussed the previous evening. 
                Tamara
felt uncomfortable with the idea of a council, as if the thoughts of the whole
were being displaced for the judgment of a few.  “We’ve all known each other
for years, and so far we have made every big decision together, as a whole. 
Why do we need a council now?” 
                “Everyone
will still have input on everything,” Gordy told her and the group overall. 
“We need to consider several things, though.  Once we begin the process of
making Oko Tipi a safe environment many of us will always be busy.  There’s a
lot of work to be done.  Because of that there may be times when decisions will
have to be made without some people being involved.
                “Also,
there is going to come a time when new people, other survivors may want to join
us.  We will need to take every precaution if and when we allow new people in. 
When it comes to that, I think the council should have final say, no matter the
case. 
                “But
overall, the council will deal more with resource accumulation and allocation,
Tam.  People will have jobs, such as health care, security, water, food.  The
people chosen for those jobs, and we will all choose together, will also make
up the council.  That will be the biggest benefit of having a council, to
police the resources, making sure there’s always enough, and that we always
stay safe.
                “Just
so everyone knows, Rick has volunteered to be our Head of Security.  Is
everyone ok with that?”
                When
no one offered up an objection Gordy clapped his hands together and said, “Ok
then, that’s settled.  Tam, I hope you’re ok with the idea of a council now.” 
Tamara nodded that she was, though she still held reservations against it. 
                “We
have a lot of work to do to get everything moved over the next couple of days. 
Since we don’t have the trucks everything will have to be moved by hand from
the boats all the way up to the camp.  This will take some time, and be very
back breaking work, but it will be worth it in the end.  Once everyone has
eaten some breakfast we can get busy with packing things up and loading the
boats.”
                Once
Gordy was finished, he got some breakfast for himself.  After breakfast he went
to his wife and pulled her aside.
                “How’s
Dean doing?”
                “He’s
ok, hurting a lot right now.  It’ll be months before he’s fully healed.”  Jan
looked over to where he son sat propped up on a sleeping bag outside his tent.
                “He’s
strong, Jan.  You don’t have to worry about him,” Gordy said, seeing the
terrible look of sadness on his wife’s face.
                “I
know that, “she said, looking at her