Outliers 6A Steve

 Steve Martenson 

The shift had ended and the pressure vessels whistled their soft song.  This was the second batch of the day and it was almost done.  The evening shift would take over and allow the fluid to boil off and condense to its final product.  Steve was closing his thermos when his supervisor walked in.  He looked over the recordings and was ready to sign off for the day when he looked again.  He noticed that the recordings for the last two hours were similar.  Very similar.  He checked back a few days earlier and noticed the same pattern.  He looked at Steve, “If you're going to falsify the reports at least make it believable.” He shook his head.  To himself he decided to do nothing.  It’s not like much could happen, the fires were dying down hours ago and the remaining heat couldn’t hurt the pressure vessel, but really.  All you have to do is watch the damn thing and take readings every 30 minutes.  What was so hard about that.  Tomorrow he would make sure he was around at, end of shift.  The heat may not be an issue, but this alcohol was important for disinfectants and when done right, fuel.  

Steve heard his supervisor and turned his back.  What was he going to do, fire him.  Only a few people knew the recipe for vodka and he was one of them.  This vodka wasn’t like the type that you drank, it’s more like moonshine.  Drink too much and it could kill you.  No this was only good for cleaning and disinfecting the hospital.  But if you kept distilling it, then.  Oh then you had something.  Something you could trade for the things you couldn’t afford.  Steve packed his thermos away.  It was from before the fall and it was strong.  All stainless steel and kept things hot or cold for a long time.  Right now he was trying to keep what he had hot.  

Matt from swings came into the control room and that was Steve’s que to leave.  He pointed to the still, she’s cooling down.  About four hours and then flush and reset.  

Matt waved him off, “We know the drill.” 

Steve looked at Matt, “Please do a double flush.  We are starting something new tomorrow.” 

Matt looked back, “Something interesting?” 

“No.  We’re just using potatoes and they like to absorb any flavors that are left behind.” Steve informed him.

“Who cares, it’s just rubbing alcohol.” Matt looked confused.
“Just give it a good cleaning.” Steve asked as he looked at the supervisor.

The Supervisor looked back at Matt.

Matt conceded, “Okay, we’ll scrub her down good.”

Steve arrived home and went to his shed which protruded out of the side of a hill.  Inside was another door at the rear.  Through that was a large room hollowed out from the hill.  There were large beams and a wooden roof that held up the soil with the exception of the center of the room.  There was a large shaft that started at the floor and went through the roof.  The bottom of the shaft had a grill that you could feel cold air coming through.  At the ceiling were more grates. These were harvesting the warm air and allowing them to escape .  On the Right wall,  were tables and racks full of bottles.  On the left were four small stills.  Each with the small burner beneath.  The gentle bubbling and dripping sounds came from all but one.  Above each still rose a large copper coil. At the end of each coil was a small valve and spigot that emptied into a bottle.

Out from a side room came a young man, “what-da you got.”

Steve pulled out his thermos, “Just one.” 

“We got orders to fill, you’re gona have to do better than this.” said the young man.

“Damn it Blake, I’m doing the best that I can.  If they catch me I’m done.” Steve protested.

“And if we don’t”

Steve cut him off, “What! They’re going to report us!”

“No, but I don’t want my family hurt.  And these guys.  You keep tellin me that they like hurting people.” Blake said.

“I know.  Shit I wish we never got into this.” Steve handed the thermos over to Blake. He poured the contents into the last still and set the burner.

“We will have a full shipment by the end of the week.  Please let them know that it can’t be done any faster than that.  I’m not going to be responsible for what happens if we hurry this up.” Blake complained.

Steve took his thermos back and then left.  As he closed and locked the door he smiled.  As long as Blake thinks his family is in danger, he’ll keep working as fast as he can.  That was enough to keep them both well fed and even have enough to build something bigger as soon as he could afford to move away from this stink hole.  It seemed that there was no end to the need for spirits and he was willing to provide them as long as it didn’t get him exiled.  Well at least not yet.  In a few years they could move into Old Tacoma and set up a real shop.  There they wouldn’t be subject to the Council. They could do as they please and get the whole area drunk if they wanted.  But for now they stay in hiding.  

Steve went up to the house and walked in.  His wife and three daughters were working on a quilt in the front room.  This was so Norman Rockwell, the fact that it was 2022 was lost as there were candles in stands that lit the room.  Electricity was a luxury and had not been strung out this far yet.  Oh the cables were there, but they had not been reconnected to the current power source.  And according to the council it should be here by spring of next year.  They had been doing fine adjusting to this new reality.  Wood burning stove for cooking and heating.  Candles for light.  They did have a generator, but that was for emergencies.  And they still had flashlights with some batteries.  Again for times when candles didn’t make sense or couldn’t be used.  Steve walked over and kissed Kate and then hugged his daughters.  Life was really good, hard, but not bad.  

He looked at the fireplace where a small fire was burning.  The wood storage door was open and he could see that it was not topped off. He looked at his oldest daughter, “Meg, did you do all your chores today?” 

Meg did not meet his gaze.  Then slowly put down her needle and got up.  There was no use in arguing that it’s a boy’s job to haul wood.  In this house there was only one male and he worked ten hours a day. WIth that handled Steven went back to the kitchen to eat his dinner that was set on the table every night at 7:30 pm.  He ate in silence.  After dinner he went up to his room.  There was a small fire in this fireplace as well.  He added a log from the full rack beside the fireplace and sat in his favorite chair and started reading a book.  His life was good….

The next morning he got up  just before dawn and went out to the coop. Fed the chickens and cleaned their water dish.  He then checked the Shed and by 5:30 am he was back in the kitchen. Breakfast was at the table.  He ate alone and then gathered his lunch and thermos.  His thermos was heavier than normal. “What’s this?” he asked Kate.

“Oh, I made you some soup for lunch.” She replied.

“Soup?” Steve quickly opened the Thermos and it was full of some oily soup with onion bits floating at the top.  “Why did you put soup in my thermos!” He yelled. “You stupid woman. Those flavors will never come out!” He berated her as he poured out the contents into the sink.  He grabbed the kettle from the stove without a hot pad and instantly regretted it.  Dropping the kettle he yelled more. “You damn stupid bitch.  You don’t put anything but hot water in my Thermos.” Turning he swung at Kate and hit her upside her head.  She went down.  

“I’m sorry.” she sobbed, crumbling on the floor. 

“God damn woman.  What the hell were you thinking?”  Steve continued to yell.  “Oh, that’s right I’m the only one that has a brain around here.  Constantly having to remind everyone what they have to do.” 

Grabbing a hot pad, Steve poured hot water into the thermos and washed it out.  Thinking just how he was going to get the flavors of that oily mess out.  And she had to use onions.  Damn things leave a flavor for months.  Steve was fuming and slamming things around the kitchen.  He would have to get another thermos if he couldn’t get this one clean enough.  He then berated himself for not grabbing more when they had emptied the container with thousands of these things.  But who knew then that he was going to use them to create bootleg liquor.  Steve was so busy with trying to clean his thermos he didn’t realize Kate had crawled out of the kitchen.  

Once he had done all he could he looked around. He realized Kate had left.  He yelled to the house, “Don’t you ever put anything but hot water in my Thermos!” He grabbed his coat. “And if every chore is not done when I get home…” Then under his breath, “Useless bitches.” And stormed out of the house.  

As Steve went out the front door he noticed two men at the end of this drive that was overground by the lack of maintenance and use.  They were security men, well one man and a woman.  They looked at Steve and waved.  Indicating that they were just passing by and wanted to let him know that they were on the job.  Their morning patrols usually came through earlier, but today they were later than normal. Steve waved back and then started down the side path to his neighbors farm.  The old farmer had houses.  He had struck a deal, a ride to work for two bottles of whiskey every month.  It was a good deal as he didn’t have to take care of a messy horse and he didn’t have to walk the four miles to the distillery. 

Steve was still upset by the thermos issue, but stuffed it down.  All was good.  Everything was going to be good.  He thought about who else had a thermos and if he could swap his out for theirs, but then he didn’t know what they might have put in theirs. He then thought that he could go down to the commons and rummage through the piles to see if there were any more thermoses he could grab, but that was another two miles away.  There was no way he could do that on his lunch time and it would be too late to do it after work.  He cures himself for promising so much liquor by the end of the month.  If he didn’t have a way to bring home more, he would fall short.  And that wouldn’t go over well.  He swore under his breath, “Why did I have to marry such a stupid woman.” 

Making it to Carl’s farm Steve put a smile on his face and walked into the barn.  Carl was standing by his horse, but the saddle was not on him. 

“Carl?” Steve said.

“Mornin Steve.” Carl said in his slow drawl.  

“What’s with Pete?” Steve asked, afraid of what might be wrong now.

“Petes pulled up lame.” Carl said.  “Need a furrier to put a new show on him.”  

“Do you have another?” Steve asked frantic.

“Nope.” was all Carl said. 
“How the Hell am I going to get to work?” Steve was getting angry.

“You’re goina haf ta hoof it on your own.” Carl said.

Steve didn’t argue.  That was one thing you didn’t do with Carl.  He liked the whiskey but didn’t need it.  Steve needed the horse more and knew it. Steve thought about getting a lift in one of the freight wagons, “How about a lift then?”

“Freighters left over an hour ago.” Carl said.

“Well…. Why didn’t.” Steve was frustrated.

“I didn know.  Jus came out to put your saddle on and found him lame.  Sorry.” Carl said slowly.  He knew his neighbor was upset, but what could he do?  You just don’t have extra these days.  Just enough was the only way to keep things going. Carl turned to Steve, “You should get a move-on.”  

After Steve left the barn Carl turned to Pete and said, “I don’t much care for that man, but his whiskey is damn good and those concoctions can disinfect jus about anything.” he patted the horse, “Come on ol boy, let’s get you back in your stall.” 

Steve walked out of the barn and looked around. He had no way of telling his boss that he was going to be late.  No, thermos to steal the alcohol in and he was going to be hot and sweaty all day at work.  “Great!” he yelled to no one.  “Just great.” He mumbled and started walking.  

 

    

  

Outliers Buster Brown

 “Hey Alan. Sir.. Hold up.” Jason shouted.

Alan Scott turned around to see Jason Stokes running up to him.  “What can I help you with?” Alan asked.

“It's more like what I want to give you.” Jason said as he got closer.

“Oh?” 

“Yeah.  We have a little present for you.” Jason said and turned to whistle.  Just then a beautiful dog jumped out of the truck and came running. He was a mix of gray and brown with a big bushy tail.  One of his eyes was an ice blue, the other was mostly brown with a wedge of ice blue in it.  He was well built with larger than normal front quarters and a strong jaw.  His teeth were huge and white which you could see because he had, what could be described as, a big open mouthed smile on his face.

Jason looked at Alan, “This is Buster Brown.” 

Alan kneeled down and Buster came right up to him.  Alan started petting and scratching him behind the ear.  “You’re a big boy.” Alan said.

“I knew it.” Jason said. “He already respects you.”

Alan looked up, “What do you mean?”

“He already sees you as an Alpha.” Jason explained.

“Oh?” Alan said as he continued to pet the dog.

“We would like you to take him.” Jason blurted out.

“Oh!  Why?  He seems like a great dog.” Alan questioned.

“Oh, he is, but we don’t need another alpha and he refuses to submit to the ones we have.” Jason said.

“I don’t understand.” Alan looked at Jason, “How is that a problem?”

“He is disruptive and being so young he’s not fully trained to hunt and protect the herds.” Jason said.

Alan continued to pet Buster, “So, this big lug is causing problems?” 

“Sort of.” Jason admitted.  “We don’t want to put him down, we want to use him as a breeder, but we can’t have him at the compound.” 

“I see, so you thought of me?” Alan asked.

“Not necessarily, but he’s an alpha and wouldn’t respond well to just anyone.  Besides, Mike already had two dogs, so you were the next choice in line.” Jason explained.

“Number two on the list.” Alan said jokingly.

“Sorry sir, didn’t mean it that way.” Jason squirmed.

“Relax, just busting you…” Alan didn’t finish his sentence as Buster responded to busting like it was his name. “Oh, you know your name. Buster.” 

Buster’s ears went up as if to hear whatever command Alan was going to give him. When Alan said, “You're a good boy.” Buster just lit up, mouth open, tough hanging out and bright eyed. He was eager to do whatever Alan wanted.

“I need to warn you, he’s smart.  He has already figured out how to unlatch the gates and he goes and gets all the training toys out and thrashes them.” Jason explained.

Alan stood.  He looked at the dog and then Jason, “I’m going to need to run this by Allison.” and took a step away from Buster.  Buster adjusted himself to be next to Alan.  Like they were attached at the hip.

Jason laughed, “I think he’s already made up his mind.” he then handed Alan a lead for the dog.  

Alan took it.  

“We can send over a trainer to show you all of our commands and tricks.” Jason said.

Alan looked at him, “You said you weren’t going to use him as a pack leader, right?” 

“That’s true.” Jason admitted.

“Then don’t bother.  He’s not the first dog I’ve trained and he needs to be more domesticated than a brute.” Alan said.

“He doesn't have to be an inside dog.” Jason admitted.

“Oh, if this big lug is going to be with me, he’s going to be a part of the family.  But I’ll give him a way to get out if he needs to.” Alan said as he petted the top of Buster's head.

“We’ll send Blake by to show you how to prepare his food, you have chickens right?”

“Yes, a few.” Alan admitted.

“Good, he likes eggs.” Jason said.

“So do I, how many eggs does he need?”  Alan asked.

“About half a dozen a day.” Jason said.

“Well, I guess I’d better get more chickens.” Alan said.

“We’ll bring some food for you.  Like I said, we need him as a breeder.” Jason said.

Alan looked down at Buster, “So you're just in it for the fun.” 

Buster just looked at him with that silly smile.

The next few weeks Alan worked with buster on all the major commands.  Sit, Stand, Stay, Play dead and much more.  On walks, Buster would stay by his side unless he saw something he wanted to explore.  He would then bump Alan on the leg and look up for permission to go.  Alan would give it and off Buster would go.  Once his curiosity was satisfied he would return to Alan's side.  Alan also noticed that Buster didn’t bark much, but one afternoon while Alan was working on a busted radio he heard a low woof, then a bark.  He looked up and Buster was out in the front yard looking intently at the gate.  Alan looked to the gate that was about five hundred feet from the house.  There was Mike.  He didn’t enter as he spotted Buster looking at him in a menacing manner.  

Alan got up quickly and went to the front porch, “Buster, Friend.” 

Buster looked at Alan then relaxed, the hair on his back flattened out and he took a normal stance.  When Mike entered, Buster ran up to him like a puppy wanting to be petted.  Mike approached, “Did you teach him that?”

“No.”  He’s just so damn smart.

“Cool.” Mike said.  Then came in for a cup of pine tea.  They talked business for a while then Mike went to leave.  Buster got up and hit the front door first.  He went left out of the door and ran the perimeter of the front yard then came back to Alan and Mike.

Mike looked on in aw. “He just did a perimeter check.” 

“I know.  No, I didn’t teach him that either.  Neither did Jason’s team.  He just started doing it.” Alan was amazed.  “He’s such a good animal.” 

“I’ve had mine for two years and I have to force them to go out ahead of me.” Mike marveled at how proficient Buster was. “You need to bring him over to teach my dogs.” 

“I’m not sure how he’ll be around other dogs.  They said he was having trouble with the packs that they had.” Alan said.

“I’ll bring over Max and we will see what happens.  Maybe we should meet down the road on neutral territory.” Mike suggested.

“Sounds good.” Alan didn’t really want to find out if Buster was overly aggressive with other animals because he wanted to keep him, but with all the visitors he got and all the other animals around, an overly aggressive dog was not a good idea.  

The next day buster went out early.  When Alan finally got up and put the kettle on, it was just, first light.  Still in his robe he put on his mud shoes and went out to the coop.  Buster didn’t come around.  The next thing Alan heard was coyotes, lots of them.   Then their tone changed.  They were running.  Away.  Then they were no more.  

All morning Alan looked for Buster.  Nothing.  Buster didn’t come home that night either.  Alan was beginning to think the coyotes had killed his Buster.  The next morning, still no Buster.

About noon Alan headed down to the Commons for a meeting with Farming group that was to their East.  Bennie, a big man, had a farm that was all the way to the edge of their territory and he came up to Alan, “Hey, I hear you got a dog.”  

Alan shook his head yes, but didn’t say anything about the dog being gone.  He was still morning the loss.

“He’s a big guy, Husky mixed with Shepard, right?” Bennie asked.

“Yeah.” Alan said, curious as to why Bennie knew that.

Then Bennie said, “I saw the darndest sight yesterday morning.  A whole pack of coyotes were hauling ass through my plowed fields and a brown-gray dog with a big tail was chasing them.”

“If you see the dog again, please let me know.” Alan said, all the while wondering if that was his Buster.

The next day, Buster was sitting on the front porch.  Not a scratch on him.  But looking very pleased with himself.  He wolfed down breakfast and sleeped all day. But the next day he was back to normal.  

At the next monthly coordination meeting Jason had reported that the coyotes activity to the East had mysteriously stopped.  The pack, was a nuisance every year about this time of year, hadn’t been seen or heard in weeks.  Alan dismissed the idea that Buster single handedly took out a whole pack of coyotes after running what had to be seven miles.  That’s just ludacris, but he was missing and Bennie swares that it was his dogs that he saw chasing those coyotes.

Early fall Alan and Buster were out on the back porch watching the moon come up over the trees.  A single coyote cried out.  A few minutes later, another.  Buster just sat there, ears up.  Alan said, “Easy boy, they aren’t anywhere near here.” 

About nine in the evening, Buster was pacing by the back door, Alan let him out.  Buster took off like a shot.  No bark, not explanation, just gone.  Alan called for him, but he didn’t return.  Alan stayed up to midnight, no Buster.  Finally he went to sleep.  His Buster came back before, and at this point, that was all he could hope for.

The next morning, no Buster.  Alan put out a few calls to have the security teams keep an eye out.  At noon Mike came over and gave Alan a report of coyotes spotted running South past the old highway known as 702.  That was four miles from Alan’s house.  

The next day a farmer to the South reported that he found two dead coyotes by his barn.  They had been ripped up but not eaten.  

On day three, Buster was on the front porch waiting to be let in.  Hungry and tired. He had blood on his fur but had no wounds.  There was no doubt who was chasing and killing the coyotes now.  Over the next few years we had little to no coyotes sightings in our colony.  Buster lived with us and was happy.  He loved to play fetch, but sometimes it was with his frisbee and sometimes his bouncy toy.  The funny part was, when he was done playing he would go hide the toy.   Then the next day when he wanted to play I would tell him to get one of his toys and usually called it out by name, like Frisbee or bouncy or Kong.  He would take off and come back with the toy I called out and when he was done, go hide it again.  I never did find out where he hid them, but I didn’t need to know that.  

Buster lived twelve years and kept us safe and in stitches from all his antics, he died on a Wednesday morning, in his sleep.  I took him out wrapped in his favorite blanket and hand dug the hole, crying the entire time.  By the time I put him in, I had no tears left.  A huge piece of my heart got buried that day and he set the bar in which all dogs would be rated by and usually fall short of.  Even amongst his offspring, none could compare.  He was truly one in a million.  

To this day, I think back to my Buster Brown and mourn his loss.  He was my companion through so much, my protector, my ever loyal friend.  He was so much like me, an outsider. In his case, he didn't play well with other alpha, which is why he was not utilized for his intended purpose, but he found a place with me and my family. And I was so blessed to have him in my life, even though it seemed so short a time.  Goodbye my Friend. You will always have a place in my heart.

 

This chapter is dedicated to Buster Brown, my most loyal of fiends and the Greatest Dog Ever.

Book 2 is call Graham Heights and starts here: "We Gotta Go"

Enjoy and please leave a comment and follow this blog.   

Book 1 is available in paperback or kindle The Grey Abyss

R.A. Legg

R.A. Legg © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

Outliers 10A Karen's Judgement

The weather had turned gray and a mist like a wet blanket hung over the commons.  The Elders had gathered to discuss the next trial date.  They had just endured the first and wasn’t sure that a second was needed, however Kan and Walk were reluctant to pass judgment on what transpired today.  For one, it was decided to have a closed door trial instead of an open one.  Not that many would show up. However, two did.  Neither one would be considered a model citizen, but still they showed.  And two, Karen insisted on defending herself and she had reference books that related to her constitutional rights and all of the amendments that were added to a system, now gone.  She refused to accept that this council does not recognise those documents as law.  

This sparked a huge debate on what was their grounds and who determined what was going to be written into law here.  Alan stood and asked the question, “Is the common good our only goal?” 

This trial was more than finding one person guilty of sedition and exiling her.  This trial was about their goals as a society, their motivations for order and their moral responsibility to the people as a whole.  Just like Alan’s SOP for the security folks, this council was going to have to draft a constitution of sorts for how they governed and what powers they really had.  

If nothing else Karen was strengthening the clarity of what powers they had and how far they had to go to keep them.

Lorance kept referring to his law practice and precedents that were set under the old system.  Problem was, most of what he spoke about was gibberish to the council or anyone else that might be listening.  This, legalees needed to be translated into common language with definitions in both words and ideas. 

Lorance and Susan took this part on.  They were to define the laws that were broken by Karen and speak to her intent.  Both of these issues were on Trial. Charges were then drawn up and issued to the Elders for review.  Once that was agreed upon, then they could continue.

Alan turned to Lorance, “This is what you were afraid of at the commons last week.”

“Just because the mob wants something, doesn’t make it legal.” Lorance told him.

“Message received.” Alan said.

For the next three weeks Karen pranced around like she had won some great victory.  She was on house arrest, but that didn’t stop her from talking to her neighbors and passers by.  She gloated repeatedly how she had defied the evils of the council. 

Then during a normal council meeting, some new laws were proposed, discussions heard and then pasted.  Also trial proceedings and processing was discussed and carried. The most important item discussed is the boundaries for the Intent of the council to protect the good of the people.  The current boundaries were discussed and clarified and that if these boundaries were to be modified, that it would take a vote of the people to ratify it.  Much like the amendments to the constitution.  

At the end of the council meeting Alan and Lorance could be heard arguing the fact that Karen had not violated any of the rules passed at council.  That she had violated them before they became law and so, she could not be held responsible for her previous violations.  And legally he was right, but she had to go, Alan insisted.  “She’s a cancer.”

“And she will violate these rules again. Then!  We can do something about it.” Insisted Lorance. 

“I think you underestimate her.  She will skirt the laws and continue to disrupt our community.” Alan pushed back.

“You know as well as I do, that doing something that is convenient, isn’t always prudent.” Lorance said quietly.

Alan's head sank.  He had just lost his argument. “A motion to… dismiss Karen’s charges is before this council.  How, say you?”

It was unanimous, Karen’s charges were dismissed, her house arrest revoked and an uneasy feeling was left in the stomach’s of every Elder.  They would be back here.. With her and dealing with this again.  Not in the exact way, but close enough.  

The audience itself was split.  Most didn’t like that she was going to get away with her ranting and disruption, but there was also a legal path to protest the ruling of this council, so that was a win.  

And the very next day Karen was at the commons trying to convince those that would hear her, that the council was illegal and that it should be disbanded.  When she was told to move on, she yelled that it was her right to speak out on the evils of the Elders.  Most just walked away.  It was these elders that made it possible for them to eat, have order and hope.  But her seeds were planted.

Things quieted down for a few weeks and the next council meeting was boring by comparison.  Then at the end Karen stood and asked to be heard.  

Alan, “Did you put in a proposal?”

“No, I shouldn’t have to.” Karen said.

“That’s OUR procedure.  If you have not gone through proper channels so that we have had a chance to look over your request and prepare a response, then you don’t have any grounds to do it in council.”  Alan looked to the elder, “There is a process to this system, you need to follow it.”

“I propose a vote of no confidence in this council.” yelled Karen.

“Denied.” Alan said.

“Who the hell are you to deny me my rights!” Karen stepped forward.

Alan turned to Lorance, “I stand corrected.” 

Karen thought he was talking about her and started for the podium.  Alan banged his mallet on the table, “Motion denied and this council is adjourned.” 

The elders packed up their things and started to file out.  The audience did the same.  Karen stood for a moment then started yelling.  “I will be heard!  You can’t run away from me!”  Then she looked around, “Cowards!  All of you.”  She yelled. She then pushed her way out to the commons and tried to get everyone attention, “They are stealing your food… your labor, for what?  So that they can have a better life.  They sit up on that hill and judge you!  What is wrong with you people?

Alan watched as Lorance walked with the crowd instead of leaving like normal.  He followed.  Once out in the commons, Lourance looked at Alan. He had a sadistic smile on his face and then looked back at Karen as an officer approached her. 

“Mama.” A sheriff's officer was standing next to Karen, “You need to keep your voice down, you are disturbing the peace.” 

Karan looked at the officer and yelled, “And if you don’t comply they send their gestapo to stop you.” That’s when she jumped on a table and continued to yell, “What happens when they come and take your children for their war! How will you stop them then!”

At this a few people turned to look at her.  She saw this and yelled, “They are going to train your children to fight in their school!  Then they will turn these kids on you and then what?  What will you do then?” 

The officer grabbed her and pulled her from the table, “You are under arrest.” She struggled a little, but he had a firm grip on her.  He then literally picked her up and hauled her out of the commons screaming profanities and how they will train the children to shoot everyone in their sleep. It was almost classic Karen.   Maybe just a little over the top.

Alan just watched Lorance. Nothing about Karen’s statements seem to be a surprise to him.  Alan walked over and stood in front of Lorance.

“What?” Was all Lorance said.

Alan didn’t budge, “That hunter’s Safety course is on next month’s agenda.” 

“Oh, that’s right.” Lorance said with a smile. “It must have been on my desk when she came over to discuss how to propose a no confidence vote to the council.” 

Alan shook his head.  “That was a fairly benign draft.  It only mentioned the need for kids to understand how to be safe around guns and while using them for hunting.” 

“Mine had a few more points added…Oh.” He giggled, “And your signature.”

Alan just walked away as Karen was heard yelling, “He’s going to kill you all!”

Needless to say, charges were filed against Karen for false witness, sedition and disturbing the peace.  She was given an arbiter and told that she was not to speak in court unless asked a specific question.  If she could not do that, she would be removed and all court proceedings would be read to her after the fact.

As in true Karen style, she protested loudly and was removed.  The Trial was short.  Evidence was submitted, a jury was selected as well as a judge.  The Arbiter had no choice but to file a guilty charge.  Negotiations were opened on just what Karen’s punishment was.  She denied any settlements. She wanted to go back to trial.  But, there would be no appeal, no more trials.  There were thirty witnesses that saw or heard her.  She was guilty. Now she just needed to accept it and try to reconcile the issues.  She refused.

Finally she was brought before the council.  The judge was thanked and all that was left was Lorance, again acting as prosecutor, Brian the Arbiter and Karen.  

Alan stood. “Karen, this council will give you one last chance to capitulate.  If you don’t we will pass judgment on you and enforce said judgment immediately.”  

Karen spat on the ground, “You have no authority over me.”

“So be it.” Alan sat, then said to the council, “I motion that Karen’s citizenship be revoked.  That she be given one week's ration and taken North to a distance that would require at least a week's travel to return.  No other provisions or support will be granted.  May God have mercy on your soul.”

Susan seconded the motion.  

Alan then said, “It is stated here that all members will vote with a Ya or a Na.” Alan looked at Lorance, “With exception of the Prosecutor. And that it must be a unanimous vote to carry the motion.” He then looked to his right.

Mike said, “Ya.” 

Susan, “Ya.”

Lopez, “Ya.”

Walk hesitated.  He looked at Karen then back as Alan, “Ya.”

Alan looked at Kan.  He could see that the gentle giant was conflicted.  Kan looked up to the sky then at Karen.  He just sat there for one minute, then two.  He then looked back at Alan and with a heavy sigh, “Ya.”

Now it was up to Alan, “The motion is carried. Karen Broach you are hereby exiled.  Your citizenship is revoked and will be considered an enemy of this community.” He stood.  “You will be removed from this court and taken to holding.  At sun up tomorrow you will be taken, by force if necessary, to a location North of this settlement.  You will be given food, a tent and a knife..” He paused then continued, “Karen, you are not to return.  If you do, you will be treated like an enemy and shot.” 

Karen stood their head down and silent.

Alan spoke again, “You have brought this on yourself.” 

WIth that she was escorted out.  

Alan didn't sleep that night.  In the morning he went to the holding cell.  Mike and three of his men were there as well. They put a backpack on her and tied her hands.  Once she was secured they took her from the cell.

She looked at Alan, “You’re a coward.”  

Alan just couldn’t help himself, “Only a fool would look into the lion’s mouth and say that.”

Karen just glared at him.

“Let’s go, said the guard.” 

With that Karen was led away.

Book 2 is call Graham Heights and starts here: "We Gotta Go"

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Book 1 is available in paperback or kindle The Grey Abyss

R.A. Legg

R.A. Legg © 2016. All Rights Reserved.