Dystopia Chapter 37: Do Your Job!

Their approach was always foreboding. The committee with an assignment or, at the very least, a reprimand. Exasperated, continually critical, and resentful, the general population fell further behind the well-compensated Scout Teams. The situation continued to deteriorate.

Two ongoing issues, well clearly more than two, first, a lack of food and, second, space, a premium. It has become increasingly difficult to say ‘no’ to families as they appear at the front gate, their needs expressed with tears and palpable fear. The committee promised solutions. To maintain control, they made assurances. Fortifying their positions, they reached out to the Scout Teams to seek, by any means possible, space, land, and more resources. Their power built on a tenuous balance: produce, meet the needs of Well members, or face a revolt. Many communities often collapsed from within.

Despite our vigorous defenses, dangers mounted beyond the fortified walls and fence, while our security personnel dealt with persistent challenges. There was an increase in aggressive behavior from the marauders. A shot in the night could end a life.

To the west, still back-to-back with us, another group — cooperation remains preferable while avoiding conflict. Although always suspicious, we keep to ourselves while pretending to protect each other from a potential misfire. Trust, a fragile commodity. Should the truth be known, instability was apparent. Cracks in the wall, literally, appeared while a lack of sustainable resources increased unremitting uncertainty.

To the south, beyond a growing chain-link fence capped with barbed wire, was another group. Security teams monitored their territory. Currently, they lacked the capacity to confront anyone. They seemed to be self-destructive, and although we occasionally clashed, their interest in a prolonged conflict did not exist. Perhaps being surrounded on all four sides by adversaries seeking neutrality formed their predisposition. In addition, a roadway separated our communities. This decaying roadway, which allowed for easy access from the east and west, was always a cause for concern. Those strangers accessing this area, wandering by, seemed to examine our fortification for potential weaknesses.

The north continued to be a source of concern. Over time, we have built a wall of cacti several feet high. The number of personnel required to secure this flank is high. Lives lost, resources stolen. Over time, we have sought to expand this acreage, but the soil is worthless. Caliche, a thick layer of impenetrable clay. Any rain runs off into the valley. Occupied by snakes, lizards, and bandits.

To the east proved to be the most secure, acres of cactus impenetrable. We control the high ground.

The committee arrived, standing at the table’s edge, appearing as if they actually possessed authority. Across the quad stood their ‘militia’ wannabes. For security, Mr. Maddox provided a support group when the committee needed to appear formidable. An untested, ragtag group, I suspect, would fold if challenged.

The official asked, “Where is Brett? Cord?”

“Out scouting about.”

“When will they be back?”

“Any day now.”

“Whatever. Time for you to get something done. Folks are restless. Can’t cover for your team much longer. The other teams are out and about more often than your group and pissed off, and we can’t promise they won’t… revolt… anyway, do your jobs.”

Turning, they strutted away.

“Well, for the sake of the Well, we were working on a plan. Almost completed!” I yelled.

Do we have a plan? Frank questioned.

Joshua smirked, “Are you serious? I’m sure it’s well hidden, likely under Jesse’s mattress.”

Eyes on me… “I get it, we need to expand our domain? It needs to be nearby, accessible…, attainable…, securable…, offering some measurable value. And… most importantly, we can commandeer it without loss of life. Ideas?”

People started a conversation, presented pros and cons, and discussed abundant possibilities. I listened. In my mind, I had already determined the next steps long ago, or okay, ten minutes ago. The southeast of our current location. My team, my decision.

“Look, to the southeast, a small plot of land unoccupied. Sitting next to the multi-floor apartment, filled with a mixture of residents living day-to-day, seemingly uninterested in the world around them. Just survival, rarely confrontational. We just need to convince them how beneficial it would be to have us as a neighbor.”

“They may not appreciate our intrusion,” Joshua added.

“Well…we’ll tread lightly and convince them.”

“What do we need? A roadway currently separates us, so… first, on the north of the roadway at the top of the hill, we’ll enhance the current medical cage, improve the quality of their area, and then engage their participation. Some kind of enhancement. Something inviting. Then gather a wagon of… stuff. Building materials. And finally, a list of folks interested in, some, elbow room.”

Waiting for a reaction — none came — I continued the proposal.

“Meanwhile, we will recruit Scout Team members to assist the transition, and we’ll occasionally wander across the roadway and visit, hang out, maybe build a makeshift fire pit, cook a meal, share a meal should someone wander out, sit around, eat and drink. Make friends?”

“Or get shot,” Joshua added.

“Perhaps, but let’s see who wanders out… perhaps someone of importance, a friendly or cranky resident. Our goal, make friends and seek information. Who is in charge? Anyone or no one. The result of our interactions will dictate what happens next.”

Still thinking out loud, “I’m guessing Scout Team 1 would prefer supporting our endeavor rather than what they are currently facing every time they venture outside the perimeter.”

“So, Diana, ready for a walk on the wild side?”

“Me?”

“Why me?”

“Yep, you interact with folks every day. They trust you. You’ll need to put together a black bag, stockpile some medical supplies while creating a list of potential volunteers willing to roll the dice.”

“Joshua and Frank, we need a wagon and building supplies.”

“And you and Addison,” Frank asked.

“We’ll build some trust, seek willing collaborators. What shall we call this plan?”

“The annex.”

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