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Their approach was always foreboding. The Committee with an assignment or at the very least a reprimand. Compared to the general population, Scout Team members well compensated, but the general population, exasperated, continually critical, resentful. And it was only getting worse.
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 a heartfelt fear. The Committee promised solutions. To maintain control, made assurances. Fortifying their positions reached out to the Scout Teams to seek, by any means possible, space, land, 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.
Danger increasing beyond the fortified walls, our fortified fence, while our security forces faced ongoing challenges. Marauders becoming more aggressive. A shot in the night could end a life.
To the west, still back-to-back with 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 is clear. Cracks in the wall, literally, appear while a lack of sustainable resources increase unremitting uncertainty.
To the south, beyond a growing chain-link fence, capped with barbed wire, another group. Security teams monitored their territory. Currently, they lack the capacity to confront anyone. They seemed to be self-destructive and although we occasionally clashed, their interest in a prolong conflict did not exist. Perhaps being surrounded on all four sides by adversaries seeking neutrality formed their predisposition. In addition, a roadway separates our communities. This decaying roadway allowing for easy access from the east and west always a cause for concern. Those strangers accessing this area, wandering by, seem to examine our fortification for potential weaknesses.
The north continues to be a source of concern. Overtime we have built a wall of cacti several feet high. 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 proves 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 provides a support group when the Committee needed to appear formidable. An untested rag-tag 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 plan. Almost completed,” I yell.
“We have a plan?” Frank whispered.
Joshua, smirking, “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?”
Conversation ensured, pros and cons presented, while possibilities were aplenty. I listen. In my mind, I already determined the next steps long ago, or okay, ten minutes ago. The south-east of our current location. My team, my decision.
“Look, to the south-east, 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 tent city, 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… 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 adds.
“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, stock pile 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 asks.
“We’ll build some trust, seek willing collaborators. What shall we call this plan?”
“The annex.”
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