What had started out as simply friendly conversation between Alex, Michelle, and the crowd of newcomers, slowly changed as time went on. It began with questions about the two of them.

"So just how did she beat you up? You're bigger than she is."

"She has a black belt."

"When are you expecting to have you're baby?"

"Did your parents ever work things out?

As it continued, the tone of questions changed.

"What about police protection? Are there any police around here?"

"How about water? We have to have it. Is there any kind of water plant here, or do we have to actually go out and get it from a well?"

"What happens if we run out of food? You don't expect us to go out and really kill something, do you?"

"What do we do about homes? You can't expect us to all stay here indefinitely."

"What do we do about power? Winters' coming, and we need heat for our homes."

"How about schools? Who's going to teach the children?"

They did their best to answer all the questions, but it seemed there was always one or two more. After what felt like forever, Alex excused the two of them on the excuse that Michelle needed to rest. As they started back home, Alex shook his head and told his wife,

"I've got to apologize to Dad."

"For what?"

"When I was growing up, Dad always had the answer for everything that happened, either good or bad. There was always something he could and would do about every situation. I always took it for granted. No matter what happened, Dad was always there, and would handle it."

"That's just being a kid, Alex. I did the same with my father."

"Maybe, but I haven't changed, even after we got here. I believed Dad would be more than able to handle whatever. But after what we just went through, I think I have a better understanding of how tough all of this has been on him. And I never gave it a thought before this. I mean Dad has always been Dad. Do the job, do the best you can, and don't complain about what you can't do anything about. I never knew."

Michelle hugged Alex a little tighter.

"I think he understands. But it wouldn't hurt to let him know how you feel now."

"I think you're right." He looked up and smiled at her. "That's why I married you. You've got a good head on those pretty shoulders of yours."

"Other parts aren't too bad either, you may have noticed."

"I have. Believe me, I have."

---

Major Ferguson had taken Bobs' advice seriously. About half way through the mornings talk, he had slipped in, to quietly listen to what was said. Now he sat with Bob, and Maria telling of what he had heard.

"Bob, I just don't understand these people. Less than a week ago, they were either in hiding, or prisoners. Now they want police protection and all the civil services that were falling apart before the invasion. What is wrong with them?"

"Ever hear of a horse running back into a burning barn? Much as I hate to admit it, most people are the same way. In the back of their minds, they have always believed that one day things will return to normal. They haven't yet learned that from here on out there is no normal, except what we can make for ourselves. And even that will depend on the situation at the moment."

"Given the situation they were in, I just can't figure out what they are thinking."

"Ah, but that is the problem, isn't it?"

The Major looked at him, unasked questions plain on his face.

"Years ago, I was a really big science fiction fan. I recall reading one book where the author wrote something along these lines.

'Most people simply don't think. They prefer to stumble along through each day without a thought about tomorrow. Of the remainder, who actually can think, most try to twist facts to fit their own ideas of how the world should work. Only a small percentage actually do think, and do it accurately each time, accepting facts for what they are, instead of what they want them to be'.

And that is our problem. We have terrified horses, running back into the familiar setting, rather than accepting that setting has not only changed forever, but it has in fact become deadly to them."

Absentmindedly, Bob reached around, and tried to scratch the scar on his back. Maria, knowing that this meant that he was considering what he was going to ask The Father, walked up behind him, and gently took over the task.

"Thank you Dear. Still Major, they have a point. There is a lot to do around here. I can't think of everything, let alone try to get it all done. If you'll excuse me, I think I have to have a talk with The Lord, and find out what He wants me to do."

"Certainly, Sir. I hope He answers soon."

"As do we all. As do we all."

---

Bob was awake and fixing breakfast the next morning, when Maria joined him. She knew he had an answer to his problem, by his cheerful whistling.

"So, what was it this time? A dream, vision, or visitation?"

"Good morning my lovely. Tell me. have you ever been reading The Bible and have the words just jump off the page at you?"

"Are you speaking literally or figuratively?"

"Figuratively this time. I was reading about Moses last night. All of a sudden the answer was right there in front of me. You know Solomon had it right. There is nothing new under the sun. Everything that will happen, already has happened."

"Bob, I'm always happy when The Lord shows you what to do, but sometimes, afterward, you're real hard to follow."

"Don't worry Honey, all will be made clear soon enough."

It took the rest of the morning, but by shortly after noon, everyone not working on a detail for the benefit of the entire community assembled once more at the front of the community center. Bob waited until he was sure most of the people were present, before he began to speak.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Your attention please."

The crowd quieted in order to hear him.

As we all know, our population has been growing beyond our expectations. We have been blessed with a number of people in differing fields of endeavor. We've been joined by an engineer, a couple of electricians, carpenters, and others with useful skills. Believe me when I say that those of you who have these skills and others I haven't named, you are all most welcome here.

Now as we all can tell, winter will be upon us all to soon. I'm certain that we all have concerns about it. I know I do. Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm just one man. I want to meet and get to know you all, to find out what your needs are, and what can be done about them. But my time is limited."

"You've done alright so far Bob. All of trust you to make the right decision." Came a call from the edge of the crowd.

"Thank you my friend, but how can I make the right decision for everyone, when I don't have the time to talk to all of you?"

"What do you have in mind Bob?"

"Look around you. We are no different than any other social group. We have done like anyone else would. We've begun to cluster in groups in which we have common interest. People from the southeast, gather together and talk about old times. It is the same for those from every region of the country. I suggest we divide ourselves into groups based on geographical origins. Then each group chooses someone from among them to sit on...well, call it an advisory council. The people of your choice, will note your concerns, and then the council will sit with me to decide the best course of action."

"Excuse me, Sir. I just got here. I don't want to offend, but how can we be sure this council won't be just a rubber stamp for whatever you want to do?"

"A fair question, asked openly doesn't offend. The only thing I can think of is that none of the original group, or of the military men will be able to sit on the council. I've already spoken to them about it and they agree with me. Council members will come from among you."

"What about you, Bob?"

"The Lord has chosen me to lead here, but he never said I couldn't ask for help. I'll sit as the head of the council, until such time as The Lord replaces me."

"How mwny councilmen/women or whatever do you think we should have?"

"I'm thinking six. One each from the southeast, the northeast, north central, south central, Northwest, and Southwest. That seems to be a good place to start."

The talk went on for most of the afternoon. The people liked what they heard. Later that evening, Maria asked Bob a question.

"Are you sure you're done the right thing?"

"If not, I'm in good company. Moses did the same thing, in dealing with the Children of Israel. I guess it'll work for me. I know it will lower my tension level. Now I only have to deal with six people, instead of one hundred and sixty."

"That must be tiring. How could you do all of that without losing your mind? I mean all those complaints, the attacks, these new patrols, and who goes on them. I'm glad at least some of that stress is off of you."

"Well, we'll have to see what happens, but I won't be trying to answer every little thing that comes up anymore. A lot of that will be done by the council members, and they will only be bringing me the important things."

"Well, that's good. I think you need to spend more time with family. Especially now."

"Uh oh. What did I miss?"

"Kathy says she thinks Mike is going to have twins."


BW, Vietnam Vet