Introduction
It’s now been four months since Sandra’s death. I was making myself busy with Federation activities when I received a silent message from Alpha and Theta. Alpha began.
Bill, I have some news for you. Theta and I are together and we have another intervention we thought you might be interested in. We know you still might be grieving for Sandra, but this one, both of us thought you’d enjoy, and give you something to occupy that fine mind of yours. It involves a planet much like yours during your eighteenth century. We hope you’ll be interested.
Theta picked up the conversation. We thought of you because of your great feelings for your country’s founding fathers. This planet is on the verge of many changes in governance, and they have powerful people and forces pushing several different agendas, none of which truly benefit the people. We thought you might be interested in applying your skills of persuasion, and other gifts, particularly now that you are able to cast their receptivity. As Alpha said, we also thought it was time for you to move on.
Well, thank you both. It certainly sounds interesting. Are there any physical changes that I will have to undergo or anything else I should know?
Alpha responded. There are no physical changes, but you’ll have to use your interpreter software to speak their language. We don’t see language as a problem. This will be very similar to your interactions with Sandra during your initial intervention. Again, both of us are very sorry for her accidental death. We know you had developed a caring relationship with her, as did your family.
Theta continued. This intervention is rather unique. It will allow you to take Diana along, if you so choose. It should take some time to plan a path for their success. The forces that favor oppression, as usual, have the upper hand right now. We believe your intervention can change that, if we can keep you alive, that is.
Both friends chuckled recalling our many adventures as spies during the overthrow of communism in China.
Whose idea was it to include Diana? This wouldn’t be a ploy to make sure I accepted, would it?
I’m sure they were both laughing out loud. I thought it might be interesting, and I needed something to take my mind off Sandra and her death.
Let me bring Diana aboard and we can discuss what’s needed. It does sound interesting and Diana’s spy skills might come in very handy. I’ll contact her and ask her if she’d be interested. I think those spy skills will set the hook, as if you hadn’t already considered that. I’ll get back to you after we’ve talked. Bill out.
I left my office in search of my lovely wife. When I found her, I began.
“Hey, I was talking with Alpha and Theta and they have another intervention they’d like for me to consider. I’m sure they’re wanting to get me back into the action to take my mind off Sandra, and that’s okay. They have one that I can take you along on. Would you be interested?”
“You want me to join you on an intervention? Of course, I’ll go. I can keep you from falling in love and have some fun dusting off my spy skills if needed.”
We let my two alien mentors know and began to immerse ourselves in the background and history of our intervention target.
~ * ~
Because Diana was going to participate, she and I spent a good deal of time working with the Liaison for interventions from the Interplanetary Federation. Physical appearance would be taken care of with a completely new wardrobe. The language wasn’t going to be a problem as it seemed everyone had a slight dialect based on where they lived, their status, and who they surrounded themselves with. And the people we were going to be working with all had European features, so we thought we were set.
After viewing well over twenty hours of tape on the people we’d be interacting with, I knew why they chose me. If I didn’t know better, I’d believe we were going back to the 1770s in America.
The people were ruled by a King-type person with a standing army across the land. There were farmers, peasants, craftsmen, and everything you’d expect if you could time-travel back in our history.
The taxes, they called fees for the throne, were oppressive and the people generally lived in a caste system of haves and have-nots. Education (the ability to read and write for their time) was reserved for the wealthy or well-connected.
The caste system and lack of education were essential in keeping the masses in line, subservient to the throne.
Transportation and communications were much the same as on Earth during the nineteenth century. A simple form of combustion or steam-driven engines, but predominately horses and carriages. Weapons were similar to our nineteenth century. Hunting by common folks caused most to own rifles, and they knew how to use them well. The climate was warm most of the year, similar to our southern states.
The spacecraft we were to use had a few new features. First off and like the first intervention, communications back to Earth were accomplished by the energy generated with the normal flowing of liquid energy. It being energy much like the fields of a magnet, there was no loss of materials in keeping it active for the entire length of our trip. The craft served as a tower with a range of several hundred miles based on the diameter and landscape of the planet. This enabled us to talk silently to everyone back on Earth in addition to one another.
The craft was equipped with sleeping accommodations and a bathroom. Water could be made from the hydrogen and oxygen in the air, so if we wanted to, we could even shower. I didn’t see the need for it because we could be back on Earth in a blip, but it was there just in case.
As with other spacecraft, I could communicate with it by using my mind or my implant. It kept track of where we were at all times using the six-digit code of the three-dimension space. If we moved to another location, I had the ability to send a message that would bring the craft to me, hovering overhead, then land the vessel near me without being on top of anyone. I could then lower the ramp so we could see and enter the spacecraft.
Another feature we were equipped with was, an invisible force field based on our implants. This was similar to the one Griffin was working on while we thought Theta was a hostile person, but much more powerful. It operated within our implants and if activated, we would be shielded from most things that would cause damage to Diana and me. I wished I’d had this when the bullets were flying as we changed China’s governance. It was very cool!
The plan was to meet a Ben Franklin-type person (Sam) and give him a subliminal suggestion that we were his friends and had knowledge of a new form of governance: self-rule, being discussed among those who were unhappy.
Unlike in our history, women participated actively at all levels, not quite as equals, but very close. Interestingly, they controlled the purse strings so including Diana made sense. We were from another region and supposedly were a well-to-do family. A memory was placed in Sam’s mind that had him and us meeting on a prior trip to purchase goods to send back to my home.
Before we departed, I called Theta and asked her to join Diana and me for a brief talk. I began.
“Tell me a little about the planet and this country in particular. Except for parts of the transportation and weapons, I’d think we were going back to 1700 southern America. Was this your motive in recommending us?”
“Partially, but their situation is really quite different. The entire planet has been stuck with a totalitarian rule for centuries. In many other regards, they are the equivalent to your late 1800s, but severely hampered by their form of governance. They have great potential, but it won’t be achieved unless they change how they are governed. Your mission is to open their eyes to the potential for change.”
“Is there a Sandra among them you want me to focus on?”
“Yes, but you won’t meet him initially. Sam is a good man and very well respected. He will help introduce you to those who are able to create change. The two people who are the best equipped to impact change are Beth and Thomas. If we’re correct, you’ll meet them in your third group meeting. By then, your credentials will have been established and you will be able to effect change.”
Theta smiled an incredibly warm smile as if there was more, but she wasn’t going to elaborate. Probably another rule or such. She cast warmth on both Diana and me. It was wonderful.
“Okay, I get it. That’s all you can tell us. The rest is up to us and depends on how things materialize. I know I’m forbidden to give the leader a subliminal suggestion like I did in China. Without that in China, there would have been much bloodshed. Am I wrong in my assumptions?”
“No, you’re not. You cannot lead in what is to come, but you can help shape it to minimize the loss of life. You and Diana will be somewhat protected with your electronic shields, but as you’ve witnessed with Sandra, accidents do sometimes happen. This is not without its share of risks, but we have confidence in the two of you and what you can accomplish.
“Diana, you will be most helpful. The role of women is much greater than at the time of your country’s revolution, even at the time of Bill’s first death. Your spy skills will also be of great importance.” I could feel another cast before she ended with, “You’ll both be fine, and I’m sure you will change the course of their history.”
“Just out of curiosity, does the future have a path where we are not successful? Is all this predetermined or is it dependent on what we are able to impact?”
“Yes, there are several actually that result in continue servitude, but the stage is currently set with the people and resources needed for your efforts to win out.”
“I didn’t notice slaves in the videos we viewed. This was a big part of American history. Are there none on this planet?”
“Not along racial lines, but certainly among the classes, there is plenty of slavery. I’m sure you’ll address this with them as well, as part of what your suggestions will be. This is a chance to watch another planet’s Thomas Jefferson and George Washington effect change. I’m sure you will enjoy it. Now, go, get ready.”
~ * ~
The year is 2150. In my first intervention of 2149, I worked closely with a scientist on a planet that was just approaching brain transfer capabilities. Sandra was my main contact and I had developed great feelings for her. She had two lieutenants, Judy and Carolyn, who were also scientists and who had just begun the implementation process on several projects.
I didn’t want to leave them without support, but my feelings for Sandra and her sudden accidental death, made it extremely difficult for me to continue with my visits. I made arrangements for the two ladies on the distant planet to continue the relationship we had established, but instead of me, Emily agreed to become their primary mentor. Emily was in charge of Earth’s Fast Start program, so she was intimately aware of all that needed to happen for them to be successful.
In this, my second intervention one year later, we were to meet Thomas, a great thought leader, and writer for the rebellion. I thought of him as this planet’s Thomas Jefferson. His intellect was far ahead of the others we would be interacting with.
Daniel was the rebellion’s military leader. I thought of him as this planet’s George Washington, except Dan, as we would always call him, didn’t come from a wealthy lineage. He had to work hard for everything he had.
Chapter I – First Contact
Diana was thrilled to be included and I loved having her accompany me. I knew she’d be a great asset with her spy skills and great intellect.
In a blip, we were deposited two miles outside a major city. We walked into town and immediately purchased a carriage and horse. We didn’t want to call too much attention to ourselves, so we went back to the craft for more clothes we thought we’d need for an extended period of time. Upon our return to the city, we asked where we might find Sam. When we found him, I immediately gave him the subliminal suggestion and introduced him to my wife, Diana.
Sam began, “Bill, my good friend, what has it been, a year? I don’t remember your wife. She must not have traveled with you last time you were here. I’m sure I would have remembered her, ma’am.” He bowed his head acknowledging her. “How are you, Bill?”
“I’m fine and it has been a little over a year. We’re back to purchase some goods to send back as I did last year. I understand there has been great anguish over fees being levied. What’s this I hear about dissatisfaction with the throne?”
Sam immediately looked all around before speaking.
“Keep your voice down. You never know who is listening. Why don’t we head to my place where we can talk freely? You will stay with us. I insist. Now, tell me about your travels.”
With that, we were on our way to his home just outside of town. Sam’s house had an extra room where Diana and I would sleep while we were there. Sam’s wife, Carolyn, greeted us warmly, shooed their five children out of the house, and immediately began talking with Diana while Sam and I got something to drink. We soon left the house and walked around his very substantial garden.
I began, “I’m sorry if I was out of line. Our land is fairly remote and our interactions with the throne are very limited. What’s going on?”
“The fees continue to increase and we see nothing for them. They’ve sent in new collectors who have no knowledge of our economy. They demand money, regardless of the season, and if you’re not able to come up with their fees, they throw you in jail. It’s stupid but I guess they want to set an example for others. Several of us have been able to help those in need to avoid further persecution. It’s really quite bad.”
“You said ‘several of us.’ I assume these are people who are of a like mind as you?”
“And some you would even call more radical. Some are calling for insurrection, or worse. This is a very interesting time we live in.”
“What about the other cities and those that live outside the city, like myself. Are they equally upset and inclined to act as some of your fellow citizens are?”
“Citizens. That’s an interesting word you use. Slaves or peasants would be more accurate to what we have today. The throne is well protected by its army and they see no reason to change what they’re doing. Why should they?”
“Who exactly do you mean by ‘they’? As I’ve said before, we have very little interaction except with the fee collector. I guess we should consider ourselves fortunate. Diana handles all our accounts. She’s always upset when the collectors visit, but we’ve never considered any kind of resistance.
“I’d like to know more so I can be prepared for whatever happens. Perhaps we can talk tonight after the children are in bed. You seem more than a little upset.”
“Well, I am, but you’ll understand my reluctance to discuss these matters with anyone I don’t know and trust. You, I’m fine with that, but like I said when we first started talking, we have to be vigilant and take precautions so as not to alert the throne. Tonight, I’d love to talk. Would you mind me inviting a few friends?”
“Sam, this is your home. I wouldn’t presume to control who visits you. I just hope I don’t embarrass myself or you with some of my questions.” I smiled and he chuckled.
“Tonight, it is then.”
~ * ~
A dozen men and three women joined us shortly after dinner. We made ourselves comfortable in a clearing about fifty yards from the house. Most sat, while others stood and paced around the clearing. Diana and Carolyn sat near Sam and me.
The first thirty minutes were us getting to know one another. We explained our situation and Sam conveyed our friendship putting everyone, except one man, at ease. We would later find out; this one man was the most radical, and feared for his safety. After skirting the edges of the subject, I finally spoke on the topic.
“Sam, and guests, I want to thank you for your warm hospitality. My wife Diana and I have spent many days discussing the throne and governance in general. Because we’re pretty far from a large city and take care of most of our needs on our own land, we haven’t interacted much like you have here.
“We question the benefits we’re receiving from the throne, but thought our dissatisfaction was personal and restrictive. I’m wondering if you’ve reached any conclusions on what should or can be done?”
Michael, the pacer, was the radical. “We should overthrow the throne and all those who support it.”
There was much clamoring, and general agreement, although perhaps not so radical as to overthrow the government. Not wanting to take a leading role, I sat silently. When it calmed down, Sam spoke.
“Michael is more radical than most of us. We all generally agree with his premise, but we’re fearful of how it might play out and impact our safety and that of our families.”
Everyone agreed and several spoke in similar terms. Michael was pacing more rapidly now. I decided to address him directly.
“Michael, how do you suppose the throne would react to your statements. Aren’t you fearful for your own life and possibly that of your family?”
“Sometimes, you have to think about the greater good. No one here believes the situation is going to improve. No one here believes we’re going to be given anything in return for higher and higher fees over the years.
“Sometimes, a man has to stand up and be a man for the good of his family and his neighbors.”
Again, there was general agreement, but no one was willing to stand by his side, at least not yet.
“As I said before, my wife and I have little interaction with anyone like you good folks here tonight, except for Sam of course. Is what Michael is promoting a common theme within the community?”
Sam immediately responded. “It is, Bill. But we’re all fearful of what can happen if we engage the throne. There would likely be repercussions if they knew of this meeting and the topic being broached. We are all fearful.”
“Interesting. And what about other communities, are they equally dissatisfied?”
Michael started again. “I’d be considered calm in many cities outside our own. They’re all hidden and are careful not to be caught expressing their views. But, unrest persists throughout the country.
“Hell, all you have to do is look at other counties. Many are worse off than we are, and we’re headed in that direction. If we don’t respond soon, we may never be able to respond.”
“Is there a network that you know about of like-minded people, Michael? Do you interact with others?”
“Of course I do. That’s why I engage in the manner that I do. If you think I’m radical, you ought to hear some of the others in the larger cities. The businesses are being hit hardest by the fees. They pass them along when they can, but some have had to scuttle their business because the fees are so excessive.”
“Are the others men of action, like yourself? And, how about the other men here. If a good plan was presented, would you take action as well?”
Most of the men were now standing and favoring action, but all wanted a plan before going off half-cocked. Sam was calculating the degree of unrest and consequences before he spoke.
“No tyrant will ever relinquish his authority; without a good fight. That’s what we fear most. With an armed force like the throne currently has, we wouldn’t stand a chance of resisting them.
“None of us want our families hurt, but all of us believe change must come, and the sooner it does, the better. The problem is; we’re missing a plan that can be successful, that doesn’t involve a revolt involving armies that we’ve got no chance of surviving.”
Everyone echoed Sam’s comments. Suddenly, Michael was standing in front of me.
“Sam vouches for you, but the rest of us know nothing about you or your beliefs. Would you stand up against the throne?” I stood to address him.
“If there was a good plan that might keep my family and the families of friends out of harm’s way, as much as possible, I would. The plan will likely not save everyone, but it would need to have a good chance of succeeding with as few casualties as possible.
“Other than that, I believe all citizens should favor some form of participation in where our fees go. That’s not a new concept, is it?”
“You sound different than us, but I like your ideas. Citizens, we’re not, but citizens are what we’d all like to be. Will you join our cause?”
“I’d be honored to participate, as long as it is reasonable and well thought out. I have no desire to participate in a fight we cannot win. That’s what I’ve heard around the circle. We must have a good plan and know of the support we could count on before any actions should be taken. Would you not agree?”
“With certainty. Perhaps you could help us come up with just such a plan. Might you be interested?”
“I might, with almost certainty. How do you suggest we proceed?”
Diana, my beautiful and intelligent wife, couldn’t help herself. She entered the conversation.
“We’re accustomed to setting goals, then planning to meet those goals. As a mother and someone responsible for accounts, I’d like to see what it’s going to cost and have confidence that my family isn’t going to be hurt unnecessarily. Ladies?”
To my surprise, every woman there stood and shouted their agreement. She was doing a better job with one statement that I was. I gave her a smile. She returned it, then sat back down.
“My lovely wife has a propensity to cut to the heart of the matter. One of the many reasons she controls the house.” Everyone laughed heartily. “So, to make all the ladies here happy, what should be our goals?”
Michael shouted. “Removal of the throne and all who profit by it.” Everyone applauded.
“And what would you replace it with?” Suddenly, there was silence. “Do we need an overarching form of governance?” After some thought, everyone agreed. “Then what should it look like?”
Sam took the bait. “It should be controlled by we, the people.” Excitement returned with a light round of applause.
Michael responded, “That’s right. WE should be in control of the government, not as it is now.”
There was universal agreement and vigorous discussion before I continued.
“That’s a great beginning. How would it be structured? How would you get someone to serve in such a government? How would the country be broken up into pieces that could be locally governed?
“Before I commit to something so radical, these are but a few of the things I’d want to know.”
Sam responded, “We have counties now. Some are towns. Others go by other names, but all could be rolled up into a series of counties. What do you think, Bill?”
“I think you’re on a roll. I’ll keep asking questions and we will soon have our goals fairly well defined. So, the country would be a collection of counties and people within the county will be responsible for governing it. Is that what everyone thinks?”
Great excitement and joy prevailed. Once it calmed down, I started again.
“Since fees are the topic of the hour, what happens when one county imposes fees on another. What then?”
There was much discussion about how one county might negatively impact another. Finally, Geoff spoke.
“We’ll need something to sit on top of all the counties to address fairness and intercounty issues like trade. It would make sense that this would be similar to what the throne does today, only it would be made up of US, and it cannot deplete our resources.”
Sam was staring intensely at me. I motioned with my head and eyes for him to take the lead, he began.
“So, some form of confederation of counties to oversee issues that impact multiple counties. The throne also deals with other countries, for trade and such. I assume this is also what you had in mind above the confederation? Geoff?”
“Exactly. We just don’t want it, this Confederation, to be all-powerful and not reflect the will of the people. We don’t want to eliminate one form of oppression in favor of another ending in continued oppression.”
I wanted to keep the dialogue going, seeing consensus among those in the group. With the little help of questions, they were defining their goals in agreement and with excitement, so I reentered the conversation.
“Sam, ‘the will of the people’ might give meaning to ‘citizen’, is that what I’m hearing from you and Geoff?”
“Absolutely, that’s what we’re missing today and what we’ll work toward. The will of the people. That’s a concept I and most of the men I know would be willing to join together to secure.
“Now, all we need is a plan on how to get there with the least number of people being killed. I believe the others who share our feeling would join us in this effort. What would you, Bill, suggest we need to coalesce others?” I responded,
“Michael, you said there were others you know in different counties who have similar beliefs. Could you get another group like this, or maybe several groups to see if there might be widespread agreement on these goals, and to further craft and develop them?”
“No question about it. When would you and Sam like to meet with some like-minded people? I’m sure I could get at least this many people together within three days. One day would be for travel and to make connections. Since today is Monday, how about Thursday of this week? Would you and Sam be able to visit with another such group of, as you call them, like-minded people?”
“My wife and I can certainly make that. Our household isn’t expecting us back at any certain time and I think getting the wives involved will give us all a better support mechanism. Sam?”
“Bill, you and your lovely wife will stay here with us and depart early Thursday morning. It’s settled. We’re on our way!”
There was much celebration and joy within the group, even as they knew better than us what would be involved. This was a dedicated base of patriots we could build upon. It was good.
Chapter II – Like-Minded People
The ride began early on Thursday morning and was quite enjoyable. Their roads consisted of some form of crushed rock that was rather smooth after being traveled on for centuries, according to Sam. It was nestled between huge trees for much of the way, and alongside fields of what looked like cotton and different types of grains.
Carolyn stayed at home to mind the children, so Sam, Diana, and I chatted about the meeting to come. Sam was a patriot, willing to risk everything, but cautious enough not to go off without a good chance of success. The more we spoke, the more the plan was developed in his mind. By the time we arrived, he was ready for a full revolution. Diana and I knew we’d have to keep him reigned in.
I had expected about a dozen or so people meeting in a campsite somewhere, similar to our first meeting near Sam’s house.
Instead, we went to a huge barn where bales of something resembling hay were arranged three deep in a circle whose diameter on the inside was about twenty-five feet or so. There must have been one-hundred people, at least.
I thought it surprising, there were almost as many women as there were men. This was something I had not anticipated, even though I’d heard it from Theta. I found myself once again stuck with my old values of roles for the sexes, my twentieth-century biases.
Michael was the first to stand in the center. He introduced the three of us and had glowing remarks for what he described as ‘the start of the revolution.’ As soon as he uttered the words, there was much chatter among all those attending.
The host was a woman (Carol) who had a rigid jaw and stern look at all times. I wouldn’t want to mess with her if she disagreed with me. After she amplified what Michael had said, she asked the group if anyone had anything to add to what we had developed the first night at Sam’s. She then surprised me by pulling me by the hand to stand with her in the center of the crowd.
With me standing by her side, Carol began.
“Michael gives you credit for organizing the thoughts in which we are in agreement with here today. Michael says he has trust in you based on his friendship with Sam. Those in this gathering do so at great risk. I hope Michael and Sam’s trust is well placed.” I answered,
“I understand your reluctance and the risk everyone here is taking. Our land is remote but we too have been unsatisfied with the throne and in particular, the ever-increasing fees. I would love to take credit for that which Michael speaks of, but it was more the group efforts led by Michael and Sam here. Having said that, my wife Diana and I do wish to express our thanks for your trust and invitation here tonight.”
As Carol began to survey the crowd with her eyes, I cast her to trust us and be receptive to what we had to offer. Seeing no opposition, she turned to me.
“What’s your suggestion on how we might go forward?”
Knowing I couldn’t lead, I began by continuing to shift the roles. “Well, I think Michael is being too generous with the authorship of thoughts. It was mainly he and Sam who came up with what my wife calls goals or principles.”
I paused to gauge the response. Carol picked up on the new terms being offered.
“Michael now refers to citizens when he talks about what he hopes to accomplish. He also talks about the will of the people as a concept different from the throne. We embrace that as a phrase we seek to make happen. So, what say you for next steps?”
“Well, before I go any further, I must tell you I’m impressed with your numbers here, and I’d like to ask you the same question I had for Michael on Monday, because of its importance going forward on any plan that may come to be.
“Is this representative of all the counties in the land? And, if so, why hasn’t something been done before now?”
Carol was still in charge, and she had everyone there agreeing with her assessments and passion as she continued.
“It IS representative of the entire country. Until recently, we’ve held our collective tongues because it was tolerable and it was all we knew.” She began to slowly walk the circle as she continued.
“It has become increasingly burdensome, the throne’s fees, and their rigid enforcement has now drawn our ire. Don’t you feel the time has come with your own property?”
“Certainly. My wife rants for days after dealing with the collectors. I’m thankful she takes care of this. As far as desiring to participate in the governance to which I pay fees, that’s a concept we’ve not enjoyed as yet, so, yes, I’d be all in.”
“Then, what’s next in your mind?”
As Carol stood tall in the center, I began to circle her and study those in attendance before responding.
“As Michael and Sam had proposed, I believe a written set of goals and desires must be put to paper. There has to be a common understanding amongst like-minded people before going forward.”
There was much enthusiasm and support for this idea by all those in attendance. “Then, I’d be interested in the network of patriots from across the land.” Everyone chatted with their neighbor until Sam spoke. I thought I’d stepped in it.
“Bill, I was intrigued with your citizen word, now you offer patriot. I love it! It has true meaning and separates those of us having the same goals from those who believe in the throne.
“It speaks to doing whatever is needed to achieve our goals for all. Documenting our goals and desires is a great idea, but I’m fearful of a network of all who share these ideas before there is a call to action. If something like that fell into the throne’s hands, it would be disastrous for those on the list and equally so for anyone associating with them.”
As Sam was now standing in the inner circle, I made my way to stand before him and acknowledge his concern.
“Of course. It may be too soon for such a step. At some point, however, a declaration will have to be made in order to initiate or otherwise call the masses to that action you reference, don’t you think?”
I paused and walked around the circle looking at the people who were all chattering, before I started again.
“Look, Monday there were a dozen patriots in Sam’s field. Today, there are over a hundred here, all with the same hunger growing in their hearts. The same fire in their bellies. Before anything can be advanced, don’t you think the network has to be developed? Minimally, in order to communicate effectively?”
Carol, who was agreeing to everything being said, wrestled control back of the conversation. “Michael said you were a little strange in thoughts and conversation.”
She turned her head making eye contact with several in the crowd and silently asking for approval to proceed.
“Setting that aside, you make an excellent point. Several of them actually. If we are to be anything other than disgruntled subjects, we need to get organized.”
There were a number of shouts of agreement before she raised her hands and continued.
“And, to be organized does require a common set of beliefs everyone can adopt. They must be written down. And, we need to begin our networking to muster support for what we must ultimately do.”
She pointed out several, demanding agreement and support before continuing. “We must guard the network with our lives, but we must know who we can trust and who to get in touch with as we begin our journey. Bill makes a great deal of sense.”
The crowd was now fully engaged and offered several ideas and actions. Carol was making mental notes. I talked with Diana silently.
I’m getting pretty far out here. I can’t be a leader. This all must be their idea.
I don’t think you’re leading it as much as you’re giving it structure, substance, and form. I see nothing that goes against the intervention rules as I understand them. I think you’re on the right track, now they should expand the network before they take any action.
You’d do well with Carol. Take a shot at it.
As the crowd continued to advance ideas and agreement with what had been said, Diana motioned for Carol to come near her. She whispered in her ear, and they talked quietly for several minutes.
Afterward, Carol asked for the crowd’s attention.
“What if we were to measure the support we had across the region. Nothing would have to be committed to paper, but we need to know if the support we think we have is actually there.
“I’d suggest Bill, Diana, and I go to the county seat and speak to those who might help us appraise our support. I think Beth and Thomas might be logical leaders of a broader coalition. What thinks the group?”
Another hour’s worth of discussion ended with Michael and Sam taking two other cities, while we went to visit with Thomas and Beth with Carol.
Several others in the crowd, also wanted to initiate other meetings on their own. With some additional help from Diana, Carol suggested we wait until after our visit with Beth and Thomas had concluded.
Thomas was known to be excellent with words and it was Carol’s idea to get him to commit our goals to paper. As Diana and I made our way to Carol’s home to spend the night, Philadelphia in 1776 came to mind. It was surreal.
~ * ~
We left early the next morning for a full day’s ride. Diana and Carol bonded immediately, the women were quite similar in strengths and beliefs.
By the time we arrived and were introduced, each woman could complete the other’s sentences. I was amazed and quite pleased. Diana was going to be a very big help in what we wanted to accomplish.
Carol began to talk to Beth and Thomas.
“These are my good friends Bill and Diana. Bill has some interesting ideas we’d like to discuss with you and Diana can help us pull everything together.”
There were handshakes all around as if we were old lost friends being reunited. Carol’s standing and influence were obviously strong. She carried the ball, filling them in on all that had been discussed the night before.
Thomas was most interested in the new words and getting down what would become their founding documents. It was obvious to me, Thomas was a silent thinker and Beth, like Carol and Diana, wanted to make progress on the topic at hand. As the ladies talked, Thomas and I walked out to his garden. He began our conversation.
“Your vocabulary is quite interesting. You don’t mind if I weave your terms into what our documents will convey, do you?”
“Certainly not. I’d like to take credit for them, but I’m really not sure I initiated the terms. It might have been Samuel. Anyway, I’m always more interested in the product, than with who gets credit.” He smiled.
“Your language, like your ideas are somewhat different. I’d enjoy spending time with you. Are you able to spend a few days here? The ladies don’t need us.” His smile covered his entire face. “I too, am only interested in the product. I feel from Carol, you have more on your mind than just setting goals to paper.”
“It would be my great honor to spend some time with you and your lovely wife. As far as other items, I understand it’s you, who is one of the greatest thinkers of our time. I’d enjoy engaging you on all manner of topics. Where would you like to begin?”
“I believe a revolution is coming, very soon actually. Your timing and message are extremely interesting. Coincidence perhaps, but I think not. I think it’s at these times, when men of standing find themselves together with the struggles of their time. I can certainly put words to paper, then what?”
“Well, instead of giving you my answer, I’d be interested in what your approach might be. Together, we might find synergy and a common path to assist in making our desires a reality.”
“How interesting. The idea of networking like-minded people has been missing in plain sight. A document establishing goals and desires would precede a document of intent, this I believe. The intent would be wasted if support was wanting, would you not agree?”
“I’m of a like mind, myself. It’s interesting to me you’d mention a document of intent. Can you elaborate?”
“If we are to be successful, the world must know why we would take actions that will cause the deaths of many. Fathers and sons will want something they can believe in. Mothers and daughters will need something to join the fight with their men. It will not be easy for anyone, but it must be done. As I said, your timing, your presence, and your thoughts are all very interesting.”
“Are you aware or do you believe the general population of the country is ready for such a sacrifice? We are somewhat isolated on our own land and we have difficulty in gauging such support.”
“Absolutely! It should have happened long ago, but the ideas were splintered, not well formed. What I have heard is the kindling of a fire that will overtake not only this country, but I suspect several others as well.
“Man was not created to be governed by a throne, and yet that’s where we’ve found ourselves for centuries and where we find ourselves still. My wife and I have prayed for your arrival, never knowing how, who, or when you, or someone like you would appear.”
“Your words are extremely kind, but unwarranted. If I can be a lightning rod for others that leads to a better life for all, I’ll be most happy.” After several minutes of silent contemplation, I began again.
“My thought is that the success or failure of these efforts will depend on how eloquently the words are written. They must be words of substance, feeling, and ideas that inspire.
“They must reflect the true feelings of the people. And above all, they must reside in the hearts of those that will die, and those that survive to put the pieces back together again.
“There will be many who would want to profit from such a change. It will take men of great stature to lead and direct that which will follow.”
“How interesting are your words. You talk as if you have experienced what we are about to embark upon before. I hope we become good friends as we battle together during and after the fight.
“It will be bloody, but as God is my witness, it must be done. My belief is that man was never created to be subservient to a throne or any kind other than that of the Almighty.”
“My wife and I would be honored to help minimize the bloodshed while helping deliver the desired results. Her skills and talents will likely be more important than my thoughts and ideas.
“That’s always been the basis of our marriage.”
We both laughed as we continued to walk and talk.
~ * ~
Two days later we had a draft document that I thought was outstanding. I silently called Alpha and Theta and tapped Diana in as I read it to them. When I had finished, Alpha began.
This sounds wonderful as a first document. It clearly and concisely documents the basis for self-governance. What’s your plan for distribution?
Theta is going to love this. Diana, Beth, and Carol are going to handle the networking and distribution of the document. Their custom is for the women to write one another, so we thought we could fly under the radar by taking advantage of their custom. Thomas has a small army of followers whose job it will be to validate and follow up with meetings to stage all future actions. He’s also sent word for us to be joined by another military patriot he trusts. Theta entered the conversation.
Well, I’m glad you’ve discovered the real brains in the family. Well done, Diana. I could almost see her smiling.
We’re walking on a razor’s edge right now getting everything set up. I’m thinking we want to have Diana set up a network of lady spies to begin our intel-gathering efforts and to properly gauge the level of support and resistance. From what I’ve heard, the throne’s army is large, but essentially semi-trained, and not loyal to anyone, including the throne. Most are poor people recruited to stay out of jail or worse. If we can find those in command, well let’s just say Diana, Beth, and Carol might be able to assist with Intel gathering, significantly.
Diana was beside me smiling her evil smile and I expected both of my alien friends were laughing as well.
Alpha had a final thought. It sounds like you are enjoying this intervention. Please be careful and remember to turn on your shields whenever bullets start to fly. Stay safe and thank you for the update. Alpha out.
BillDeFoor 