Site Home Page Chapters Next Chapter
Leo didn’t get a big reception in New York City, nor any reception at all. His little container/office/home didn’t even get to the Big Apple. The train made an unscheduled stop outside the city, and Leo was hustled off the train by armed militiamen.
No one explained until Leo had been walked to a metal building that may have once served as a factory. There, there were even more armed militiamen. The officer in charge then told Commissioner Leo Torres that the top leader of the revolution, Paul Kerr, had been murdered!
“As far as we know,” the officer said, “it was the Greens who shot him. Apparently, they’re splitting the governing coalition and making their own bid for power. At least one of their spokespersons is saying that your election is a farce, the idea of a world government is a farce, and that everyone should take up arms and take over all fertile land. That’s why we stopped your train, because you’re not safe.”
“I need to contact someone,” Leo said.
“Certainly.”
A few keystrokes later, he was relieved to see Jane Early on his screen. “I was heading down to your reception,” she began, “when I heard that they were calling it off. Do you know what’s going on?”
“They said that Paul Kerr was shot,” Leo said, “Do you know anything about it?”
“Yes, it’s all over the news. They don’t really know if it is part of some new insurrection that somebody planned, or if it’s just one crazy person,” Jane answered. “I haven’t actually seen any armed mobilization anywhere, but of course it’s only been an hour or two since all this began.”
Leo found himself strangely calm, “If I had to guess, I’d guess that there’s not going to be any armed mobilization. We are all sick of death. The only reason for this election I’m in is to find some better way. Just to be safer than sorrier, though, I wonder if you could come here? I’m in some kind of fortified building with armed guards everywhere.”
“Sure, if you can arrange it, but I don’t think I’m in any kind of danger. I agree with you, people have had enough of insurrections.”
“All right,” Leo said, “I’ll arrange for these militiamen to come get you. You stay put until they get there and call me back as soon as they do.”
Jane asked, “Meantime, what are you thinking of doing?”
“Waiting for you,” Leo replied.
“That’s not what I mean, Leo dear, don’t you realize that people are looking to you? If you have any idea at all what people should be doing right now, you need to tell them. You’re a leader now, whether you meant to be or not. People are listening to you. They’re waiting, right now, for somebody to tell them what to do, how to respond. “
Leo objected, “How can I tell people what to do? Why would anybody think I knew?”
Jane’s voice was sweet reason, “Nevertheless, it’s up to you. You’d better decide what you want to say and say it as soon as you can. You also need to get the widest audience you can get, and make sure it’s recorded so that people can watch it later.”
Leo couldn’t think of a response. After pausing, Jane continued,
“Meanwhile, have them bring me to you. I’m dying to see you and touch you again. And, I may have a tidbit or two to share.”
Still pensive, Leo signed off and asked the militia to bring Jane to him.