Anatomy of a Rebellion

Chapter 10

Presentation and Hesitation

Percy had done a good job of keeping his thoughts to himself for four long days. During that time, Wallace had seen little to nothing of his friend. He had no idea that Mackenzie was even in town. He questioned Warren about it, but the Minister just mumbled under his breath and never provided much for answers. This was perfectly fine for Wallace, and he enjoyed the days without a mention of work or war.

That all came to a halt when Percy finally finished his report on a possible military post in Union. However, he couldn't send the report off without the okay of the Union townspeople. Despite whatever reasons they had, the military couldn't just take a town away from the citizens. So he called together the city council and created a last minute town hall meeting. Naturally, he allowed Mackenzie to do the talking.

It was held inside the high school gymnasium, and Wallace had stumbled in a bit late. So late, in fact, he hadn't even heard the proposal. All he heard was the questions asked afterwards. It was packed and the Sergeant had to push his way to the front.

"The military would compensate you based on the acre," Mackenzie was explaining. "The value of the land, as it sits now, is about six thousand an acre because of the farmland. However, with the recent drought, the soil is badly damaged. A real estate agency would try to sell it for four thousand but would probably fail. We will provide seven thousand an acre."

"Yeah, but the drought won't last forever," a man argued.

"Perhaps not," a councilman agreed, "but what if the situation becomes worse and the land doesn't recover?"

"An unlikely scenario," the man retorted. It was ignored.

"I think it's a great idea," Wallace's sister, Abigail said. She was the only woman on the council, and most apt to support controversial ideas. "There will still be plenty of acres to produce food, so it's not as though all of our farmland is being sold. If the members of Major Raymond's Company bring their families, the sudden increase in population would increase the demand for goods and services. Many people who rely on the farmland could easily create jobs in other sectors."

"Just as well, there will be an immediate need for jobs to construct the base," Mackenzie added. "Skilled and unskilled labor will be offered at premium rates."

"Do you have an approximant number that each worker could make per hour or year?" Abigail asked.

"Unskilled laborers would be offered twenty per hour, while more specialized jobs could reach fifty an hour," Mackenzie answered.

The reaction from the crowd was positive. For the first time since their presentation had begun, Percy and Mackenzie heard excited bits of chatter and agreement from the townspeople. Due to the chatter, a councilman tried his best to continue the debate by asking, "Is there any objections from the council?"

Without fail and without surprise, Warren said, "I do." Percy couldn't control his sigh from leaving his lips. Warren was well liked, so it was possible his words could change the tide of the argument. "The reason they're building this base, just as explained by the Lieutenant, is to be a line of defense against invading forces. It's a military base; its purpose is war. The other countries will see it as a target. For all we know the Koreans or Chinese could parachute into America any day. Having a base here would just create war for this town. And what about domestic terrorists? They'll be frightened to hell if they see more military posts popping up. Union could easily fall victim to one of their attacks."

"I say we put it to a vote," Abigail said. "We could start a petition and stick it on the next ballot."

Percy spoke for the first time when he said, "Unfortunately, there isn't time for that. The next ballot won't be available until November, and even then it would be difficult to get the necessary paperwork finished in time. I require a vote on this now."

"A vote now?" a councilman asked. "But the people must have time to be educated on the effects this base would have on the local economy and culture!"

Percy focused his attention specifically on Abigail. He stood and approached her. With all eyes on him, he asked, "Ma'am, what do you think of the report?"

She seemed surprised, almost confused as to what she should say or think. Somehow, she formulated complete sentences. "I think it's a good report on the possibility for growth should a military post be constructed here. The way you and your assistant presented your findings were superb."

Percy removed his hat and said, "If you find this report satisfactory, would you sign it?"

"What?" she asked, still somewhat surprised.

He got down on one knee in order to not look down on her. "Please," he pleaded. "Just one signature might be enough to convince the General to place the base here. Your brother would be in Union until his retirement. I can better guarantee his safety if he stays here."

"Percy!" Wallace shouted, upset he was being used as a tool. The Major bit his tongue; he respected Wallace, but did not appreciate him meddling in such high affairs.

Abigail ignored her own brother's outburst. Upon the electronic pad given to her, she placed her thumb print – it was signed without a word. When the pad was handed back to him, he stood, placed his hat back onto his head and said, "Thank you. I'm in your debt and I won't forget."

With that he let himself out. He had no idea that Wallace came chasing after him, despite the Sergeant shouting his name. It wasn't until Percy's polished boots touched the concrete sidewalk did he stop to recognize Wallace. Just like he expected, Wallace was not happy about Percy's visit or the pleading he did to his sister. "You sly bastard," Wallace said.

"You are speaking to a superior officer," Percy reminded him. "Watch your mouth."

"With all due respect Major, you are a sly bastard," Wallace repeated. Percy just smiled; he had nothing to say to that. "You never beg. You weren't sincere in the slightest with what you said."

"But I was," Percy said in response to the accusation. "You know it's my intention to keep my troops safe. I can think of no better way than stationing them in the middle of nowhere America."

Wallace frowned, "Look I just don't want my sister to be the target of anyone. What if the others are offended that she signed something like that?"

"Based on the way the others look at her, she offends them all the time," Percy said. For a moment, Percy sought the personal feelings of Wallace. He asked, "Do you want to be stationed here? This is your town after all."

"It's yours, too," Wallace said.

Percy snorted, "I just sleep here. I have no attachment, no family here."

"Maybe that's what you need," Wallace suggested. "If a base here will give you that, then I'll lend my town for you. We can keep it safe. I'm not worried like Warren is."

While Wallace joined Percy on his hunt to get signatures, the rest of the town mulled over the idea. Even youngsters like Royal were talking about it. During a friendly game of football, Royal brought it up to his peers. They had stopped for a moment to relax since the heat was killing their lungs. This gave him a moment to mention it to his two best friends.

"What do you guys think about Major Raymond's plan?" he asked. When he received a bunch of confused stares, he clarified, "About the military base?"

Fletcher was the only one with an opinion. He was a few years older than Royal, but his maturity level was a few years younger. He attempted to spin the football on his finger while he babbled, "Sounds like a good idea to me. I mean, I heard it could help out the money situation in town."

The ball was passed over to another boy, Edwin, who clumsily bobbled it before it was secured in his arms. "Um," Edwin mumbled, "I don't really know. Would a military base change things a lot around here? It would, wouldn't it?"

"I don't see why you're worried about it," Fletcher said to Royal. Then to Edwin he said, "Come on, pass it here!"

Fletcher took off sprinting as fast as he could. Edwin hesitated; he would be throwing right towards the street and he didn't want his friend to stumble and end up in traffic. While he didn't appear athletic, Edwin had a solid arm but little power control. Still, he reeled back and threw the football towards Fletcher's destination.

Just like he feared, it started to sail over Fletcher's head. The youngster was not to be outdone by Edwin, however, and kicked up his speed a notch. Too focused on the ball, Fletcher didn't realize the road was approaching until he suddenly felt his shoes smash onto the hard asphalt. He looked down for a brief moment, wondering where he was, before checking the sky again.

He leapt up to snatch the football, risking the injury his body would receive if he couldn't regain his balance and fell onto the street. The ball graced his fingertips but he never caught it; he never hit the ground, either, as his body smashed into the window of a car. His head hit first and cracked the glass of the windshield.

The car came to a halt and his friends rushed to see if he was alright. Well, Edwin did; Royal found the situation hilarious and couldn't keep himself from laughing. Fletcher rolled off the car and touched the back of his head. He didn't see any blood, but he touched again just to be sure.

"Son of a b***h, that hurt!" he cursed. "Why did you throw the ball that far, asshole!"

Royal stopped laughing and said, "Hey, you're the dumbass who didn't watch where he was going."

"Are you alright?" the driver asked. The boys looked at him and saw he clearly came from out of town. No one was brave enough to wear a button up shirt with a tie and sport coat in such heat. To top it off, his pants were iron-pressed and his shoes shined to perfection.

"I'm fine!" Fletcher yelled as he tried to stand. "Next time watch where you're driving!"

"But I was driving on the road. You need to watch where you're playing football," the driver quietly argued. While he was talking, he glanced over each of the three teenagers. He caught sight of Royal and literally jumped. "Hey!" he said, pointing and him like an i***t. "Are you related to Warren Taylor?"

Royal raised a brow and said, "I know we look alike but it's not like we're twins. He's my dad."

"Really! I know him!"

"Everyone knows him; he's on the city council."

"No, no, no! I know him! I'm Jordan Attaway!"

Royal had to think hard for a second; he recognized the name but couldn't remember from where. "The womanizer?" he guessed.

"Yes!" Jordan shouted. He backtracked and said, "I mean, no. I'm a war correspondent. I've known your dad for years!" Royal didn't seem interested; his neutral expression turned into an annoyed scowl.

Before Jordan could say another word, the high pitched screech of a police siren silenced him. The foursome finally realized their little scene had generated a lot of viewers, a sheriff's deputy one of them. The deputy appeared disinterested in the entire situation, and approached with a bored saunter. For the first time, Jordan realized just how hot it was under that Nebraskan sun.

"Good evening, officer," Jordan greeted. The deputy twisted his lips at the title. "Sorry about the commotion."

The deputy surveyed the area. The crack in the windshield was clearly made by an outside object hitting it. The three teenagers each had different expressions; Royal was indifferent, Fletcher angry, and Edwin nervous. Then he saw the football and easily constructed the scenario in his mind.

"How many god damn times have I told you maggots not to play football near the street?!" he yelled. Everyone was fairly surprised by the outburst.

"We were far away from the street," Fletcher defended. He jabbed a thumb towards Edwin and said, "Joe Montana here thought it was –"

Royal interrupted, "Don't blame him. You ran towards the street."

"Stay out of it!" Fletcher yelled.

Fletcher gave Royal a hardy push and the boy responded by punching him in the face. Immediately the deputy jumped in and separated the two. Jordan watched the scene and felt disappointed; he felt as though Royal looked so much like his father, but received none of his kindness or patience.

The scuffle between the three ended when Fletcher fell to the ground, once again hitting his head. The deputy gripped Royal's shirt so tight he nearly ripped it. "Knock of it off!" he demanded. "The both of you are acting like junior high students. Wait until the Minister hears about this!" He let go of Royal's shirt, who was very agitated by the last remark. "Get into the car, I'm giving you a ride home," he ordered.

"Um," Jordan interjected, "I can give him a ride. There's no need to trouble yourself."

The deputy gave Jordan a once over and wondered why this stranger was offering a young man a ride home. Royal, however, quickly chomped at the chance. "Thanks, Mr. Attaway," he said with forced politeness.

Royal jumped into the cool, air conditioned luxury vehicle. Once inside, he realized just how tinted the windows were. The seats were comfortable enough to sleep in. He wondered just how much money this Jordan guy had. Jordan soon followed and took his respectful seat behind the steering wheel.

The deputy knocked on the window and motioned for Jordan to roll it down. He did, and the deputy said, "Make sure you get your windshield fixed before I see you again. And don't worry about the brat you hit, he has a hard head."

"Thanks," Jordan said. The deputy stepped away and motioned for them to leave.

Unceremoniously both men in the car let out a loud sigh. Neither one even thought about how Jordan had no idea where to go. They were just happy to escape the situation. Besides, it was so hot outside; Royal didn't car whose car he crawled into, so long as it was cool. Jordan glanced down at Royal several times as they sat in silence for at least one minute. He wasn't sure how to start a conversation with the youngster. The more he looked at him, the more he was convinced he was a spinning image of Warren. Something about that calmed him.

Finally he asked, "Where do you want to go?"

Royal sighed again, "I don't care." He shifted to look outside the passenger window. The town whizzed by and he felt anxious for some reason. He had to hold back another sigh when he said, "I'm going to miss this place."

"Are you going somewhere?" Jordan asked.

"Eventually, yeah," Royal answered. "I'm on leave for only a few more days."

Jordan was surprised to hear that Warren's son was in the military, but kept it to himself. Something outside of his car caught his attention and he seemed to forget all about Royal. Standing on a sidewalk was Percy and Wallace. The Major was sweating under his uniform and removed his cap in order to wipe the droplets from his brow.

The car screeched to a halt and flew backwards when Jordan popped it into reverse. The Sergeant and Major watched the car fly by them and retreat just as quickly. With the tinted black windows, they weren't sure whether to be confused or nervous at the unknown vehicle.

The passenger window rolled down and they saw Royal stick his head out. That just added to the confusion. "Royal," Wallace asked. "What are you doing in such a nice car?"

Jordan leaned over so he could be seen and waved, "Hey guys!"

"Jordan!"

The two army men rushed to his door; Percy reached first and tried to open the door but it was locked. Jordan opened the door for him, only to be dragged out by the hem of his shirt. He threw his hands in the air, signaling he didn't want to fight, but Percy shoved him against the car anyway.

"You have a lot of explaining to do!" Percy barked.

"Whoa!" Jordan said. "Easy fellas, I'm sure I can explain what it is you're mad about!"

"Why are you here?" Wallace asked. "We've been trying to contact you for a month!"

"A month?" Jordan questioned. "I guess that's about the time the Lieutenant called me."

"What?"

Percy relaxed a bit and Jordan wiggled his way out of the Major's grip. "You know, Mackenzie," Jordan explained. "It was about a month ago she left a voicemail on my phone. Said you wanted to talk to me. I got held up at work and then I couldn't get a train ticket so I just drove. I didn't even think you'd still be here!"

"Of course I'm still here," Percy said. "I'm stuck here. And that's a good thing because you have to explain something about a guy named Freddie!"

Jordan's face remained unchanged. For a second, Percy wondered if it was right to question Jordan about where Freddie got his information. The correspondent had always been faithful to Percy and his men, why would he betray them? Still, it was the only guess they had and he needed to pursue it.