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The Council Chamber was on the first floor of the Mission Building. It was a somber and
luxurious place with a decorated plaster ceiling, huge paneled windows on one side and
contained a long polished table and stiff-backed leather covered chairs. On the wall
opposite the windows was the Insignia of State: an eagle on the left, a man with a book on
the other, oak leaves and scales between. For the occasion of the Special Meeting the Pastor had invited not only the Councilors but their senior family members as well and the two factions grouped on either side of the long table with the Councilors seated and the rest standing behind them. 'So now you all'll be going to war,' sneered Billy Parker, the Sheriff's brother from behind his brother's chair. 'That'll be the last we'll see of you. Then we'll have this place to ourselves.' Though his brother glared at him and shut him quickly up to many it was obvious from that moment that something had been worked out. The Pastor entered, taking his place at the head of the table with the Mayor on his right and everyone stood and remained standing until he himself had sat and indicated that they should too. There was a pause while he conferred with the Mayor. 'Can't say as how this place makes me feel much at home,' Ursus Griffon whispered loudly to Carl. 'Gives you an idea of how they live, though,' said his father over his shoulder. ' I always used to wonder what were in these places.' 'And now you know, Mr. Griffon, please be silent,' said the Pastor sharply. He stood up, motioning for those seated to remain so. 'Gentlemen, welcome to the Special Meeting to Announce the Draft. I have to tell you that this Great State has gone to War. It is God's War. A just War. And your help is necessary if we are to be triumphant. I assume everyone here is ready to do their part?' There was a general murmur of assent. 'What is required' continued the Pastor, ignoring the sounds of approval, 'is that this town of Dentonsville raise a Brigade that will go and fight. The Brigade must be trained in marching and obedience and be ready to leave no later than the first of May, when the Winged Messenger will come to inspect them. Gentlemen, the time to gain God's love has come! And now Gentlemen, I have the honor to announce to you the first appointment of the great campaign upon which many of you will soon embark: that of our Mayor, Mr. Preston Whelk, as the Captain of the Dentonsville Brigade.' As the pastor began to applaud, those of the Sheriff's faction joined in enthusiastically. Those across the table from them followed suit more reluctantly. However, the Pastor raised his hand to cut the applause short and continued brusquely, 'Dentonsville will not stand in the path of those who wish to gain God's love. Until the Brigade departs, the Captain will continue with his duties as the Mayor. Later the new Council will consider if a new Mayor is required.' There was consternation in some parts of the room. 'New Council. What does he mean by that?' But it was notable that neither the Sheriff nor the Magistrate looked concerned. 'Now I am obliged to read this order to you,' continued the Pastor quickly, holding up a document edged with gilt. He commenced to read the following at some speed: 'By Order of the Secretary of State and in Pursuance of the Great One Hundred Years Act of 2376 and Security Council treaties 34769, 37892 and 40102, the duly constituted township of Dentonsville, otherwise recorded as settlement 34695/37, being located in the 13th subsection of District 2305, is hereby ordered to fulfill the following levy to be delivered to authorized officers of the Great State of America. Six thousand persons to be divided as follows: Males: not more than three thousand persons of ages not less than sixteen years and not more than forty years. Females: not less than three thousand persons of ages not less than eighteen years and not more than forty-five years. Said persons to be delivered in a combat ready condition, constituting a Brigade, consisting of two regiments of three companies each, fully trained in marching and obedience and commanded by a senior officer. This order signed by Thomas Mowden, Assistant to the Secretary of State.' 'That's more than half the people of the town!' The old Shopkeeper was ashen-faced. There'll be no-one left but the very old and young. And women as well as men?' 'You must understand, Shopkeeper,' said the Pastor gravely, that the Army of this Great State orders itself according to different principles than we are accustomed to. It recognizes the equality of all human kind and in particular stipulates that women have the same privileges and obligations in life as men, including the right to fight and gain God's love. In the Dentonsville Brigade women must not only be present in an equal number with the men but they must hold equal positions of responsibility.' 'But they've no sense!' The Miller was incredulous. 'Do they look the same as men?' 'Do they act the same as men?' asked the Shopkeeper. 'The world'd be a poorer place if they did.' 'They have minds as men do.' The Pastor was aloof. 'And tits and cunts as well' said Butes Griffon provoking a general laugh. The Pastor was embarrassed and sat down. Carl thought he might be blushing. Carl was embarrassed about the fact that his father and Harding had so lost touch with what was going on. Well, it was too late now, he thought. 'Captain, please inform us of your Plan for the Organization of the Regiment', said the Pastor loudly and sternly to the Mayor. Preston stood up. 'Now, about the appointments of the officers. There will be one s..sergeant for each r..regiment and one c..corporal for each company. That makes t..two sergants and four c..corporals. These people are: S..Sergeant of the First R..regiment : Jacob Harding, younger. Corporals : Joseph Harding, Lisa Willard, Samuel Relyt. Sergeant of the S..Second Regiment : Iram Willard, younger. Corporals : Ruth Willard, Gretel Franklin. Corporal of the c..company of the 'Men Apart': Carl Relyt, younger. Carl observed that when Preston spoke these words he did not stammer once over the names themselves. The old men were distraught. 'But they have three young children...' was all the Shopkeeper could say, over and over again. 'And who is going to runs things when we're gone if you take our sons from us?' said the Miller desperately. He sank his head upon the table and began to sob. 'The Magistrate and I will still be here to look after things until they get back. Don't you worry, Jacob.' The Sheriff leant across the table and patted the Miller on the head. 'This is God's War, Miller,' said the Pastor briskly. 'Sacrifices must be made. Even in the Church. Each of our three Sisters have volunteered to be nurses for the Brigade. Now, if there is no further comment, I must remind you all that the Winged Messenger will arrive in six weeks to inspect the Brigade. He will expect all companies to be trained in marching and obedience. I am sure our brave officers will not let us down.' |
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