Reboot

After the race, I stayed alone at my house to get cleaned up and get ready for our dinner-meeting-party. I had asked to meet with Rourke, Dutch, William, Tony and Rudy, and Mayors Stevens and Rather. But I had to have some time to think first. There was a lot on my plate and it was making me nervous. I lay on my bed and stared at the ceiling. All the things I’d gone through, my new friends, the dangers ahead. Organizing the trip out East, Colby, Mooney, etc..

I’d decided to go back to Veneta with Tony and Rudy after we’d made another broadcast. Mayor Stevens had invited us. He thought it would be good for morale back there. I’d become a celebrity, like all drivers, and it seemed like the right thing to do before we headed out on our trip.

It was a daunting road to follow, but I was surrounded by the best people I could ever have hoped for. When it was time, I headed to William’s house where everyone was waiting for me. When I came in, they cheered and bottles came out. I immediately forgot my worries. After a lot of backslapping, we sat down to another fantastic meal cooked up by William.

“So what about Colby?” I asked the table after the required pleasantries and jokes had been ploughed through. “I don’t think he’s a bad guy.”

“Well, you’re leaving anyway and he won’t know where, so why don’t you just tell him. Show him your stuff, and see how it goes. We can always tie him up for a week afterwards if he doesn’t behave,” said Mayor Stevens. “If he’s a good man like you think, he’ll come around to our side and be of invaluable help.”

“Exactly what I had in mind. Sounds good. We’ll do that then. Is this now a good time to start discussing policy with government?” I asked, looking at the mayors. How would you like to proceed?”

“Mayor Rather took that one. “I think it’s safe to send a letter to Mooney asking about an election schedule. That’s normal procedure in a democracy. If he balks, it’ll give us something to use.”

“Sounds good. We can give the letter to Colby, maybe use that letter to begin the discussion with him?” I said.

Everybody agreed. Nods all around the table.

“OK. Good. The next thing I’d like to talk about is our next message.

What should it say? Maybe some news on how things are going? Get people used to these radio broadcasts?”

“I think you should stress the proof more. Make sure everyone knows that it’s freely available. In fact, why don’t we make copies and pass it around?” said Stevens.

“Copies of what? The text itself is coded. The letter from Chenoweh? That could be fabricated. No I think we should pick and choose who to show it to, like our friends here. “I pointed to the mayors.” If we choose the right people, the news will slowly disperse.”

“That’s been working well so far,” said Dutch.

“I’ve seen it in my camp,” said Rourke. “People are believing your message without seeing the proof.”

“Why do you think that is?”

“No one likes Mooney. He’s a wimp and everyone knows it. So it fits. It’s like accusing the sky of being blue on a cloudy day.”

“Ooo, a poet,” added Dutch.

“I am indeed, my friend.”

“Of course he is,” I added with a smile. “How about this: “This is Robert Morgan. I saw a document that started the war. This document was written and sent by President Mooney for personal gain. I have it with me and I can show it to anyone. Do not trust this government. Do not trust the Marshalls. They just follow orders. And President Mooney is the man giving the orders. He must face justice for his crimes against humanity. President Mooney caused the War.

Trust in yourselves. Force the vote.”

“What do you think?” I looked at their faces intently.

“I like it,” said William. Especially the Force the Vote thing. Could be our motto. I’d say that in all subsequent messages. Dutch?”

“I agree. But maybe not mention the war? I dunno,” added Dutch.

“You wouldn’t say he caused the war?”

“Sounds desperate to me. Like you’re pushing it”.

“You mean it’s been said? Are we repeating ourselves?”

“I mean the next time you mention it, you should have something else.

“Good point,” added William.

“But I´m telling them I was the messenger? That’s something at least. Should I describe parts of the message?”

“Maybe, but then you risk incriminating yourself. Might lose some cred.”

“I know that. I don’t think there’s any way around that. Some people will think I’m making this up. It’s inevitable.”

“Let’s leave it. I think it’s ok.”

“OK, though I think I’ll change it to “Let’s Vote”, or “Push The Vote”. Less violent. But at some point boys, we’re going to have to put our foot where our mouth is,” I said. That made Dutch smile. No one else though.

We sent it out from various radio stations and it was rebroadcast. The seeds of doubt was growing, but we didn’t really have a solid plan for how to proceed.

“Next topic is when do we leave?” I looked at William and Dutch. We hadn’t really discussed this yet. They never even told me officially if they were coming with me, but I had little doubt they would.

“No hurry yet is there?” asked Dutch. “I mean we should tour this area first right? Use this newfound fame of yours to our advantage.”

“I agree,” said William. “Let’s see what happens when we corner Colby. If he’s reasonable, he might help us now and later. If he’s not reasonable…”

“What”? I asked. I looked at both their grim faces, Rourke too, and I continued: “Nononono… we will not start with that stuff. If he wants to be Mooney’s toy, we let

him. We can’t just “replace” every twit we encounter. Agreed? Let’s make him change his mind. More of a challenge that way.” I smiled, but my eyes were serious.

Reluctant nods all around.

“Ok then, I think that’s about it. Mr. Stevens asked me to come back with him to Veneta, and I’d love to go. Been too long already.” I looked at the mayor happily.

“Who’s coming with me?”

“Well I can’t,” said William. I promised to stay here and help clean up this mess.”

“Me too,” added Dutch. I looked at Rourke with pleading eyes. I didn’t want to go there by myself.

“Don’t look at me. I have to go back to my camp.”

“OK, looks like it’s just you and me, Mr. Stevens. We’ll leave in two days? Is that ok with you?”

“Of course, Robert.” He was busy eating. In fact, I’m not entirely sure Mr. Stevens had listened to anything I‘d said.

Priorities I suppose.