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From: [e-mail] (Alan Schwartz)
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Subject: STORY: Riverworld, Chapter 13: We the people
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Date: 19 Dec 1995 08:19:33 -0500
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Riverworld Turn #13:  We the people
Day 33

            *  *  *  *

While the group waited for Florence to join them and translate Tjar's
words, they spoke quietly to one another.

Charles ate heartily of his breakfast, and smiled at Shaw.
He thought fondly of the talk they had had about history and empires.

He spoke with the captain in Greek.

Charles: "Good Morrow, Shaw!  Thank you for the discussion last night,
      It was most enlightening."

Shaw: "Yes. That lack of memory you described...This man Freud may be
       able to help you. In my time he was known as the foremost
       doctor of the mind. If you are willing I would be happy to
       translate for you if you do not share a common language."

Josephine was sitting slightly apart from the others, and her usual
exuberance was not in evidence. Jeanne took a seat by her and spoke in
whispers.

Jeanne: "I am sorry if my laughter offended you. It was not my intent to be
     cruel."

Josephine replied with a flat gaze and an unemotional voice.

Josephine: "And what was your intent? Friendship? Politeness? Whatever
        you do, don't lie and say you didn't intend insult. Give
        me at least honesty."

Florence joined them, and Tjar's speech was translated for all but
Shaka. Josephine frowned and shook her head.

Josephine: "What? We recreate the very place I fled from? There are
        many things about America that were good, but those few
        were outweighed by the many negatives. The lack of
        compassion and understanding of different people, the lack
        of respect for all forms of humanity, of the arts."

She paused thoughtfully and shook her head again.

Josephine: "I do not know if I would wish to take part in building
        such a society. I am truly sorry."

Jeanne: "What is this 'time honored principle of democracy?' he speaks
     of? This..America?"

She stumbled a bit over the unfamiliar words, and looked at
Josephine. The older woman, however, did not deign to respond to her
question. Tjar looked back at Josephine for a moment, a stern look on
his face.

Tjar: "Well, Miss. I don't know quite what to say to you."

He paused and looked around, making sure he had the attention of the
others.

Tjar: "In any event, for those you who don't know what I talk about
       when I speak of America, disregard the label. What I speak of
       is the idea that we must band together and build ourselves up
       strong, or else we will not be able to fight that."

He gestured with his right arm in the general direction of Temuchin's
camp.

Tjar: "Mark my words... power like that will expand unless it is met
       with more power."

He paused, and looked around again.

Tjar knew that his words would have to be good to carry the day with
the others. And if he could establish his government, his new America,
he knew that others would find them and join them. It was his best
hope to be reunited with his beloved daughter, whose death during his
last year of life had broken his heart, as well as the rest of his
family.

At his awakening he had begun to search, without realizing the
enormity of the task of finding an individual amid the billions who
populated the Rivervalley. Once again, he had a purpose, something
worth living for. He found another when he rescued Hypatia:
philanthropy.

The group's most recent adventures had further revitalized Tjar, and
reawakened the political progressive within him. Only with leadership
and organization could tyrants be defeated, and kept from preying on
the innocents. The group was a mixed bunch, some members far better
men and women than others, but they were what he had to work with. He
steeled himself and continued his exhortation.

Tjar: "Before we go on, let me introduce myself more formally. My name
       is Theodore. Theodore Roosevelt. I am from New York City, in
       the great state of New York, United States of America. My time
       was that glorious era as we bid farewell to the 19th Century
       and said hello to the new world of the 20th Century."

Tjar: "What I propose is that we, as a group, create the fundaments of
       a government. A provisional government for now. At present we
       need do little more than set forth a Declaration of Intent, and
       create a 'War Council.' Once a chain of command is established,
       we can set out in building up our strength, and attracting
       newcomers into our ranks.  Once the most fundamental needs are
       established, namely security, shelter and sustenance, then we
       can establish a more permanent form of government, one resting
       on democratic principles."

As Tjar kept speaking, Josephine continued shaking her head, a
half-smile on her lips.

Tjar: "My friends, we are like the ancient Athenians... caught in a
       primitive world, surrounded by barbarians. It is our solemn
       duty to create a society which will serve as a beacon to others
       around us. In our Declaration of Intent, which I volunteer to
       draft, we should therefore set forth basic principles which
       will serve as the cornerstones of our society. Namely,
       individual freedoms, representative governance, and an
       executive, checked by the rest of us, who can speak with a
       single voice for us, and provide for a common defense."

Tjar: "If you are with me, then I believe our course of action is
       this.  We must agree to the general concept: that our primary
       goal is to establish security, shelter, and sustenance, and
       that, once that is accomplished, we will act to establish a
       government based on the principles I have set forth.  Until we
       are able to establish a more permanent government, I propose
       the appointment of a war council of five me...persons. And of
       that five, one will be chosen as the Commander in Chief. The
       Commander will lead with the advice of council. The Council in
       turn will seek counsel from the citizenry. Our citizenry will
       grow, no doubt, swelled by the ranks of the unfortunate fleeing
       tyrants upriver and down."

Tjar: "So, without further ado, who is with me? At least, who is on
       the same boat with me? We can refine the course, but I must
       know who is aboard."

Tjar rubbed his eyes, a slight sweat running down his face. Despite
the passionate and solemn tenor of his speech, he appeared quite
nervous, and his eyes moved from face to face, awaiting the response.
Jeanne was the first to speak, and spoke forcefully.

Jeanne: "Did you enjoy slavery so much that you would build a home
     nearby this Temuchin as he is called? Invite him for supper,
     perhaps? I tell you that we must take war to him before he
     brings it to us."

Charles stood up and addressed the group.

Charles: "We have journeyed much in life, and now God has seen fit to
      assemble us here in this place, so that we may commute our
      sins and transgressions, before entering the Kingdom of
      Heaven. "

Charles: "I do not know God's plan, but I will say that by showing us
      the Barbarian Temuchin, He has opened my eyes to a problem
      that needs to be solved.  I am not a stupid man.  I know
      better than returning to the den of an angry lion.  God does
      NOT waste his servants in this way.  It is my honest belief
      that God intends us to right all wrongs which we come
      across."

He paused.

Charles: "This means both the wrongs which we see around us and the
          wrongs that are within our soul.  We must take time to
          reflect on what in life we have done incorrectly and what we
          would change now that we have a second chance."

Charles: "I spent part of last night in prayer, and only understood
      that I was among friends, and that I must continue to create
      goodness and light around me.  I agree with Tjar, here, in
      that we should establish a place of refuge and a place of
      power from which to challenge the likes of Temuchin and
      others like him."

Charles: "I think we should concentrate our efforts for now, on
      building a small community and gathering support and
      supplies for our mission."

Charles: "This grail spot seems empty and should serve as a base.  I
      take it as a sign from God that Shaw was present to deliver
      us from Temuchin and ferry us to this spot."

Charles: "I think that all of us should spend the day gathering
      bamboo, and materials so that we may build a shelter of
      sorts to live in."

Charles turned to Shaka, and spoke haltingly in Bantu.

Charles: "Friend Shaka. I desire we stay here, build shelters, and
      form a tribe. I lead tribe, but you fight best - you lead
      warriors."

Jeanne's face flushed a bit at Charles's words, but she remained
silent as Charles resumed his seat.  Shaka, sitting on the ground,
knees raised high, his scythe gripped in his hands, simply nodded his
head. He continued to listen attentively to the speakers.
But with the danger passed, Shaka had begun to feel homesick for his own
people. He contemplated moving on.

Josephine favored the two men with narrowed eyes and a look of
undisguised animosity. Tjar looked concerned, and spoke hurriedly.

Tjar: "We are in agreement on the first premise: that we are in need
       of organization in order to make ourselves and others safe. The
       precise form of that government can be determined with
       deliberation. However, especially given the differences between
       us, I do not believe rule by a Prince would survive."

Tjar: "Let us form a provisional government with a Commander and a war
       council. When we are relatively safe from marauding harm, then
       we can discuss the future."

Josephine stood up and shrugged.

Josephine: "I don't care what empires you want to build, what mighty
        kingdoms you want to establish, I only want a chance to
        live a peaceful life in pursuit of artistic goals.  Maybe
        have a family. I have no desire to wear a crown or kill
        for the glory of someone who doesn't seem to even exist.
        This certainly isn't my idea of heaven."

Tjar almost leapt up when she had finished speaking.

Tjar: "You must clearly see that there is no peace here that we do not
       buy ourselves. Not everyone in our endeavor must be a warrior,
       but we can bear no slackers. If you aren't willing to pitch in
       and help, then I will wish you good luck and good bye, but let
       me suggest that this band right here, working together, is the
       best hope for not only our future, but the future of others, as
       well.

The boat captain spoke, his voice low and soft.

Shaw: "Friends, arguing among ourselves will do nothing other than to
       further the cause of our enemy. Let's not fall into the same
       trap we fell into so many times on earth. We have a second
       chance.  Let us do it right this time."

Charles nodded to Shaw, but spoke to Tjar.

Charles: "Tjar, or Tee-O-Door Rose-Avelt, You have many new words that I
       don't rightfully understand, but the tenor of your words, and
       the emotion behind them I feel is correct.  I was a King in my
       day, and I made my Kingdom a place of freedom and learning.  I
       brought many of what you call 'Gover-ments' together, and under
       one leadership.  I ruled, but was advised by a council, though
       not always a council of war.  There were many peaceful years
       under my rule."

Charles: "I do not propose that I become King here, or 'prince' -- If the
       Lord God intended me to be a King, I would be back in Aachen
       still.  I merely offer to lead in the absence of any other
       leaders, so that God's work is done, the Righteous prosper and
       the Evil works of Satan are banished to Hell."

Charles: "I merely say this.  We must look out for the basic needs of
       life right now.  Decisions on 'government' and leadership can
       be decided later."

Charles paused for a moment, his eyes moving over each of the lazari,
lingering a bit longer on Glenn, Hypatia, Cleopatra, and Freud.

Charles: "I for one, wish to hear what each of my companions has to say
       about their current feelings and what they wish to do with life
       and future here on this forever river of life."