Under a Tell-Tale Sky: Disruption - Book 1 Read Online Free PDF

labor—”
    “And take ninety percent of their crop in return.”
    “Which will still likely leave them more food than most people,” Crawford said. “I KNOW we could sell the whole program to Secretary Jackson—”
    “That’s the damned point, Ollie! I don’t have to SELL programs to anyone, especially someone who works for ME! This isn’t a debating society, we just don’t have the time. YOU understand what’s necessary and are on board with the program, so I’m putting you in charge. That’s that. Now, what’s your plan on lodging the workforce?”
    “My initial thoughts are to quarter the power workers on site in redevelopment zones centered on each of the nuclear plants we’re bringing back on line. The agricultural workforce will have to be more transient with the crop and the season. I’m thinking a dozen semipermanent regional camps with temporary satellite camps as and when needed. We’ll need perimeter security on all of them. We don’t want to lose trained workers at peak labor periods.”
    Gleason nodded. “What about the administration workers?”
    “Staying in the cities is a nonstarter. I was thinking cruise ships, maybe anchored off Annapolis. They’ll be self-contained offices and living quarters with plenty of amenities and a lot easier to defend at anchor. And we can move them around if we need to set up regional HQs,” Crawford said. “And what’s more, they’ll mostly be out of sight of the general population. There’s bound to be resentment, and there’s no need to advertise the fact that government workers are living in decent conditions.”
    “Good idea,” Gleason said. “Actually a damn good idea. They should be thick out of the Florida ports and the Caribbean this time of year. Try chartering them on payment guarantees like we’re doing overseas, but if that doesn’t work, just seize them by force. And speaking of force, how do you think our friends in uniform are going to take all this?”
    Crawford didn’t answer immediately, but when he did, it was obvious he’d already considered the question.
    “It’s my greatest fear, actually. The worst-case scenario is for the military, either collectively or individually, to decide these very necessary steps are unacceptable. If we send them out to put down civil unrest, I think there’s a good chance they’ll turn against us. No one’s going to be happy firing on starving refugees. The last thing we need is a bunch of disaffected military personnel deserting and taking their weapons and training with them,” Crawford said.
    “What choice do we have? I can’t see how any of this works without them.”
    “First, we get rid of any potential troublemakers. I’d say anyone who wants to leave, we grant an immediate discharge. Let them leave with their personal possessions and maybe a few days rations. Not only do we lose a lot of problems, but also extend military food and water reserves, at least in the longer term. Service personnel with families on base will likely stay, and we can beef up security around the base perimeter and also take in as many dependents of remaining troops as possible. We clear a quarter-mile security perimeter around all bases, both to provide clear fields of fire and prevent refugee camps from springing up next to the bases. And finally, we have to discourage fraternization with the civilian population completely, and immediately discharge any military personnel caught doing it. To the degree possible, we need to build a psychological wall between the troops and the civilian population. The civilians will grow to resent those inside the wire, and the troops will feel doubly protective of both the base and their families the base is sheltering. In six months, possibly less, the military will be with us completely—presuming we don’t drive them away in the short term.”
    “Just great, Ollie, but what do we do in the interim? Use the National Guard—”
    Crawford was already shaking his