One Second After [77]
Again a film image came to John.
"Remember Godfather Two} When the Don came to America as a little boy and was put in isolation because they thought he might be sick. We did it all the time then and it worked."
"Yeah, and look what we got with that guy, the Mafia," Carl replied.
John realized he had pulled the wrong analogy but pressed on.
"The practices of a hundred years ago did work and we have to step back to them. If a ship came from a port where they knew there was some outbreak of a contagious disease, the ship itself was anchored in the outer harbor until it was deemed safe to pass.
"We can do the same," John said, looking hopefully at Kellor.
Kellor hesitated, then nodded in agreement.
"Doc, what about the nursing home?" John asked, and Kellor shook his head.
"That place is crawling with every infection known to man. I'd suggest one of the larger buildings at the Baptist church conference center right up near the gap. It's right off the road."
He looked around and everyone finally nodded.
"Look, I know I won't be popular with some of you, bringing this up," Carl said. "But the outsiders, those that wandered in here the first few days before we sealed off. That boosted our numbers by maybe two thousand or more. Do we let them stay ?"
No one spoke in reply, but Kate was shaking her head.
"We've settled that here," Charlie said, and John looked over at him, his thoughts instantly going to Makala.
"Why?" Carl asked. "I think we should of talked about this before our deal was made."
"What are you suggesting, Carl?" Charlie snapped. "They've been here eight to ten days now. Many have integrated in, found a friend or a job to do. What are we going to do, march around town and round them up at gunpoint? It would be one helluva sight and, frankly, tear us apart."
"We were once all Americans," Kate said quietly.
"Precisely," John now interjected. "Those that are here stay. We've already made that agreement."
He looked around to the others. In spite of his speech in the park, he wondered now if views were changing because a food shortage was now clearly evident.
"No different than keeping out those on the other side," Carl replied. "Maybe not, God save us," John replied. "I don't have an answer for that. But those that are in stay." He looked to Charlie for support.
"We change that view now and I am off this council. It contradicts what I said at the park and neither you nor anyone else objected then."
"What about what we did get off the road?" Kate said. "We're forgetting about that. We got six trucks loaded with foodstuffs, enough rations to feed all of them for a couple of weeks. Consider that as their payment."
John nodded to her, an adroit move on her part.
"They stay," Charlie finally said, and Carl nodded his head.
"One other thing," John interjected. "Those passing through. Anyone special, we should allow them to stay if they wish."
"Like who?" Kellor asked.
"Anyone that can help us survive now, or rebuild." "Such as?"
"Military men, police officers for example."
He knew he'd get immediate nods from Tom and Carl on that. The "fraternal order" definitely looked out for its own, and John realized he was doing the same when it came to the military.
"But others. Farmers, they have skills we need, can help with the cattle, hogs, and what crops are planted. All that fancy machinery is dead and a lot of farming is reverted to backbreaking labor. I think we should grab any electrician we can find, power company guys, people like that, doctors, nurses as well. If they want to stay, we interview them; if they check out OK, they can join us."
There was a moment of silence again.
"Agreed," Charlie replied.
"That means their families as well," Kate said. "I wouldn't give two cents for a man or woman who would grab the chance to stay and walk away from their family."
"No argument there," Charlie finally replied.
"John, could you draw up a list of recommended skills you think we should have?" John nodded.
"Frankly, I'd kill for someone who could build a steam engine."