The Holiday Season
16
By the end of the second week in November Amy and Sue had given up trying to get the children to pay attention and decided to start the winter holiday early. The older children divided their time between helping with the building and shutting themselves up in their rooms or hiding behind the locked doors of the work shop with the 2 art majors that had done the work on the stained glass panels. Only a few of the adults at Sanctuary had been allowed in to 'help' and they weren't breathing a word about what was going on. The Christmas shop had officially opened on the 10th and the clothing store had become operational a few days later. White Eagle stayed with the General Store while Bob and Ashara handled the Christmas and clothing annexes and soon had to inlist help. While the adults and older children were busy Sue and Amy gathered everything they could find that was safe for the younger ones and put them to work making streamers and ornaments and putting up decorations in all the public buildings starting with the main house and the landings. ***** "What are you planning on doing with all those beautiful decorations that belonged to Blackwell House since the beginning." Starr asked as she helped the children wrap the stair railings with greenery and pinecone strings. "Well there's not that many left, only the one's that were special to my parents or to Paul and I and those I'm planning on spliting between the children for Christmas. The rest went with Mr Sikes and besides this is no longer Blackwell House; it's their home now" I said nodding my head towards the children "but I can always tell Mike his wife wants a tree in our private office. he's taking orders you know?" "Which reminds me if I give you a manuscript of about 300 pages do you think between you and Penny you could get 2 or 3 copies of it run off before Christmas?" "Don't see why not, Bring it out and we'll get started." "Oh and make sure that tree's a really small one or there won't be any room left for us." she said picking up a box of paper snowflakes and some tape and going over where some children were working on the big picture window. ***** "Brian just called me on the scanner.The Authorities have downgraded the Alert status from Orange to Yellow for now and the town should have power back by tomorrow or Thursday; best send some people into town to fuel up our trucks and tanks and take care of whatever we can while we have the chance and that includes getting as much cash together as possible and picking up supplies in Dover. They're supposed to have power back there today. Sarah sent a private message that she will honor all our checks and charges as soon as they can get into the vaults and can probably get us $5000 in cash above our payroll for now." They have an armored car coming in from Denver as soon as they're operational again. Seems Sanctuary has friends in high places in the Government and Financial World and we have a priority rating." Andy said coming in the private office and shutting the door behind him. "Get the Council together and ask the Kidmans and Bob to join us." I said. ***** On Monday the men went hunting for deer which is as much a part of the Thanksgiving tradition in this region as the turkey is and bagged 2 beautiful young bucks; by Tuesday morning the deer steaks were marinating while the rest of the meat was left to cure in the smokehouse and the hides were stretched. Mike killed and cleaned 6 turkeys for dinner on Wednesday and brought 4 hams in from the smoke house; the women had been preparing breads and pies all day and were prepared to cook all night. We were expecting a huge crowd for the Praise and Thanksgiving Service and the feast afterwards if the weather held. That afternoon a truck reached us from Denver with clothes and toys and other supplies including ice skates, snow shoes, skis, and sleds. The driver filled us in on what had been going on the best he could and was asked if he'd like to join us for dinner the next day before his drive back. He declined. The next morning as soon as breakfast was over Sue and Amy gathered the younger children in the chapel to finish with the tree and the decorations before the service. and then they went off to play for a while. By 11:00 everyone was gathering and it didn't take long to realize there were too many people for the small chapel. Brother Ben stepped up in front of the doors. "We have much to be thankful for today obviously and I can see a lot of people agree with me so we need to change our program a little. There are paper and pencils on the table by the door.We were going to pass them out at the end of service for each person to write something they're thankful for or have a prayer concern for and then hang them on the tree but I think instead of trying to cram everyone inside we will bring the song books outside along with the sheets of paper and the pencils and raise our voices in song to All The Gods and Goddesses out under the open sky. The church will remain open and you can hang your prayers on the tree at your leisure or give them to Pastor David. ***** Thanksgiving was a big hit and the next morning the trees were cut and brought down off the high ridge. As soon as they had set up a huge 7 foot one in the house the older children started carrying in boxes. "Ms Jo is there something you and your people need to do today because we need permission to close the office until Monday?" Lucy said. "Tell you what Lucy, put a note on the door closing the office and don't let anyone in except the council. If anyone knocks come get one of us and we'll handle it but we have a council meeting today I'm sorry. you might want to close the drapes though if you want to keep things secret. We'll try to stay out of your way I promise." Starr said going into the private office. ***** We were going over the accounts when I heard David in the living room. I sent Starr out to get him. "What's going on out there? When I walked in the kids looked surprised and Bobby practically ran to lock the door behind me then I barely had a chance to say Good Morning before I was hustled in here. "They're decorating the tree - we assume this is what they've all been working on in secret, I caught a quick glimpse of some of the ornaments and they're fabulous so leave them be until they're finished. There's coffee and pastries in the outer office; just stay out of the front." ***** "Well that's finished. Our figures match the banks figures and almost everyone's checks are in. If David can count we have enough funds in petty cash to pay everyone on payroll still and to exchange credit vouchers for cash to take care of things that actually require money like perscriptions and such. Anyone who needs a bill paid will be given a check if feasible or we can have the payment taken directly from the bank with a phone call. Do we know if Barker and Sons will be down anytime soon or do I need to keep trying to get ahold of them before the lines fail again?" Starr said closing the ledgers. "Actually there were about 8 messages on the machine this morning that finally managed to get through. They're going to try to make the meeting." I answered. David looked at his watch. "Good let's go get some lunch. I'm starving." ***** "Pastor David, you got a second? Stu asked when we came out of the office. "Oh and Ms Starr would you have a big box of paper clips or a ball of twine we can have when you get back from lunch?" "And you have to promise not to tell anyone what we're doing." Rachel added. "I'll get them now for you." Starr said laughing. "You all might as well take a break and go to lunch now too, the council meeting starts about 1:00 and I don't think you want the door left unlocked while you aren't in here. One of you can unlock the back door so everyone can get back in - I don't think there's even a key to this door any more. Besides that way some of you can help carry the trays back and then the kitchen won't have to send them over with someone later." I said while David and Stu talked in the corner. During lunch David managed to get most of the council together so we could all go back to the office at the same time and Lizzie had the ladies in the kitchen gather some things for sandwiches and snacks with extra for the kids who were working - this was an easy job because even with all the people who had shown up yesterday for the feast we still had plenty of food left over. ***** "Andy will be here in a minute. Are we late?" Beth asked coming in while Amy and I were making fresh coffee and getting the trays ready. "No, actually. We still have another 30 minutes or so and are still missing some other people. Here help me with the trays." "What's going on in there, I was actually told I wasn't allowed anywhere on the main floor but the office or kitchen and the bathroom off it." "Never mind, just take the coffee pot and go on in the office. I'll be in in a minute I said as someone knocked." "Steve I'm glad you made it and Elijah I'm so glad you decided to come along we've missed you. Please go on in the office I'll be there as soon as I help Mother Judy in." ***** We had just finished going over the financial reports and Andy called for a vote when Elijah whispered something in Steve's ear. "Andy, Dad says you have a potential problem here.; one that may cause an even bigger problem later. First off if I remember right these meetings of yours were basically open to everyone before is that still true.?" "Your entire board almost is made up of family and friends, some who have been around 25 years or more, I see maybe 2 who aren't part of that group; this could cause some tension if a controversial vote ever came up." "Lets say a problem came up in a dispute over say space for the school or another private home; a person sitting on the board can be easily swayed by a loving wife or brother; especially if he's chairing both committees." "See what I'm getting at here?" "Okey Steve. we're open to suggestions, in fact a more equitable division of labor and responsibility is part of the purpose of this meeting." Andy said. ***** "Alright, each of you need to decide who's going to represent your departments; medicine, the stores, housing, commissary, purchasing, culinary, executive, law enforcement, legal, and the religions: your choices should be a mixture of old friends, family and new people, these people will form the temporary board and head the branches and committees. There will be a meeting Sunday at 1:00 to decide our next step and the first official public meeting will be held on December 4 at 7:00. It'll be posted by dinner time. I guess that makes us officially finished, you are free to leave but please don't peek on the way out. The bar is open in the kitchen if anyone wants a drink." "Are you staying?" I asked Steve and Eijah. ***** "Are you telling me you think this so called super flu is deliberate and made for the purpose of weeding out the elderly, weak, and even the really young." "That's exactly what I"m saying and No, I'm not crazy. The client who told us this was a respected research chemist and when he hired us to fight extradition we started researching what he was telling us. When this flu hit the US back East before the Meteor Showers about 27% of the cases reported were in these groups resulting in 53% of the death toll." "They introduced a vaccine which instead of helping actually raised the death toll to 80% and then it was discovered those who had become infected and didn't die became carriers. The government's official stand was that the vaccines had been tampered with by a foreign power and they were recalled; now they're trying to pass a bill to compell everyone within these groups to be vaccinated with the new batch 'to avoid any future outbreaks'." "Excuse me," Bobby said knocking on the kitchen door. "We've decided to go to dinner in shifts so with the exception of those who are on patrol tonight and are going home to get some sleep we can continue working, . If you'll allow us to work through we can finish probably around 10:00 or so. We will let our parents know we'll be coming back here when we go eat. We'll try not to disturb your routine too much." "That's fine Bobby, I'm sure you won't be in my way. If anything it'll be the other way around." "I think we need to finish discussing this in private some other time. One of the men can bring your luggage in when we get back. Let's go eat." ***** We chose a table in the back of the commisary and were talking quietly when Andy and Beth came in and joined us. "Elijah, I heard you were here. How long are you staying?" Mike asked putting his tray down beside Starr's and shaking hands, then he saw the look on our faces. "Sit down you 2, Elijah's staying indefinately. Seems his family and he have decided he needs some R & R and have asked me to babysit. I agreed on the off chance he might prove useful. Andy's setting him up in #7 after dinner if it's open." "It is." said Starr. "We'll see you back at the house after we feed the animals and check on the smoke house." Starr said as we got up to leave. On the way out we passed Amy and Katy, Amy said Tina and Kevin were finishing up; seems Jimmy Omstead broke his arm trying to fly off the roof of the trailer. "Ask him to stop by in the morning will you, I need to see him about something." ***** Monday afternoon Mike and some of the men moved a table to the front of the commisary and set 10 chairs behind it then brought in extra chairs from the shed. The plan is to move the tables against the walls after dinner and put the chairs out for the meeting. We are hoping for a big turnout but at least we have done all we can. ***** By 6:30 the hall is filling up, At the head table are the men and women who had been chosen by the council along with Penny who would be taking minutes and Elijah who would preside over the meeting. Each person attending the meeting has been handed several sheets of paper as they came in. The first sheet contained a list of the positions, the qualifications for each position, and the name and a short bio on each person the board had selected.There was also a ballad sheet with our choices and space for a write in along with an outline of several things which would be discussed tonight and voted on at the next monthly community meeting January 7. ***** "Let's get started everyone. I am Elijah Barker of Barker & Sons, Attorneys for Sanctuary and as you can see on your sheets temporary Chairman of the Legal Policies and Law Enforcement Committee and I will be mediating this meeting tonight." The meeting was still going at 9:00 even though half the people had left and gone to their homes when someone came in saying the snow was really coming down. ***** From the looks of the front yard it had snowed all night: my guess was there was probably a foot or more of fresh powder on the ground; my only thought was Mother Judy and Cora. I went to dress so I could go check on them. It was only 6:30 but the lights were already on in the cabin and some of the boys who had been on patrol the night before were already clearing the bridge and a path to the Comm center. When I knocked on the door David answered it. "Seem sumbody else think we be too ole ta mind ourselfs, Ms Cora. Well migh as well com on in an has some hot choclate. Ther plenty biscits to. Ms Bea dun send som ober with them boys when they cum in from watchin all nigh" Mother Judy said from the rocking chair. ***** "Good morning everyone. Boy, we really got dumped on last night, didn't we? I'd say close to 18". Sheriff Brian called Andy on the 2-way and said it should pass through by noon leaving maybe 2 feet of fresh powder by the time it ends. The midwest is catching most of it. I know it's going to be a mess but I love it." "Have you people met my child Danny, the biggest kid at Sanctuary? He'll be spending the day sleigh riding and building snowmen with the rest of the kids," Tina said punching Danny in the arm. "Well then at least he'll be happy to hear Mother Judy says this is only a taste of what's coming and the next storm is going to be a lot bigger. In fact she says we better cut a lot more firewood and get those snow shoes and things out of that shed we're hiding them in and also talk to John Long Feather." David said sitting down. "Now that sounds like a great idea. What do you think Mom?' Danny said giving me a puppy dog look. "I'd say you need to requistion them from someone in Purchasing and Sales and hope they either have children or still think they're children. You might try pretending you are planning on using at least part of them on something necessary - say like to make patroling easier." I answered getting up. "I'll see everyone at dinner, until then I'll be in my office." "Put those under the tree and put the board up right there between the office and the library." I heard Ashara say as I walked in the house. "What's up guys?" "Elijah's commitee sent memos to everyone saying we needed to post all Sanctuary Business and Activities in at least 2 places - you all should have received a copy - and the packages are gifts for the children from Santa. If you notice they're just marked girl or boy with an appropriate age range and a number. The numbers are codes for the elves. 1 is clothing, 2 hunting and sports, 3 games, and etc. we've kept it as simple as possible." "Well let me know if any of us can help." I said. ***** ''I'm going to see what there is for lunch in case anyone's hungry, if you have a minute will you feed these papers into the copier? We need 2 copies of each sheet. 1 for our board and 1 for the board in the Meeting Hall. The originals go to Penny to file." "I'm not sure I like this idea of cutting out lunch and serving dinner from 4:30 to 7:00 instead of 6:00 to 8:00." Starr said getting up from her desk. The first sheet I picked up was the announcement of a Christmas auction to be held on the 15th starting at 10:30 with maybe a dozen items listed on the sheet and a note stating anyone wishing to donate an item could contact Bob Meyers. The top item up for auction was a custom built 3 bedroom housing unit - minimum bid would start at 450 work credit hours. There was also a notice that Santa would be here December 22 from 3:00 until 7:00 in the main house with the Christmas Eve Buffet on the 24th being held in the community room followed by the Christmas play and a midnight service afterwards and 1 announcing a Yule Ritual on December 20th in the attic of the main house beginning at 9:00pm. The rest of the sheets included the minutes from the last meeting and a flyer saying the Christmas and Clothing shops would be open to anyone under 15 on Tuesdays and Fridays and 15 or over on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11:00 to 4:00. Closed Sundays and Mondays. The last sheet explained the reasoning behind the change in the dining room hours. *****
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