Stranger by M.B. Wood

Author:M.B. Wood [Wood, M. B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: WordFire Press

That afternoon, Taylor went to the Council of Elders. “I cannot identify the flying machine. However, Commander Kuchinski and I have prepared sketches.” He passed the drawings around. “Without knowing what type of flying machine it is, I can’t tell what kind of threat it presents nor what it can do. I just don’t have enough information.”

Ramsey smiled. “We have the responsibility to lead the Clan and protect it from outside dangers. We must know what we’re facing. What about electricity? How does the Fed use it as a weapon?”

“Electricity.” Taylor hesitated, thinking about the question. “First, it’s not used directly as a weapon. If you touch a wire carrying enough electricity, it’ll kill you. Armies never used electricity as a weapon or a means to kill in combat. I don’t believe the Fed uses electricity as a direct weapon.” He took a deep breath.

“I think the Fed is using electricity to make weapons. The guns Commander Kuchinski brought back are new and well made. They have high quality machining and consistent dimensions. That concerns me. I believe machines powered by electricity made those guns. Listen carefully, this is important. With electricity, fewer people can make weapons faster and better. Whoever has electricity will be better armed.”

“Yes, but our archers can out-shoot an equal number of men with guns anytime.” Beach frowned, indicating he didn’t think it was a meaningful threat.

“The real value of electricity in war is the economic benefit. It frees up the labor supply and provides greater flexibility in manufacturing. Simply put, with electricity you have greater material output and can put bigger armies in the field.”

“Does the Fed now have a bigger army?” Beach asked.

“It sure sounds like it.” Ramsey’s eyes seemed fixed on a spot on the distant wall. “Remember Kuchinski’s report from her visit to Perrysburg? The Fed showed off their new forces—even bragged about them. That sounds like it.”

“Electricity and technology are almost synonymous,” Taylor said. “Electricity can drive motors more powerful than the largest mill race. If we had electricity, we could move our manufacturing away from the rivers to the food surplus areas. Electricity would replace manual labor in our factories.”

“So?” Beach’s expression showed he’d heard Taylor’s sermon before. It was obvious it bored him as much today as it did the first time.

“We need electricity.” Taylor raised his voice. “We’ve got to find out how the Fed does it, so we can get on with rebuilding our civilization. Let’s make peace with the Fed and find out how they make the electricity. Let’s negotiate with them—we can give up the western lands we don’t need.”

“Mr. MacPherson. Thank you for your opinions,” Ramsey said coldly. “I think you’ve overlooked the fact the Fed trespassed on our lands, killed our settlers, and has taken a large iron furnace from us. I don’t like the Clan being treated that way.” Everyone knew he was still angry about the expedition’s defeat.

“Yeah, that’s right,” Beach said in a loud voice. The proposal to give away western lands would sit poorly with him when his people needed living space.

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