Free Red Leaves and the Living Token by Benjamin David Burrell

possess the full gamut of experience, practical knowledge and skill required to maintain a functioning society. The wealthy need the tradesmen and the clansmen.
    “The wealthy will ensure their own survival. Them we need not worry about. The tradesmen and clansmen, however, need to be protected. We must have a rationing plan. Rich and poor. That evaluates the most vital parts of our economy and protects them. Our food and water systems. Transportation. Animal controllers. The things on which life depends must be protected from the whims of the market.”
    Mar takes a deep breath and whistles as he exhales slowly through his nose, staring pensively at the ground. “I’m inclined to agree with you.”
    “I’ve called a hearing before the senate. Will you support me?” Valance asked.
    “In return for our support you will protect the interests of the clans in this rationing system?” Mar asked.
    “Of course” Valance said.
    “And it’ll be you who makes this judgments on who is to live and who is to die? You will say this man is vital, and this man is not?” Mar said.
    “That is what I propose.” Valance said.
    “And what if the Senate approves your plan but does not approve you as the manager of it. There is unprecedented risk in this rationing plan. Whom ever we support in this action must be the sure candidate to win Senate appointment. If we tied our boats to the losing team, the potential repercussions would be unimaginable.
    “I will speak plainly to you Lord Valance because I feel we must be perfectly clear on this point. While I believe your plan has merit, I do not believe you are the man to bring it to the Senate. I do not believe you would win popular support. My friend, you are not the young man I once knew and quite honestly, feared.
    “I suggests that you and I both align ourselves with another Senator, someone already strong enough to gaining the necessary support. Allow that person to present the measure. I have a few names I could suggest.

    -

    Lord Whiting sat forward as Valance and Barnus settled into their seats. The Carriage driver closed the door. A moment later they felt the jolt of motion.
    "Three of the Clans will support any plan we put forward," Lord Whiting began.
    Lord Valance took in the information as he tapped his foot patiently.
    "Three are middle ground, which means they won't go against their own. The other four are against us." Lord Barnus finished.
    Valance sank further into the soft leather of his seat. "The Senate review will be difficult." He let out an exhausted breath.
    His mind pulled back to the conversation with the Clan Lord Mar. It was political maneuvering at its finest. The Clans would spare no opportunity to reposition themselves with greater advantage. They’d agree to his plan but not to his leadership? Convenient.
    He’d been foolish to assume political aspirations would’ve been set aside in light of the potential crisis. Foolish, yes, but he felt it was more than that. This was the first real attempt to exercise his influence in a great while. The first time he’d had to ask anyone for anything. The asking was bad enough, the result of that asking was horrid.
    Twenty years ago no man would have dared directly oppose him the way the Clan Lord just had. Sure they might’ve talked in quiet corners, rally numbers to mount an opposition. But they’d face him as a group. This single man had called him weak to his face and simultaneously proved it at the same time.
    How did this happen? He wondered.
    Going up against the Senate now seemed like a complete waste of time. Or worse, it could further expose his lack of influence. Those outside the inner circles of government may still respect and fear him. A public display of disrespect could destroy what ever standing he may have left. That would have a directly negative impact on his business dealings, his ability to negotiated contracts, acquire more land at a favorable price.
    If his plan was to be effective,