Free The Alpha Chronicles by Joe Nobody Page B

it’s a place to start. I guess we can always modify it as we grow.”
    Nick nodded, “Even before the collapse, every city and state had unique methods of local governance. Organize something to kick start the process, and the people will modify it as we go.”
    Diana stood and hugged the big man. After the embrace was over, she pulled back with a sheepish look on her face. “Should I run for mayor?”
    “Of course you should. I’ve been impressed by how effective you are as a leader. The people respect your judgment, and they naturally sense that you have their best interests in mind as you guide them. Also consider that in many aspects, you are already performing the job right now, without the help of five council representatives or the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval from the citizenry.”
    Turning away, the former church leader hesitated. “But… but I make so many mistakes… so many bad calls.”
    Nick squeezed the woman’s shoulders and said, “People don’t expect anyone to be perfect, Diana. They will demand honesty and transparency to trust their leaders. They will want someone’s heart to be in the right place. They need a real person to take charge – someone who is one of them. Not a plastic politician with a perfect smile who’s in bed with some special interest. Alpha isn’t Washington, and most of the folks who survived would tell you our old capital wasn’t working very well anyway. As long as you serve the people and put them first, then you’ll do well.”
    Base Hospital
    Fort Bliss, Texas
    January 10, 2016
     
    Terri’s sleep deficit worsened after Bishop’s brief awakening. Next to her on the bedside table resided a full water beaker and several paper cups – ready at a moment’s notice.
    While she possessed a desperate longing for the couch and rest, her mind found the concept of being away from her husband unacceptable. She was absolutely convinced that Bishop would need her the moment she wasn’t at his side.
    Every hour that passed ma de the situation less tolerable. Reaching for Bishop’s hand, she finally whispered, “Bishop, I’ve got to rest. I’ll be over on the couch if you need me. I love you so very much, baby.”
    “Okay. Love you, too.”
    Terri’s head snapped around, thinking someone else was in the room and was playing a very bad joke. After finding no one, she leaned close to her husband and whispered, “Bishop, would you like a drink of water before I lie down?”
    “Yes, please. I’m very thirsty.”
    Terri’s hands came together as if she was praying, her face flashing a genuine smile. She was so excited, she almost forgot the patient’s request.
    Quickly filling a cup, she coached, “Bishop, I need you to tilt your head forward and take a drink.”
    Touching the vessel to his lips, she almost squealed when his head made a partial motion forward. His lips opened, and he managed a swallow. Another followed… and then another.
    “Bishop, how long have you been awake?”
    “I’m not awake. You’re dreaming.”
    It took Terri a moment to realize the joke. It really was Bishop… he really was in there.
    “In my dream, you want more water. So tilt your head forward again.”
    He complied and managed several swallows. Terri pressed the call button again, hoping Bishop would manage to stay awake long enough to speak to the nurse. While she was waiting, his eyes fluttered and then opened, squinting at the brightness of the room.
    Terri had never felt such relief as when he tilted his head slightly, and he looked her straight in the eye. She smiled lovingly at him , and he attempted to return the gesture.
    The nurse entered the room and strode purposely to the bed. “Well, Mr. Bishop, welcome back to the world. My name is Lieutenant Haley. How are you feeling?”
    “I’ve been better. Why is my throat so dry and sore? It really sucks,” he crackled.
    While she charted the patient’s pulse and other vitals, LT Haley responded. “We had you on