Free April 6: And What Goes Around by Mackey Chandler

efficiencies of the big operation,
but they survive. More of the same sort of goods go black market too. It makes
life harder for everybody but it still functions, mostly."
    "Isn't there
any higher authority to shut down a police department like that?" April
asked.
    "It sort of
depends on the politics of the store owners and the city government. Their own
city government may be afraid to try to rein them in. The local officials live
there and can be intimidated. As far as state or national police – have they
supported the administration in power? If you are a big contributor you may get
some help or they might look the other way. That's why a lot of big businesses
contribute to both sides in an election. No matter who wins they can point out
that they gave to their campaign."
    "But, it
cancels out!" April said.
    "Apparently
not in their minds," Jeff said. "Too many do it for it not to be
working for them."
    "It can't
keep working like this. It's going to bust all the way and break
down," April insisted.
    "You'd think
so. I appreciate how it offends you to see injustices and stupidity. But you
have to stay detached because predicting when is a dangerous game in
business. They can keep coming up with ways to keep it working over and over
when it looks impossible. They change laws and regulations, start wars and
print money. If you get emotionally invested in their failure you may try to set
a time and predict when it won't work anymore. You can lose your shirt. Rather,"
Jeff said, "you can lose our collective shirts. A lot of people
have tried to short industries they were sure were doomed. Then they
change the rules on you or some big event like a hurricane or a war alters
everything and that bet turns sour."
    April nodded.
"I could have made that sort of mistake easily. Thanks."
    "My
pleasure," Jeff said. "I wouldn't let you make that mistake.
You've started out studying the theoretical side of the economy because that's
where I pointed you when I gave you a reading list at the very start. It's good
to know how Earthies view economics academically. It helps to predict what they
may do.
    "But there's
a constant assumption among the professionals down there that history will
repeat in similar circumstances and that behind all the numbers the investors
moving them will act rationally . They don't. They may for a time, but
that can all be washed away in minutes by sudden mob movements of fear or
greed. I've been looking more at the political side of it and of course the
history of the politics.
    "I didn't
give you that to study because every time people act crazy it upsets
you. It's fine that you care if the people in Austin won't have a place
to shop, but you're going to see a thousand stories like that. You'll have to
distance yourself from it or you'll be all indignant every day. It'll wear you
down. "
    "I had no
idea how complicated it would be when I said we should start a bank,"
April said.
    "Oh, but I'm
so glad you did," Jeff said. "It's such a mess that having our own
bank is our best protection. We know we're not going to go to the bank one day
to find our money gone and the doors locked. Not while we own the doors."
    "You make me
feel better Jeff. Thanks. I'm going to the club tomorrow for dinner. Do you
want to come along?"
    "Sorry, I like
to but have I to be with Dave and one of his customers, but thanks. Have
fun."
    "I will. I'll
get Gunny or somebody to go," April said.
     

Chapter 5
    You'd think a free
supper and show at one of the best clubs would be easy to give away. Well there
were only two nightclubs right now, but still... you could reasonably make
comparisons to New Las Vegas. April thought they were making a very good early
showing at the business for their population level. You didn't expect New York
City level amenities in what was basically a small town. Even a wealthy one. Yet
April was alone after asking three people.
    The Fox and Hare was busy. It had been so busy of late that April felt obligated