Meeting for the Flood
Originally published on September 24, 2005
The town was generally a quiet place, bland and not unique. The only interesting place was a large bar called Jake’s Place. There wasn’t a single person, child, or adult who hadn’t gone in there at least twice. It was the place to go to hang out, meet old friends, or negotiate treaties.
It was at one of these meetings that Chris broke the news. He had arranged to meet with his old friends who lived in the town on what he mentioned as pressing matters. His best friend, Jack sat across the table from him with drink in hand. His mysterious traveling partner, Robin sat between the two, cloak covering her entire face.
“Alright, Chris. What’d you want us for?”Jack said smiling as he took a swig from his full glass.
Chris sighed and traced the wet top of his glass with one finger. “The flood’s coming.”
Jackie swallowed his drink hard and coughed. “What are you talking about?” he said as soon as he recovered. “There hasn’t been a flood in sixty years.”
“Seriously, though. The flood is coming.”
“Stop teasing Chris. There can’t-"
Robin cut him off with the raise of her gloved hand.
“Fine, so the flood is coming,” Jack said annoyed as he turned back to face Chris. “What can we do about it.”
“That’s the thing,” Chris said sadly. “The town isn’t prepared for this. The last time this happened, people knew about it in time for the entire town to be raised and fortified. It lasted the entire fourteen weeks in order for the water level to lower down. Now, there isn’t enough time and not enough people to believe me if I do tell them.”
“Time was our biggest option,” Jack admitted.
“Yes, and we’re sadly out of options except evacuation.”
Robin pulled out her dagger and fingered the blade silently. Jack shook his head. “We don’t have the same influence we had before. People would believe us almost less than you. And even so, no one will want to leave.”
“It’s not about wanting at this point,” Chris said. “It’s about survival.”
“How many people do you know will face the need to leave generations worth of belongings, food, home, and a town they’ve known for their entire lives for survival?”
Chris shook his head. “They don’t have a choice.”
“Chris, really. No one will- leave choice, or no.”
“So we’re going to leave them to die?”
Jack frowned. He leaned back in his chair and motioned the waitress over.
“Yeah, what can I get ya?” she said over cheerfully, grinning.
“Another two.”
“Alright,”she said and bounced off.
Robin placed her dagger inside her cloak and leaned forward. Jack and Chris followed her lead.
“Perhaps,” she whispered. “We need to talk to Jim. I’m sure he’ll have the force to change the minds of every person in this town.
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